Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers
Recommenced Book Lists For Writers
ACW's Recommended Writer's Library
Begin building your writer's library gradually, as you can afford to - being a good steward of your financial resources. Sections A through F can be ordered online from 1-800-21-WRITE or e-mail ACWriters@aol.com for a printed catalog.
Select 1 book from each category, then add a second, and so forth, until you have a well-stock library of writer's tools, training, and reference materials.
A. Market Guides
- Christian Writer's Market Guide by Sally Stuart, an annual publication. Sally's guide has over 2000 Christian publications and organizations listed.
- Writer's Market by Writers Digest publications, an annual publication. This secular market guide has only about 200 religious markets listed, including cults and other non-Christian publications.
B. Basic How-to-be-a-Writer Books
- An Introduction to Christian Writing by Ethel Herr, a classic.
- Complete Guide to Writing for Publication by
- Guide to Getting Published by Sally Stuart
- Money Wise by Dennis Hensley
C. Writer's Toolbox Style Guides
- Christian Writers' Manual of Style by Robert Hudson
- Elements of Style by Wm. Strunk & E.B. White, a short & to-the-point classic.
- Flip Dictionary by Barbara Ann Kipfer
- Synonym Finder by J. I. Rodale
- Woe Is I by Patricia O'Conner, best tongue-in-cheek fun grammar guide around.
D. Writer's Toolbox Reference Books
- Book Proposals that Sell by W. Terry Whalin
- Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary by Merriam-Webster Inc.
- You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal
E. Genre-specific Guides
- On Writing Well by William Zinsser, a classic.
- Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
- Art & Craft of Poetry by Michael J. Bugeja
- Effective Magazine Writing by Roger Palms, former editor of Decision magazine!
- Feminine Wiles by Donna Elizabeth Boetig
- How to Write & Sell the Christian Novel by Gilbert Morris
- How to Write Funny by Greg Gagliardi
- How to Write What You Love by Dennis Hensley
Plus our OCACW President's pick for Inspirational Books for Christian Writers:
- Indelible Ink by Scott Larsen
- Write His Answer by Marlene Bagnull, a Bible study for Christian writers!
- The Heart of the Artist by Rory Noland, gifts and character as a writer.
- Writer to Writer by Bodie & Brock Thoene, by a great Christian fiction team.
- The Christian Imagination by Leland Ryken, visit with Tolkein, C.S. Lewis, etc.
- Writing A Book that makes a Difference by Philip Gerard, why do you write?