The advice you will find here follows the Chicago Manual of Style which is widely used by American publishers. There are some variances in style from country to country (and even from American publisher to American publisher.)
**It may be easier to...
I get asked a lot about recommended books and writing tools, so here is my list of stuff that I use and recommend. I really use all of these and get no form of compensation for these recommendations. Here is the list in order of necessity to me:
1. Scrivener - Scrivener is a writing platform that will change your life. Unlike Word, Notepad, Google Docs, and other word processors, Scrivener was created JUST FOR WRITERS. It has tools for plotting, brainstorming, research, formatting, and much MUCH more. It also has a "speech" function (MAC version) that will read your words aloud, which I use ALL THE TIME for editing. Also, if you plan on self-publishing, it has an amazing "compile" feature that will build your eBook (.epub, .mobi, & PDF) in matter of seconds. It costs only $45 (USD) and has a very generous free trial. It is available for MAC and PC. Website: www.literatureandlatte.com
2. On Writing by Stephen King - I read this book religiously once a year, and I'm not even a big fan of his fiction (only because I'm a big sissy when it comes to horror--his style and writing will someday be studied like Hemingway). His writing advice is PRICELESS. This is the day I got to thank him for writing (I'm holding it):
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
3. Elements of Style by Strunk & White - This tiny book needs to be on the desk of EVERY WRITER. It's a quick reference guide for punctuation, grammar issues, common mistakes, and general writing advice. This is the author's bible. (This book is almost tied with On Writing in my order of importance.)
4. The Chicago Manual of Style - This is an essential editing tool for writing fiction in the US. It is available in print, but they also have a website with all the same information, and information is always better when it comes with a search feature. It has a free trial, but the subscription is totally worth it. http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org
5. Fiction Writer's Workshop by Josip Novakovich - A great reference for fiction writing that includes everything from plot development to revision.
6. Grammar Girl Website - Someday I'm going to take her out for beers. I love this website and reference it often for common grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues. http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl
7. The Collins English Thesaurus - I've recently started using this online thesaurus over thesuarus.com. It tends to return more relevant results and has been a lifesaver in moments of serious synonym crisis. http://www.collinsdictionary.com/english-thesaurus
8. Writer's Digest - Their website has some amazing articles on everything from writing to publishing. I DO NOT PROMOTE THEIR FORUMS, however. It seems to be full of bitter writers who wait to pounce and devour the work of others. I was a member just long enough to decide to leave. I never posted any of my work after seeing what a LOT of members did to other members.
*******************
AaronRubicon won this dedication because if I were a dude, I would probably be him. I would put his books on my shelf right next to David Sedaris. He's hilarious! He recently won a Watty award for his latest robot book...you should read it!
