These Writing Guidebooks Will Help Any Writer Level Up

As self-publishing grows in scope and reputation, more and more people are trying their hand at being a writer. With that comes learning the craft. These 10 writing guidebooks cover everything from usage, to plot structures, to literary analysis and experimentation. There is something here for everyone, no matter the stage they’re at or where they want to be.  

Trusted Sources to Consult for Usage and Formatting 

Why use a writing guidebook to improve grammar, punctuation or usage in a world with access to editing software, the internet, and even AI? 

1. Elements of Style – Strunk and White

This is a classic, and considered to be the definitive guide. There’s a reason it remains a standard. This writing guidebook was required or recommended in all my writing courses when I was in college, and for generations before me. It probably still is. It’s a classic because it is foolproof and easy to use. If you have doubts about anything from line spacing to where to put a comma, or quotations in dialogue, you’ll find the answer here. There are many editions available, but I recommend the latest because it will be the most up to date. 

2. Says Who? By Anne Curzan

This one is for the rebels. Sort of. But it probably is best suited for those writers who have at least a passing familiarity with what’s referred to as ‘standard usage’ but don’t necessarily want to stick to standards. Curzan is a linguist, so this writing guidebook focuses less on what is right or wrong and more on choice and personal expression. Language nerds and English majors will probably enjoy it too! 

3. The Chicago Guide To Copyediting Fiction– Amy J. Scheider

I use this writing guidebook myself because it’s one of the few out there that focuses purely on standardizing fiction copyediting. Yes, even editors need a little guidance sometimes. It discusses usage and style choices with nuance, and even provides templates for creating style guides so that you (and your editor) can keep everything consistent throughout the entire manuscript.  

It was published in 2023, so it’s contemporary and even covers items such as how to format social media user names, for example. 

Writing Guidebooks to Hone Style, Structure, and Craft

Developing your own writing style comes with time and practice. But, as the old adage says, you must first learn the rules before you can break them. When you have a clear understanding of style, structure, and the craft of writing you can then write strong stories of your own, and develop your own style with confidence. 

These writing guidebooks all cover the elements that make a story a story. They’ll help you develop compelling narrative structures, understand the complexities of plot, pacing, and character development, along with all the other things which make up what your readers will recognize as a good story. These books will give you a glimpse into the level of study of an English major or a Creative Writing master.  

4. Save the Cat! Writes the Novel by Jessica Brody

This writing guidebook is highly popular with aspiring writers because it gives actionable methods for starting and completing novel-length works to those that may not know where to start. The subtitle of this work claims it’s “ the last book on novel writing you’ll ever need”.

The theory at the center of the book is that there are fifteen plot-points needed to make a successful story and it lays them all out. It’s essentially a template for crafting any of the ten established and recognized story genres. Plus, it’s fun and easy to follow. 

5. On Writing – Stephen King

On Writing is another classic, written by one of the world’s best-known and loved writers. Although it is a memoir of sorts on his own experience and methods, it’s also filled with practical advice and insights. This is the book for those aspiring writers who do it for the love of the game, and those seeking inspiration and fellowship from a respected mentor.

6. The Emotional Craft of Fiction – Donald Maass

Donald Maass is a well known name in the realm of writing guidebooks. He’s the author of two books on this list, and he’s produced even more. He’s also a literary agent, so he knows what it takes to elevate a manuscript from a decent story into a breakout novel. This particular book focuses on bringing depth into your work via emotional connection. 

7. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction – William Zinsser

I realize not every aspiring writer is aspiring to write fiction. Nonfiction, especially among self-published authors, is a popular focus for many. So, we need writing guidebooks for that too. This one spans four parts:  Principles, Methods, Forms and Attitudes. It covers everything you’ll need to write more powerfully and clearly, find your voice, and captivate readers. It gives you the foundations for writing elevated nonfiction, whether you plan to pen a memoir, write timely essays, or simply just plan on blogging regularly. 

8. Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling by Donald Maas

I recently picked up a copy of this one because it’s incredibly handy for getting to know the structure of contemporary and genre fiction and how to use elements of both to make a novel more appealing to a larger audience( and possibly literary agents). It’s full of practical advice and easy to follow. If you’re an avid reader you’ll recognize tropes and structures covered here. If you’re not, I highly recommend this book because it puts a name and a formula to the techniques used by successful and popular writers. 

Analysis and Experimentation: Writing Guidebooks for Literature Lovers and Aspiring Masters of the Craft

All of the above writing guidebooks focus on the rules and the established elements of storytelling. But as you develop your own style and find your stride, you may find yourself wanting a little more. The following offer insight into the world of analysis and experimentation. This is the kind of stuff English majors and Creative Writing masters study, and for good reason. A deep understanding of the way traditional storytelling impacts our perspectives and how stylistic experiments can change those perceptions will make you a master of the craft. 

9. Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses

Admittedly, this may not be for every writer new to the craft. The intended audience is for those in academic writing workshops and their instructors. But, if you’ve read many books on craft and have a solid understanding of the elements of plot, structure, character development, and conflict, etc. then this offers a deeper dive into how stories are told and how they’re critiqued and perceived by readers and fellow writers. It examines the old ways of analyzing what makes a good story and offers insights into the new and diverse ways stories can be told. 

It will be eye opening for anyone hoping to refine their unique voice and tell stories that resonate with those often left out of the conversation. 

10. A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders 

You may be familiar with George Saunders because he is an award-winning and well-respected contemporary author with a unique storytelling style. He’s also been teaching an MFA course on the Russian short story at Syracuse for over 20 years, and that is the premise for this writing guidebook. 

In this series of essays he offers insight into the classic modes of emotional storytelling and how they build human connections. It’s both instructive and philosophical, but unlike Craft in the Real World, it is more focused on classic and traditional modes.

Writing Guidebooks are Relevant for Writers of All Levels

Any or all of these writing guidebooks provide the valuable and necessary foundations that will help shape new and aspiring writers into confident and competent storytellers. They’re the key to leveling up and mastering your craft. Even experienced writers can benefit from continuing to learn. Yes, there are other books out there, and I encourage you to read them, but these cover all the important aspects and elements of writing well, and most of them are actually enjoyable to read! 

Please note, I didn’t include links because I don’t want to promote any one bookseller. But I’d encourage you to check out used and local book stores to save money and to support your favorite spots. If you must shop online, ThriftBooks and BookShop are good alternatives to Amazon. 

Do you have a favorite? Which writing guide helped you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Care to learn why writing good books and following professional publishing standards is so important to writers like you and the self-publishing industry as a whole? Read this post on the topic.