When I started writing my first book, my husband suggested a few books on the craft of writing. I remember telling him "No, I don't need to study writing. I just need to do it. I'm a lifelong reader, after all, so I can just figure it out as I go."
I genuinely thought I could just sit down and write a book--easy peasy. And while maybe that works for some people, that was NOT the case for me. Eventually I realized that if I wanted my book to be any good then I would need to learn how good stories are made.
Over the years, I've used quite a few resources to get me where I am today. And I am happy to pass on my recommendations to you! Scroll down for my favorite writerly books, podcasts, and online resources!
I genuinely thought I could just sit down and write a book--easy peasy. And while maybe that works for some people, that was NOT the case for me. Eventually I realized that if I wanted my book to be any good then I would need to learn how good stories are made.
Over the years, I've used quite a few resources to get me where I am today. And I am happy to pass on my recommendations to you! Scroll down for my favorite writerly books, podcasts, and online resources!
Books for the Youngest Writers
(ages 5-8)
(ages 5-8)
Books for Young Writers
(ages 8-14)
(ages 8-14)
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Books on the Craft of Writing Kidlit Books
(ages 14+)
(ages 14+)
My absolute favorite book for writers who write kidlit (children through young adult). I go back to this book time and time again--it's absolute GOLD and I cannot recommend it enough!
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Another great book for writers of middle grade and young adult books.
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More Books on the Craft of Writing
I have also found these books to be tremendously useful.
They will help writers of all genres and age categories:
They will help writers of all genres and age categories:
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Author Memoirs
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This podcast is fantastic for writers at all stages. There are years of archives to enjoy. Sarah Enni does an incredible job.
Specifically, check out Track Changes, a mini-series covering the ins and outs of the traditional publishing industry. 
Helping Writers Become Authors
is a great place to get specifics on story craft (how to outline your novel, how to write character arcs, how to structure your scenes). I am a longtime fan of K.M. Weiland and I promise you're in great hands with her! |
Features interviews with top agents, editors, and authors on the craft, business, and community of publishing.
Brought to you by literary agent Jessica Sinsheimer, conference organizer and media professional Julie Kingsley. 
Literary Agent Jennifer Laughran and her friends dish about the world of Children's Publishing.
Also, check out her Ask the Agent tumblr. |
A GREAT podcast about book marketing for authors. Each episode is in short, 15-20 minute chunks, so they're easy to fit in to your schedule.
Hosted by New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer. This bubbly and optimistic podcast is loaded with great interviews by many of my favorite authors. Marissa is fascinated with creativity, productivity, and finding more ways to bring joy to her own writing process and others’.
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Along with her podcast, K.M. Weiland has a blog overflowing with awesome writer-ly resources!
If you prefer visual text to audio, then you can get started with her blog here. |
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Advice from a Literary Agent |
Advice from a Publishing Expert |
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A great place to start is the blog archives of the awesome Jennifer Laughran. Jennifer is a literary agent and has been in the book and publishing business for over 30 years. She's always gone above and beyond to answer questions from writers. ((Also, check out her Ask the Agent tumblr)) --> Some of Jennifer's most popular posts:
WordCount Dracula (How many words should my book have?) What To Do When You Get An Offer of Representation (from an agent!) An EPIC Post about the Submission Process (from an Agent's POV) Real Talk about Six Figure Book Deals $$$ |
Jane Friedman has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in business strategy for authors and publishers. She’s the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential industry newsletter for authors, and has previously worked for Writer’s Digest and the Virginia Quarterly Review. --> Some of Jane's most popular posts: Start Here: How to Get Your Book Published How to Find a Literary Agent for Your Book The Complete Guide to Query Letters And you can check out the blog archives here. |
Other Helpful Online Resources
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Here's a list of other blog posts and articles I've found helpful: The Complete Guide to Query Letters How to Write a Query Letter How to Find a Literary Agent for Your Book |
Money-Saving Guide for Authors and Writers
This is a great overview guide for authors and writers that covers everything from skill development, poetry resources, scholarships for writers, manuscript formatting help, how to write a book proposal and so much more!
(Huge shoutout to Marisa for passing along this great resource!)
This is a great overview guide for authors and writers that covers everything from skill development, poetry resources, scholarships for writers, manuscript formatting help, how to write a book proposal and so much more!
(Huge shoutout to Marisa for passing along this great resource!)
A Resource Guide to Writing Basics
This site covers everything from inspiration and outlining all the way to editing and proofreading. It also refers you to other great resources to continue research.
(Thank you to Laura Henne and her amazing Senior Scouts for this resource!)
This site covers everything from inspiration and outlining all the way to editing and proofreading. It also refers you to other great resources to continue research.
(Thank you to Laura Henne and her amazing Senior Scouts for this resource!)
Looking for tips on writing Scripts or Screenplays?
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This article includes a great breakdown on understanding the importance of setting, writing for different kinds of stage productions, and how to write in a way that translates to the screen/stage.
(huge shoutout to Anna for sharing this awesome resource!)
(huge shoutout to Anna for sharing this awesome resource!)
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