Best books for writers, authors and self-publishers

Yes, there are thousands of books out there for writers, authors and self-publishers but these are my all-time favourites. They range from books about how to write a memoir to books on how authors can advertise on Amazon, through to book marketing ideas and how to keep the creative juices flowing.

Books for Australian writers and authors

  • Look – It’s Your Book! Write, publish and promote your non-fiction book: A self-publishing guide for Australian writers by Anna Featherstone. Read reviews here and see the contents list here
  • So You Want To Be a Writer: How to get started while you still have a day job by Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo via your local bookstore, Booktopia or Amazon
  • How to Be An Author: The Business of Being an Author in Australia by Georgia Richter and Deborah Hunn via your local bookstore, Booktopia or Amazon
  • The Writer Laid Bare: Mastering Emotional Honesty in a Writer’s Art, Craft and Life by Lee Kofman via
  • via your local bookstore, Booktopia or Amazon
  • What To Do When You Don’t Have A Book Coming Out & Even More Sage Advice by Angela Slatter (A.G. Slatter) via your local bookstore, Booktopia or Amazon
  • The Novel Project: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Novel, Memoir or Biography by Graeme Simsion via your local bookstore or Booktopia or Amazon

Books for writers on creativity, craft and the writing journey

  • Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert via your local bookstore, Booktopia or  Amazon
  • Bird by Bird by Annie Lamott via your local bookstore, Booktopia or Amazon
  • On Writing by Stephen King via your local bookstore, Booktopia or Amazon
  • Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg via your local bookstore, Booktopia or Amazon

your local bookstore, Booktopia

Books for writers and authors about planning a book

  • How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen and Jody Rein via your local bookstore, Booktopia or via Amazon

Books for writers, authors and indie publishers on marketing

  • Amazon Ads for Indie Authors by Janet Margot, via Amazon
  • How to Market a Book by Joanna Penn, via your local bookstore, Booktopia or  via Amazon
  • The BadRedhead Media 30-Day Book Marketing Challenge by Rachel Thompson, via Amazon

Affiliate disclosure: If you click on one of these links and go on to buy a book (ebook, audio or print) through these services, I may receive a small amount in marketing compensation which will go toward the maintenance of this site and my own writing pursuits and book collection. Thank you. FYI: it won’t increase the price you pay. But also, if you can support independent bookstores by ordering through them that is great too – and there is always your local library!