Blogging advice online changes fast. Many of the most useful lessons for bloggers, though, come from books about writing, creativity, habits and audience building that have stayed relevant for years. Here are twelve well-known titles worth adding to your reading list, grouped by what they’ll help you with.
Writing better
On Writing Well, by William Zinsser
A classic guide to clear, simple non-fiction writing. Its advice to cut clutter and write with warmth applies perfectly to blog posts. Best for: anyone whose writing feels stiff or wordy.
Everybody Writes, by Ann Handley
A friendly, practical guide to writing content for the web, from grammar basics to storytelling. Best for: bloggers and content marketers who want a reference to keep on the desk.
Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott
Honest, funny reflections on writing, perfectionism and giving yourself permission to write messy first drafts. Best for: writers who freeze at the blank page.
Several Short Sentences About Writing, by Verlyn Klinkenborg
An unusual book that makes you think about every sentence. Best for: bloggers who want to improve their style.
Creativity and consistency
Show Your Work!, by Austin Kleon
A short, inspiring book about sharing your process and building an audience by being generous. Best for: new bloggers nervous about putting their work out there.
Steal Like an Artist, by Austin Kleon
A quick read on how all creative work builds on what came before, and how to find your own voice. Best for: creative ruts.
The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield
A direct look at “Resistance”, the force that stops us from doing creative work, and how to beat it. Best for: chronic procrastinators.
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
A practical framework for building small habits that compound over time. Best for: bloggers trying to write consistently. Pair it with our guide to building a writing habit.
Audience and content strategy
They Ask, You Answer, by Marcus Sheridan
Argues that the best content simply answers your audience’s questions honestly, including about price and problems. Best for: business bloggers and anyone stuck for topics.
Building a StoryBrand, by Donald Miller
A framework for making your reader the hero of your message. Best for: clarifying your About page, tagline and offers.
Content Inc., by Joe Pulizzi
How to build an audience with content first and a business second. Best for: bloggers planning to turn their blog into a business.
Focus
Deep Work, by Cal Newport
Makes the case for distraction-free work and offers strategies to protect focused time. Best for: bloggers who write in short, scattered bursts.
How to get the most from these books
- Read one at a time and apply one idea per book before moving on.
- Take notes in your own words. They might become a “book notes” blog post.
- Check your local library or a library app before buying.
- Revisit your favorites once a year.
FAQs
Which book should a brand-new blogger read first?
Show Your Work! for confidence, then On Writing Well or Everybody Writes for writing skills.
Are there books specifically about blogging?
Yes, but blogging tactics change quickly, so dedicated blogging books can date fast. Books on writing, habits and audience building tend to stay useful much longer.