katarzynaradzka

That depends. Are you reading them to avoid writing or to improve your writing skills?

Truth, I’m guilty of both. On days where I try to avoid writing like it was a disease I have a tendency to reach for a book on writing or a writing magazine and read other people’s success stories instead of creating my own. Instead of putting money away, I buy more books and read heavily.

With so many books available it may be difficult to decide which one is worth the twenty or more you’re going to spend on it. So you need to decide on a few factors.

What exactly do you want to get out of the book?

Some books are targeted at promotion and marketing, while others at getting your description and setting right, and other still about freelance writing and getting your query letter right. Or maybe you want a little bit about all of them.

Who wrote the book?

Personally I think it’s a good idea to purchase writing books from people who have been published, and those written by editors. An editor will tell you what they want and expect, a write will tell you their story with a bit of information added in. Both are good, but you have to decide which one will be more valuable for you.

How much does it cost?

Sometimes we buy books for the simple pleasure of reading them and we don’t think about the returns. But if the book is going to change your life and help you double or triple your income, it might just be worth spending the extra couple of bucks on it.

Do I really need writers books?

Yes and no. Everything you need to learn about writing you will find in the novel that you are currently reading, or the one you read last week or are planning to read tomorrow. However sometimes it’s nice to have it all described step by step and being a writer you should always be open to learning new and interesting things, and that includes the mechanics of writing.

Are you an avid reader of books for writers? Do you have any favourites?