Ten Essential Resources Every Writer Should Own

by Chelle Martin

Spend an afternoon searching the reference section of your local bookstore and you’ll see dozens of titles from which to choose. For new writers, building a reference library can become a confusing task. Questions will certainly arise, such as: Which books are essential? Can’t I just find the information I need on the Internet? Do I really need books on writing; can’t I simply write? And more often than not, “If I have to read all these books, when will I find the time to write?”

Reading research books does take time. But it is time well invested. To become a good student you must do your homework, and writing is no different. And not all of your home library reference shelf will be books that must be read cover to cover. Some you will pick up only on occasion, but nevertheless, they are essential. Yes, some information is available on the Internet (this site, for example), but there is nothing like having a book at the ready at the precise moment you need it.

It is debatable as to whether writing can be taught. However, there are certainly books that can enhance the craft of writing and aid in the quest for publication. In time, you will most certainly add to your personal library, but to get started, here is a concise guide.

1) A dictionary, and the larger, the better. It doesn’t matter if your word processing program has a built-in spell check. There will come a time when you will need to actually look up a word. Editors do not appreciate “close enough” when it comes to spelling or usage.

2) A large volume thesaurus. There is nothing worse than repetition in a manuscript.

3) The current year’s edition of Writer’s Market. These books provide a wealth of information on agents, editors, and publishers. You can search markets and submission requirements, and won't waste time submitting your mystery to someone who doesn’t represent or publish them. (Note: Always call to confirm the listed information before submitting, as the publishing world is notorious for personnel changes.)

4) A genre-specific writing guide. Whether your field is romance, mystery, science fiction, historical, poetry, screenplays, etc., Writer’s Digest Books offers an array of sources geared to your field of choice. Since manuscript requirements vary by genre, you can pick up tips and specific writing guidelines.

5) A baby-naming book, such as “10,000 Baby Names” by Bruce Lansky (ISBN#0850917662, Lothian Pub Co.). This may sound a little strange at first. Who can’t think up character names, right? Well, as any good author will tell you, more goes into choosing a name than meets the eye. Not only are names affected by the time period in which your story is written (historical, contemporary, futuristic), but also by locale and nationality.

There is also a wonderful book by Yvonne Navarro called “First Name Reverse Dictionary: Given Names Listed by Meaning” (ISBN#0899507484, McFarland & Company) which is out of print, but you still may be able to track one down. If you are naming your characters according to traits, this is a terrific book to own.

6) “Prescription for Plotting” by Carolyn Greene (aka The Plot Doctor) is more of a writer’s toolkit than an actual book. It arrives in a binder with section dividers and offers an array of forms and worksheets for character development, conflict development, exercises for strengthening and tightening your story, etc. and is applicable to all sorts of genre fiction. More information is available at www.theplotdoctor.com.

7) Strunk & White’s “The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition” (ISBN#020530902X, Allyn & Bacon) has it all when it comes to grammar and usage. Don’t leave home without it.

8) “The Writer’s Digest Guide to Manuscript Formats” (ASIN#0898792932, Writers Digest Books) contains all you need to know about formatting regardless if you are working on fiction or non-fiction manuscripts, magazine articles, proposals, screenplays, etc. Submitting your work in the proper format will keep you from looking like an amateur. (This book is out of print, but you can find it used online.)

9) “The Writer’s Legal Companion: The Complete Handbook for the Working Writer” by Brad Bunnin & Peter Beren (ISBN#073820031X, Perseus Publishing) covers various aspects such as copyright, contracts, agents, collaboration, and defamation. Knowing what to expect before entering into a contract can give you bargaining power.

10) “Writing the Breakout Novel” by Donald Maass/Anne Perry (ISBN#158297182X, Writers Digest Books) gives writers insight on how to get a manuscript to stand out by making things bigger. Maass, both agent and author, asks and answers the question of why books are purchased. Bigger plot, bigger characters, a bigger chance at making a good impression and achieving success.