What happens when freelance writers want to build their careers? Well, since we’re ‘word’ people, we tend to ask our friends, “What good books for writers should I read?”
Lengthy chats erupt on Facebook in response, about the most inspiring and useful books on writing craft. Books such as Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, and Stephen King’s On Writing are enthusiastically discussed and endorsed.
I’ve read and loved these books, too. But I don’t think they’re the ideal books for writers, especially if your focus is making a reliable living at your craft.
My experience is writers read these books, think, “Aaah, wonderful! Terrific insights.” Then, they go straight back to starving.
Also, most writers I know don’t need to improve their craft. They write just fine.
The books for writers that will make a bigger impact are the ones about how to make a business from writing. How to freelance successfully. How to finally find the confidence to put your writing out there.
Those are the books for writers that can really change your life. The books that show you how to feed your family, on a regular basis, with your craft.
If that’s the sort of help you need, here’s a list of practical books on the business of being a writer that I frequently recommend.
