Are you an aspiring author or entrepreneur looking to hone your writing skills? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Having a solid grasp on how to craft quality written works can help unlock great success! Whether it’s in creating effective emails and marketing material, writing captivating articles, books or even giving powerful presentations – having strong writing at your disposal is essential.
In this blog post, we will discuss 5 of the best must-read books that can significantly improve your writing ability – no matter where you are in your journey as an author or entrepreneur. So pour yourself a cup of coffee (or tea) and grab some pen and paper! Let’s take a dive into some incredible literature that can transform the way you approach written language.

1. Craft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping by Matthew Salesses

This groundbreaking book challenges the traditional norms of fiction writing and workshopping. Matthew Salesses, a bestselling author and Assistant Professor of Writing at Columbia University, dives deep into the meaning and implications of craft in fiction. He questions the conventional “rules” of writing workshops in the U.S. and proposes innovative ideas for addressing issues in white-centric literature. Salesses’s book is an essential read for those looking to bring real-world responsibilities into their art and transform contemporary fiction​.

2. Body Work: The Radical Power of Personal Narrative by Melissa Febos

In “Body Work,” Melissa Febos, an award-winning essayist, explores the power of personal narratives. Through four compelling essays, Febos draws from her experiences and teaching career, urging writers to challenge inherited assumptions about writing. This book is particularly insightful for writers looking to craft moving narratives without succumbing to industry biases. It’s a call to embrace authenticity and explore the depth of personal stories in literature​.

3. Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process by John McPhee

John McPhee’s “Draft No. 4” is a treasure trove of wisdom for nonfiction writers. As a Pulitzer-Prize-winning author and retired Princeton professor, McPhee shares his extensive experience with editing, fact-checking, and overcoming writer’s block. This comprehensive guide goes beyond basic craft lessons, offering insights into the nuances of nonfiction writing. It’s a must-read for those interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of the writing process​.

4. Elite Online Publishing Strategic Writing System: Write Your Book to Build Your Business by Melanie Johnson and Jenn Foster

This book by Melanie Johnson and Jenn Foster is a strategic guide for writers aiming to leverage their writing to build a business. It provides practical advice on how to effectively write a book that not only tells a compelling story but also enhances your professional brand. This guide is especially useful for entrepreneurs, business professionals, and anyone looking to use their book as a tool for business growth.

5. How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays by Alexander Chee

Alexander Chee has written more than just a guide on autobiographical novel writing; it’s a collection of essays that blur the lines between reality and fiction. Chee’s work isn’t solely for memoirists or nonfiction writers; it appeals to anyone intrigued by the beauty and complexity of storytelling. He explores how all stories, in some way, intertwine with, distort, or influence our perception of truth. This collection serves as an example of how profound and transformative written essays can be, offering readers insights into the art of crafting deeply personal yet universally relatable narratives​

These books provide valuable insights and strategies to enhance your writing skills across various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and business writing. By immersing yourself in these resources, you will embark on a transformative journey. As you learn from these resources, you will become a more effective and expressive writer. Embrace the learning process and witness the remarkable transformation of your writing abilities.