In my writing room I have a shelf where I keep all of my books on writing.  Through trial and error, I’ve figured out which ones are the most help to me and which ones will probably get opened rarely, if ever again.  I love books.  I love holding them and keeping them around.   Even if I know I’ll never read them again, for me happiness is a full book shelf.

I’ve compiled this list to help sort the wheat from the chaff and to give you writers out there either a starting point for your writing library, or some helpful additions to your current stock.  it occurs to me that this would also be an excellent holiday gift list for those of you with a writer in your life.

Ready?  Ok, let’s go!

1. The current edition of 2009 Writer’s Market.  It really is a must have for a writer interested in getting their work published.  In addition to the obvious, it is also loaded with tips on submission and a wealth of other little gems.
2. Strunk and White - The Elements of Style: 50th Anniversary Edition .  This is a classic.  Easy reference and writers have been relying on the advice here for years.
3. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, by Stephen King.  Love him or hate him, it’s hard to argue with his formula for writing success.  Clean, straightforward approach to writing.  No magic here, just great advice.
4. Even if you have been writing for a while I highly recommend Beginning Writer’s Answer Book This book was an amazing find for me.  It answered all of my questions as well as ones I had not even considered.  I use it as a reference tool all the time.
5. To help keep you inspired and motivated, How I Got Published: Famous Authors Tell You in Their Own Words is filled with excellent reminders to never give up.
6. Economy of words is the focus of Write Tight: How to Keep Your Prose Sharp, Focused and Concise I guarantee you will be amazed by how much fluff you have in your writing.  The author knows how to pack a punch and has a “take no prisoners” approach to wordsmithing.
7. The author of The Book on Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well has impeccable credentials and her tips and methods reinforce her experience.  A highly recommended book for any writer.
8. If you are considering the self publishing route then go get Dan Poynter’s Self-Publishing Manual, 16th Edition: How to Write, Print and Sell Your Own Book (Self Publishing Manual).  I’m serious. This will be your reference guide for everything you need to know to get your writing into the hands of readers.
9. If your day job involves writing in any way then Writing At Work : Professional Writing Skills for People on the Job is for you.  In a corporate environment of any size, people will judge you based on the written word that you put out there.  Make a good impression by writing good well.  
10. A serious writer needs serious connections. Jeff Herman’s Guide To Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents 2009: Who They Are! What They Want! How To Win Them Over!m19th Edition (Jeff Herman’s … Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents) will get you headed that direction.  Truly a must have for breaking into print.

There you have it.  No writer’s library is complete without these.  Get them for yourself or as a holiday gift for the writer in your life.

My question for the writers out there is simple:  What “Must Have” books are in YOUR library?