25 Excellent Books I Recommend to Every Writer

Worthy Reads on Craft and Platform Building

Two years ago I started a one-on-one coaching program for writers. A feature of the program clients rave about is their “Book of the Month.” Each month I send a book with a letter about why I think the book is a worthwhile read for their writing and platform-building.

Below is a list of the first twenty-five books I sent to my clients with affiliate links and brief descriptions.

I’ll list these in the order I sent them.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: A righteous kick in the pants for any creative.

Platform by Michael Hyatt: Essential tools for rising above the noise to build an audience.

On Writing Well by William Zinsser: No-nonsense practical tips from a master.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: Funny and brilliant, this book entertains writers as it equips them.

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Stein on Writing by Sol Stein: Longtime New York editor shares practical tips and loads of examples.

Accidental Creative by Todd Henry: Creativity is a lifestyle. This book shows you how to live that lifestyle.

On Writing by Stephen King: Part fascinating memoir, part hard-nosed manual, King’s book is a treasure.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg: A refreshing Zen approach to the craft.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: A book that tells you you’re not alone and helps you keep going.

Elements of Style by William Strunk and E. B. White: The nuts and bolts of a good writer’s toolbox.

Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday: How to write a book that stands the test of time.

Deep Work by Cal Newport: A life-changing how-to for getting your most important work done.

Tribes by Seth Godin: An empowering call to lead your audience (no one else will).

Your First 1,000 Copies by Tim Grahl: Straightforward advice from a guy behind multiple New York Times bestsellers.

Essentialism by Greg McKeown: You can get more done than you think. This book shows you how.

A Curious Mind by Brian Grazer: Ron Howard’s business partner reveals the startling power of a forgotten and even spurned value—curiosity.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: The lesson of this fable is that the universe is rigged in your favor. Inspiring.

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon: A fun format and mind-expanding read on creativity.

Show Your Work by Austin Kleon: A fun format with clever, paradigm-smashing ideas on marketing.

Millionaire Messenger by Brendon Burchard: The book that dared me to believe my expertise is extremely valuable. So is yours.

Originals by Adam Grant: Top-rated business professor shows you how to hone your voice.

Real Artists Don’t Starve by Jeff Goins: Learn about artistry from Mozart, Michelangelo, Elvis, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs, Hemingway, Picasso, Chris Rock, and the list goes on.

Light the Dark edited by Joe Fassler: An edited collection about books that matter by writers who matter.

Atomic Habits by James Clear: A smart training manual for changing your life to the one you want.

The Writing Life by Annie Dillard: A brief, beautiful flight through the imagination of a Pulitzer Prize winner.

Question: Which of these books do you want to read? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

3 thoughts on “25 Excellent Books I Recommend to Every Writer

  1. Hi Chad

    Thanks for this great list of books! I have physical copies of 5 of these.

    I’ve been wanting to read ‘Atomic Habits’ since reading an early recommendation for it. Others on your list that most grab my attention are ‘Essentialism’, ‘A Curious Mind’ and ‘Light the Dark’. 🙂

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