Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)
We know what book you should read next
  • Our Favorite Literary Compliments
    Our Favorite Literary Compliments
    Learn More >

  • 17 Books That Show Kids What It Means to Be Thankful
    17 Books That Show Kids What It Means to Be Thankful
    Learn More >

  • Audiobooks to Listen to While You Cook
    Audiobooks to Listen to While You Cook
    Learn More >
  • <
    Books>
  • Popular
  • New & Noteworthy
  • Bestsellers
  • Popular Series
  • Must-Read Books of 2022
  • Anticipated Books of 2023
  • Coming Soon
  • Fiction
  • Classics
  • Romance
  • Literary Fiction
  • Mystery & Suspense
  • Science Fiction & Fantasy
  • Spanish Language Fiction
  • Nonfiction
  • Biographies & Memoirs
  • Wellness
  • Cooking
  • History
  • Spanish Language Nonfiction
  • Series
  • Gray Man
  • Dark Star Trilogy
  • Ramses the Damned
  • Outlander
  • Penguin Classics
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Kids>
  • Popular
  • New & Noteworthy
  • Bestsellers
  • Award Winners
  • The Parenting Book Guide
  • Books to Read Before Bed
  • Books for Middle Graders
  • Trending Series
  • Who Was?
  • Magic Tree House
  • The Last Kids on Earth
  • Mad Libs
  • Planet Omar
  • Beloved Characters
  • The World of Eric Carle
  • Bluey
  • Llama Llama
  • Dr. Seuss
  • Junie B. Jones
  • Peter Rabbit
  • Categories
  • Board Books
  • Picture Books
  • Guided Reading Levels
  • Middle Grade
  • Activity Books
  • <
    View All>
  • <

    Popular

  • Trending
  • Trending This Week
  • Books to Read During Dry January
  • Page-Turning Series To Start Now
  • Books to Cope With Anxiety
  • Short Reads
  • Anti-Racist Resources
  • Expert Picks
  • Editor's Picks: Fiction
  • Editor's Picks: Science Fiction & Fantasy
  • Editor's Picks: Romance
  • Staff Picks: Mystery
  • Features & Interviews
  • Emma Brodie Interview
  • Gabriella Burnham Interview
  • Nicola Yoon Interview
  • Qian Julie Wang Interview
  • Deepak Chopra Essay
  • How Can I Get Published?
  • For Book Clubs
  • Reese's Book Club
  • Oprah’s Book Club
  • Guide: Trust
  • Guide: Book Lovers
  • <
  • <
    Authors & Events>
  • Our Authors
  • Michelle Obama
  • Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • Mohsin Hamid
  • Cormac McCarthy
  • Celeste Ng
  • In Their Own Words
  • Qian Julie Wang
  • Patrick Radden Keefe
  • Phoebe Robinson
  • Emma Brodie
  • Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • Laura Hankin
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Recommendations>
  • Book Lists
  • The Best Books to Get Your Finances in Order
  • Must-Read Books by Indigenous Authors
  • 21 Books to Help You Learn Something New
  • Narrative Nonfiction to Rival Thrillers
  • Fiction for Food Lovers
  • Manga and Graphic Novels
  • Articles
  • Between the World and Me Oral History
  • Meet the Bookseller: Yu and Me Books
  • Cook a Soul Food Holiday Meal With Rosie Mayes
  • Ina Garten’s Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
  • Vallery Lomas’ Blueberry Buckle Recipe
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Audio>
  • Popular
  • New Releases
  • Award Winners
  • Coming Soon
  • Featured
  • Memoirs Read by the Author
  • Our Most Soothing Narrators
  • Press Play for Inspiration
  • Audiobooks You Just Can't Pause
  • Listen With the Whole Family
  • <
    View All>
cart
Penguin Random House

Books

Popular


New & Noteworthy

Bestsellers

Popular Series

Must-Read Books of 2022

Anticipated Books of 2023

Coming Soon

Fiction


Classics

Romance

Literary Fiction

Mystery & Suspense

Science Fiction & Fantasy

Spanish Language Fiction

Nonfiction


Biographies & Memoirs

Wellness

Cooking

History

Spanish Language Nonfiction

View All >

Series


Gray Man

Dark Star Trilogy

Ramses the Damned

Outlander

Penguin Classics

View All >

New Releases
New Releases
Learn More >

Kids

Popular


New & Noteworthy

Bestsellers

Award Winners

The Parenting Book Guide

Books to Read Before Bed

Books for Middle Graders

Trending Series


Who Was?

Magic Tree House

The Last Kids on Earth

Mad Libs

Planet Omar

View All >

Beloved Characters


The World of Eric Carle

Bluey

Llama Llama

Dr. Seuss

Junie B. Jones

Peter Rabbit

Categories


Board Books

Picture Books

Guided Reading Levels

Middle Grade

Activity Books

View All >

17 Books That Show Kids What It Means to Be Thankful
17 Books That Show Kids What It Means to Be Thankful
Learn More >

Popular

Trending


Trending This Week

Books to Read During Dry January

Page-Turning Series To Start Now

Books to Cope With Anxiety

Short Reads

Anti-Racist Resources

Expert Picks


Editor's Picks: Fiction

Editor's Picks: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Editor's Picks: Romance

Staff Picks: Mystery

Features & Interviews


Emma Brodie Interview

Gabriella Burnham Interview

Nicola Yoon Interview

Qian Julie Wang Interview

Deepak Chopra Essay

How Can I Get Published?

For Book Clubs


Reese's Book Club

Oprah’s Book Club

Guide: Trust

Guide: Book Lovers

What Kathryn Monaco Is Loving Right Now
What Kathryn Monaco Is Loving Right Now
Learn More >

Authors & Events

Our Authors


Michelle Obama

Taylor Jenkins Reid

Mohsin Hamid

Cormac McCarthy

Celeste Ng

View All >

In Their Own Words


Qian Julie Wang

Patrick Radden Keefe

Phoebe Robinson

Emma Brodie

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Laura Hankin

Our Favorite Literary Compliments
Our Favorite Literary Compliments
Learn More >
Join Our Authors for Virtual Events
Join Our Authors for Virtual Events
Learn More >

Recommendations

Book Lists


The Best Books to Get Your Finances in Order

Must-Read Books by Indigenous Authors

21 Books to Help You Learn Something New

Narrative Nonfiction to Rival Thrillers

Fiction for Food Lovers

Manga and Graphic Novels

Articles


Between the World and Me Oral History

Meet the Bookseller: Yu and Me Books

Cook a Soul Food Holiday Meal With Rosie Mayes

Ina Garten’s Chicken & Potatoes Recipe

Vallery Lomas’ Blueberry Buckle Recipe

Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews
Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews
See What We’re Reading >
Fascinating Biographies and Memoirs About the Royal Family
Fascinating Biographies and Memoirs About the Royal Family
Read More >

Audio

Popular


New Releases

Award Winners

Coming Soon

View All >

Featured


Memoirs Read by the Author

Our Most Soothing Narrators

Press Play for Inspiration

Audiobooks You Just Can't Pause

Listen With the Whole Family

View All >

New Stories to Listen to
New Stories to Listen to
Learn More >
Audiobooks to Listen to While You Cook
Audiobooks to Listen to While You Cook
Learn More >
search
Penguin Random House Penguin Random House
cart
search
Penguin RandomHouse
close search
close search
Penguin Random House
mobile banner image
The ReadDown

The Best Books on Writing

Writing is, as a general rule, hard. Defining yourself as a writer can be even harder.

From grammar rules to publishing advice to personal narratives, these books on writing reveal in intimate detail the ins and outs of what it means to call yourself a writer.  These are some of the best books on writing with insight and wisdom that can support you at all stages of your writing process.

  1. 1
    Dreyer's English Book Cover Picture
    Dreyer's English Book Cover Picture
    Add Dreyer's English to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Dreyer’s English

    by Benjamin Dreyer

    As Random House’s copy chief, Dreyer has upheld the standards of the legendary publisher for more than two decades. He is beloved by authors and editors alike—not to mention his followers on social media—for deconstructing the English language with playful erudition. Now he distills everything he has learned from the myriad books he has copyedited and overseen into a useful guide not just for writers but for everyone who wants to put their best prose foot forward.
    Dreyer's English Book Cover Picture
    Dreyer's English Book Cover Picture
    Add Dreyer's English to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $18.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  2. 2
    The Forest for the Trees (Revised and Updated) Book Cover Picture
    The Forest for the Trees (Revised and Updated) Book Cover Picture
    Add The Forest for the Trees (Revised and Updated) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Forest for the Trees (Revised and Updated)

    by Betsy Lerner

    For both established and prospective authors alike, the publishing house can seem like a jungle. Luckily, Betsy Lerner is here to lead a safari, citing her vast collection of experiences as an editor as her field guide. The Forest for the Trees motivates writers by helping them get over their fear of the unknown. It’s less about taming the wilderness and more about facing the demons of self-doubt and sloth that live in every person’s own mind.
    The Forest for the Trees (Revised and Updated) Book Cover Picture
    The Forest for the Trees (Revised and Updated) Book Cover Picture
    Add The Forest for the Trees (Revised and Updated) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $18.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  3. 3
    The Elements of Style Illustrated Book Cover Picture
    The Elements of Style Illustrated Book Cover Picture
    Add The Elements of Style Illustrated to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Elements of Style Illustrated

    by William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White

    William Strunk and E.B. White’s The Elements of Style is so widely known that we’re sure you already have a copy, but of course we had to mention it. The only style guide to ever appear on a bestseller list, this book should be your go-to if your writing is in need of an infusion of clarity. Plus, this particular edition is illustrated by Maira Kalman, adding a visual element of style to the classic.
    The Elements of Style Illustrated Book Cover Picture
    The Elements of Style Illustrated Book Cover Picture
    Add The Elements of Style Illustrated to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $18.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  4. 4
    Sin and Syntax Book Cover Picture
    Sin and Syntax Book Cover Picture
    Add Sin and Syntax to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Sin and Syntax

    by Constance Hale

    Copy veteran Constance Hale is on a mission to make creative communication, both the lyrical and the unlawful, an option for everyone. With its crisp, witty tone, Sin and Syntax covers grammar’s ground rules while revealing countless unconventional syntax secrets (such as how to use—Gasp!—interjections or when to pepper your prose with slang) that make for sinfully good writing.
    Sin and Syntax Book Cover Picture
    Sin and Syntax Book Cover Picture
    Add Sin and Syntax to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $17.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  5. 5
    Naked, Drunk, and Writing Book Cover Picture
    Naked, Drunk, and Writing Book Cover Picture
    Add Naked, Drunk, and Writing to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Naked, Drunk, and Writing

    by Adair Lara

    Adair Lara’s Naked, Drunk, and Writing is a must-read for any memoirist or personal essayist. With experience as a teacher, editor, and, of course, writer, Lara’s know-how will help readers through problems like how to face your family after they’ve read your work and how to find an agent who will fight for you. The perfect mix of tough love, comic relief, and passion, Lara’s book is invaluable for anyone who needs a little help telling their story.
    Naked, Drunk, and Writing Book Cover Picture
    Naked, Drunk, and Writing Book Cover Picture
    Add Naked, Drunk, and Writing to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $15.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  6. 6
    Bird by Bird Book Cover Picture
    Bird by Bird Book Cover Picture
    Add Bird by Bird to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Bird by Bird

    by Anne Lamott

    Anne Lamott knows from writing. She’s the author of seven novels (with one on the way) and nine works of nonfiction — many of them bestsellers. In Bird by Bird, her 1994-published book on the craft of writing, Lamott addresses how to get started, accepting the shittiness of a first draft, writing groups, writer’s block, how to know when you’re done and more. Her words, advice, insight are priceless.
    Bird by Bird Book Cover Picture
    Bird by Bird Book Cover Picture
    Add Bird by Bird to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $17.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  7. 7
    Poemcrazy Book Cover Picture
    Poemcrazy Book Cover Picture
    Add Poemcrazy to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Poemcrazy

    by Susan G. Wooldridge

    Though some may be able to simply sit back and pull a poem from thin air, that’s not the case for most. Writing workshop leader Susan G. Wooldridge taps into her own experience writing and helping others write to share this compilation of prompts, ideas, and more. Poemcrazy is a guide that any budding poet will find valuable.
    Poemcrazy Book Cover Picture
    Poemcrazy Book Cover Picture
    Add Poemcrazy to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $16.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  8. 8
    Writing Better Lyrics Book Cover Picture
    Writing Better Lyrics Book Cover Picture
    Add Writing Better Lyrics to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Writing Better Lyrics

    by Pat Pattison

    Writing Better Lyrics has been a staple for songwriters for nearly two decades. Now this revised and updated 2nd Edition provides effective tools for everything from generating ideas, to understanding the form and function of a song, to fine-tuning lyrics.
    Writing Better Lyrics Book Cover Picture
    Writing Better Lyrics Book Cover Picture
    Add Writing Better Lyrics to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $20.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  9. 9
    Walking on Water Book Cover Picture
    Walking on Water Book Cover Picture
    Add Walking on Water to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Walking on Water

    by Madeleine L’Engle

    Madeleine L’Engle has mastered the art of weaving faith into fiction. In Walking on Water, the late author explores what it means to be a Christian artist, and touches on the influence of science on her writerly life. This is, truly, a book that will hold appeal for writers and readers alike, as it sheds light upon the mind of one of this last century’s most talented writers.
    Walking on Water Book Cover Picture
    Walking on Water Book Cover Picture
    Add Walking on Water to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $17.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  10. 10
    Story Genius Book Cover Picture
    Story Genius Book Cover Picture
    Add Story Genius to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Story Genius

    by Lisa Cron

    So much of writing is creativity. But let’s not forget about the scientific piece of the puzzle. In her new book, Story Genius, story coach Lisa Cron addresses just that, examining the role that cognitive storytelling strategies can play in writing — and how you can put them to work for yourself.
    Story Genius Book Cover Picture
    Story Genius Book Cover Picture
    Add Story Genius to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $15.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  • Share:
  • Share on Facebook
  • Tweet
  • Pin it
  • Share on Tumblr
  • SMS
  • Email
More to Explore
Back to Top
We know what book you should read next
  • Connect
  • Sign up for news about books, authors, and more from Penguin Random House

  • global.penguinrandomhouse.com
  • © 2023 Penguin Random House
  • Quick Links
  • Partnerships
  • Media Queries
  • Influencers
  • Company Reads
  • PenguinRandomHouse.biz
  • Email Preferences
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • CA Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  • Affiliate Program Disclosure
  • Fraud Alert
  • Help
  • Publishing Process
  • FAQ
  • Shopping & Shipping FAQ
  • For Educators
  • Subrights
  • Permissions
  • About Us
  • Our Story
  • Our People
  • Our Contributors
  • Locations
  • Management
  • Social Impact
  • Careers
  • Imprints

Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network

Raise kids who love to read

Brightly

Raise kids who love to read
Today's Top Books

Today's Top Books

Want to know what people are actually reading right now?
An online magazine for today’s home cook

TASTE

An online magazine for today’s home cook

Stay in Touch

Please enter a valid email address
We are experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again later.

By clicking Sign Up, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime.

×

Become a Member

Start earning points for buying books! Just for joining you’ll get personalized recommendations on your dashboard daily and features only for members.

Find Out More Join Now Sign In
Hi,
Member Since

Account Overview Rewards Recommendations Orders Account Details Email Preferences Bookshelf

Point Status
This is where you’ll see your current point status and your earned rewards. To redeem, copy and paste the code during the checkout process.See Account Overview

until your next FREE book!
0 120
You currently do not have any rewards.

Success!

Your account has been created. Upload book purchases, access your personalized book recommendations, and more from here.