Reading is important for authors because it helps improve writing skills, but what should you read? Here are some ideas!
Literary Books
Literary books have been proved to exercise and sharpen the brain, so don’t miss out on them. Here are some of our favorite literary books.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
1984 by George Orwell
Motivational and Self-Help Books
These books are a great way to improve yourself and gain confidence, something an author really needs since your work is out there for all the world to see (and criticize!).
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson
Books on Writing
Of course, books on writing will help you improve your craft.
On Writing by Stephen King
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Writing with Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing by John R. Trimble
Books on Editing
Books on editing will help you polish your writing and spend less on editors.
The Copyeditor’s Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications by Amy Einsohn
Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss
Books in Your Genre
Whatever you write, find popular books in that genre and read them! Reading them will give you a feel for what is popular today and what will sell. Yes, you should develop original ideas, but reading what is being published now will get you started in the right direction.
As an author, what books have you found to be helpful? We’d love to hear in the comments below.
Originally published at https://mybookcave.com on January 22, 2020.
