JUMP TO Section Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.- Click to jump to the 54 best journalism writing books of 2021:
- The best journalism books
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- The best writing books
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- Journalism is a diverse and creative profession, so there's much to learn from reading.
- 55 college professors suggested more than 50 book recommendations to add to your reading list.
- Below, find books on writing, editing, interviewing, digital media, photography, podcasts, and more.
Real talk — I'm a soon-to-be journalism graduate and a major bookie, so I'm always on the hunt for books that will offer new perspectives about the emerging profession of news, digital journalism, and reporting. Naturally, I put my reporting skills to work and reached out to 55 journalism professors — from schools like UPenn, Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, and many more — to put together a master list of beloved recommendations from esteemed professionals.
Whether you're entering a newsroom as an entry-level journalist, seeking to improve your writing skills, or interested in learning more about the digital media landscape, you'll certainly benefit from flipping through the pages of one (or more) of our picks below.
Read on to discover the best journalism and writing books, the professors who recommended them, and why they integrate them within their courses.
Click to jump to the 54 best journalism writing books of 2021:
- The best journalism books
- The best investigative journalism books
- The best social media and digital journalism books
- The best visual journalism and photography books
- The best broadcast journalism books
- The best writing books
- The best grammar books
The best journalism books
1. "The Journalist and the Murderer" by Janet Malcolm
An eye-catching title to say the least, "The Journalist and the Murderer" is a deep dive into the psychopathology between the journalist and his subject. David Graham, an adjunct instructor at Duke University currently teaching magazine journalism, has used this book in every class.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Peter Applebome, Duke University
- Jonathan Kaufman, Northeastern University
- Dan Kennedy, Northeastern University
- Linda Lumsden, University of Arizona
2. "The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect" by Bill Kovach & Tom Rosenstiel
According to Marina Hendricks, an assistant professor at South Dakota State University, "The Elements of Journalism" is a go-to resource for journalists. It covers nine essential elements that comprise the heart of strong reporting.
"My well-worn copy is marked with sticky notes, underlining, and penciled-in notes," she added.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Megan Craig, Syracuse University
- Adrianne Flynn, University of Maryland
- Greg Munno, Syracuse University
- Mark Stencel, Duke University
- Patti Wolter, Northwestern University
3. "Inside Reporting" by Tim Harrower
"Inside Reporting" is a unique text because it highlights the basics of reporting while detailing how to package stories in interactive, visual ways.
"The information on each skill is presented in an accessible way," said Ellen Meacham, who teaches multimedia writing at the University of Mississippi. "Each skill builds upon the last, and the fundamentals he provides about writing and reporting are solid."
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Kelly Furnas, Elon University
- Julien Gorbach, The University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Jeremy Kohler, Washington University in St. Louis
- Patti Wolter, Northwestern University
4. "The Ethical Journalist: Making Responsible Decisions in the Digital Age" by Gene Foreman
I read "The Ethical Journalist" in my media ethics course and it was a helpful resource, thanks to its 24 real-life case studies that encouraged me to think critically about some of the media's most pressing issues.
"It offers high-value expertise and is clearly written," said Emile Lounsberry, my former associate professor at The College of New Jersey. It's also one of her top three journalism books she's ever read.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Megan Craig, Syracuse University
- Raymond McCaffrey, University of Arkansas
5. "The New New Journalism: Conversations with America's Best Nonfiction Writers on Their Craft" by Robert S. Boynton
After reading the blurb of "The New New Journalism," I immediately purchased it. It highlights sound methods for writing and career advice for journalists of all ages. Peter Applebome, an adjunct instructor of journalism and public policy at Duke University, said it's an essential book in all of his courses.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Caryl Rivers, Boston University
- Karen Springen, Northwestern University
6. "Writing to Deadline: The Journalist at Work" by Donald Murray
"Writing to Deadline" cover tips for outlining your draft, focusing your story, and fine-tuning your writing. You'll also learn from case studies of real journalists in the field.
"It provides excellent advice for young journalists," said Dan Kennedy, a journalism professor at Northeastern University. He uses the book to facilitate discussions in his Journalism II course.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Julien Gorbach, The University of Hawaii at Manoa
7. "The View From Somewhere: Undoing the Myth of Journalistic Objectivity" by Lewis Raven Wallace
"The View From Somewhere" offers a detailed explanation of how the myth of objectivity has been used to marginalize writers. It's a book about how some of the best writers chased after truth and transparency but were punished because they were accused of having bias.
Steven William Thrasher, assistant professor of journalism at Northwestern University focusing on social theory, said he loves the book and would highly recommend it.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Meg Heckman, Northeastern University
8. "News Writing and Reporting: The Complete Guide for Today's Journalist" by Chip Scanlan and Richard Craig
Built on the three pillars of journalism —process, coaching, and storytelling — "News Writing and Reporting" provides tips for print and digital copywriters with "quick tip" advice sections and strategies for solving ethical dilemmas.
Julien Gorbach, an assistant professor teaching intermediate news writing at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, uses this text to relay "in-depth, thoughtful guidance" to his students.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Brett Oppegaard, The University of Hawaii at Manoa
9. "Show Me the Money: Writing Business and Economics Stories for Mass Communication" by Chris Roush
If you're looking for a book that draws on personal business journalism experience, you can't go wrong with "Show Me the Money." It teaches journalists how to report on specific industries, find sources, and look through documents, from SEC filings to invoices.
"What I love about Roush's style of writing and his approach to business reporting is he emphasizes that corporations are not faceless entities, but are made up of people making decisions," said Kelly Furnas, a journalism lecturer at Elon University. "It illustrates how finances work for students who aren't finance majors."
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Joseph Weber, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
10. "The Best American Magazine Writing" by Sid Holt
If you're interested in the editorial industry at large, "The Best American Magazine Writing" is a great glimpse into the inner workings of journalism. It provides excerpts from publications like the Washington Post, New York Magazine, and the New Yorker, among others.
"It showcases outstanding, globe-spanning journalism as judged by the American Society of Magazine Editors," said Melissa Chessher, the chair of Syracuse University's magazine, news, and digital journalism department and professor of magazine writing.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Patti Wolter, Northwestern University
11. "The Fact-Checker's Bible: A Guide to Getting It Right" by Sarah Harrison Smith
Whether you're a new writer or a budding journalist, you need "The Fact-Checker's Bible." It's jam-packed with explanations on how to read for accuracy and determine what to check, including quotations, legal liabilities, and plagiarism.
Julia Bloch, the director of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Pennsylvania, recommends this essential tool for the pressing task of fact-checking in a culture overwhelmed by information from different media outlets and sources.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & NobleThe best investigative journalism books
1. "The Investigative Reporter's Handbook: A Guide to Documents, Databases, and Techniques" by Brant Houston
A great resource for both journalism students and seasoned professionals, "The Investigative Reporter's Handbook" explains how to gather sources, track information, and pursue deep dives across a variety of beats. I used this book in my data journalism course and the amount of detail it provides is unparalleled.
Alex Richards, an assistant professor at Syracuse University who teaches reporting, advanced reporting, and social justice data journalism courses, said "it helps students understand what types of documents and data exist within government agencies at all levels, as well as stories that have come from them."
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Megan Craig, Syracuse University
- Julien Gorbach, The University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Donna Shaw, The College of New Jersey
2. "The Art of Access: Strategies for Acquiring Public Records" by David L. Cuillier & Charles N. Davis
According to Richards, "'The Art of Access' helps students understand how to send open records requests efficiently and push back against bureaucrats who would stop a request from being fulfilled."
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & Noble3. "Investigative Reporting: Proven Strategies for Reporting the Story" by William C. Gaines
As used in my investigative journalism course, this text serves as a resourceful primer for learning how to access documents, interview sources, and create a comprehensive report. It also takes you into the mind of a field reporter forming an investigative story, so you can understand the process from beginning to end.
Emilie Lounsberry, my former associate professor at the College of New Jersey, recommends this book to learn how to come up with story ideas and execute them for publication.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & Noble4. "Data for Journalists: A Practical Guide for Computer-Assisted Reporting" by Brant Houston
As one of the clearest, step-by-step manuals in this roundup, "Data for Journalists" is a text every journalist should have on hand for the research process. I used this book in my data journalism course at the College of New Jersey. Donna Shaw, who led the course, said it's engaging and authoritative.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble5. "Numbers in the Newsroom: Using Math and Statistics in News" by Sarah Cohen
This book comes recommended by Joe Weber, an associate journalism professor who teaches graduate writing, financial communications, and entrepreneurial journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
According to Weber, "Numbers in the Newsroom" is great at "covering basic mathematical concepts you will need to develop, report, and write news stories."
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & Noble6. "The Watchdog That Didn't Bark: The Financial Crisis and the Disappearance of Investigative Journalism" by Dean Starkman
In this modern take on investigative journalism, Starkman highlights the role business news has on enterprise-style reporting — an impact leading to a widespread silence on financial crises nationwide.
James Hamilton, a professor at Stanford University, told Insider it's one of his favorite journalism books.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & Noble7. "The Corpse Had a Familiar Face: Covering Miami, America's Hottest Beat" by Edna Buchanan
Edna Buchanan, who covered life and death on Miami streets at "The Miami Herald" for 18 years, explains her experience, struggles, and successes in this book. Jonathan Neal Glass, who teaches digital news and innovation and digital news leadership at Syracuse University, said it's the first book that inspired him to pursue journalism.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & NobleThe best social media and digital journalism books
1. "The Online Journalism Handbook: Skills to Survive and Thrive in the Digital Age" by Paul Bradshaw
For instructions on how to become a successful digital journalist, "The Online Journalism Handbook'' is your toolkit. It provides theories, applications, and tricks for this transformative industry.
Michelle Johnson, an associate professor teaching Introduction to Journalism at Boston University, uses this text to educate her students on the historical perspective of online news development.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & Noble2. "Twitter: Social Communication in the Twitter Age" by Dhiraj Murthy
From processing national elections to natural disasters, Twitter has become a newfound news outlet. Dhiraj Murthy, associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, uses his book about Twitter in his courses.
"It investigates a lot of aspects of the platform covering everything from citizen journalism to Twitter use in disasters reporting, as well as political-related events," said Murthy.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble3. "The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas" by Melanie Deziel
Self-described as "an adaptable and evergreen guide you'll come back to again and again," "The Content Fuel Framework" provides a comprehensive foundation for delivering unique content for the web — including on your social feeds.
Adam Peruta, an associate professor who teaches digital media electives at Syracuse University, loves this book and recommends it to anyone interested in becoming a content creator.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble4. "Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest" by Zeynep Tufekci
"Twitter and Tear Gas" is a firsthand account and analysis of modern protests and their impact on the media. At its core, it explains how social media revolutionized social movements.
"It's an exemplary case study of the possibilities and perils of social media for democratic reform," said Professor Richard R. John, who teaches doctoral candidates at Columbia Journalism School.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble5. "The Digital Reporter's Notebook" by Mark Blaine
Julien Gorbach, who teaches an entry-level course on multimedia journalism at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, uses this text because it's a "barebones, straight-to-the-point field guide that covers the core essentials of storytelling through photojournalism, audio, and video."
Later chapters elaborate on building a beat, using records in reporting, and data journalism, he added.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & Noble6. "Mobile and Social Media Journalism: A Practical Guide" by Anthony Adornato
To best understand audience engagement, social media, and online content distribution, look no further than "Mobile and Social Media Journalism." It's one of the most modern books available.
"It provides lots of useful information about producing journalism in our mobile and social environment," said Brian Ekdale, an associate professor at the University of Iowa who teaches introduction to multimedia storytelling and audio and video production. "It raises the major issues facing contemporary journalists and provides useful strategies for navigating this brave new world."
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & NobleThe best visual journalism and photography books
1. "Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art" by Scott McCloud
Journalism isn't limited to just words — comics are vital for visual storytelling, too. According to Professor Robert Berry, who teaches comics courses at the University of Pennsylvania's Creative Writing Program, "Understanding Comics" is the "perfect primer for seeing how the medium works" and that "no one reads it without having a deeper appreciation for the art."
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble2. "Drawing Words and Writing Pictures: Making Comics, Manga, Graphic Novels, and Beyond" by Jessica Abel & Matt Madden
Barry also recommends "Drawing Words and Writing Pictures," as it's "thorough on materials, techniques, and practices in comics that students can use to build their skills way beyond the classroom." It's also centered on storytelling and explains how the finished comic is produced.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble3. "Visual Communication: Understanding Images in Media Culture" by Giorgia Aiello & Katy Parry
Most forms of journalism use photos or illustrations to supplement written copy, and "Visual Communication" provides an excellent breakdown of how to effectively use imagery in storytelling.
"The authors do a nice job of presenting theory and method understandably, presenting two case studies with each chapter to help show it in action," said Kyser Lough, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia who teaches Media Images (a visual communications research class) and Intro to Photojournalism.
"My students like the case studies because they're real-world examples, and the book even covers advertising, TV, and film images," he added.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & Noble4. "Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching with Visual Materials" by Gillian Rose
"This is the gold standard in understanding the methods of visual research," Lough said. He uses this text to encourage students to brainstorm research topics and execute them according to theory.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble5. "On Being a Photographer: A Practical Guide" by David Hurn & Bill Jay
Though photography requires a lot of direct experience in the field, "On Being a Photographer'' provides some great tips for students to supplement their practice. As Kyser Lough said: "It's full of the good stuff."
Shop at Amazon6. "The Great Picture Hunt 2: The Art and Ethics of Feature Picture Hunting" by Dave LaBelle
As one of Lough's favorite journalism books, "The Great Picture Hunt 2" is fit for an advanced photojournalism course.
"It gets into the process and ethics of making good, impactful feature photographs," he said. "Far too often, we shrug off feature photos as fluffy, feel-good space-fillers when, in reality, they can be some of the most important and meaningful glimpses into the nature of our humanity — and it shows how to move toward making these kinds of images."
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & NobleThe best broadcast journalism books
1. "Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio" by Jessica Abel
For a behind-the-scenes take of popular radio shows like "This American Life," "RadioLab," and "Planet Money," "Out on the Wire" reveals juicy details for producing a successful audio show through comic panels.
"It's a fantastic, illustrated guide to long-form podcasting," said Julien Gorbach, an assistant professor teaching a variety of entry-level and advanced journalism and multimedia courses at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Anne Donohue, Boston University
- Joe Richman, Princeton University
2. "Reality Radio: Telling True Stories in Sound" by John Biewen & Alexa Dilworth
Highlighting radio as a creative expression of journalism, "Reality Radio" touches on several producers and programs to best explain influential audio work. It comprises 19 essays that explain noteworthy contributions in the field through stories and transcripts.
Anne Donohue, an associate professor at Boston University who teaches podcasting, narrative radio, global health storytelling, and newsroom courses, said it's an excellent guide to audio journalism.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Joe Richman, Princeton University
3. "Sound Reporting: The NPR Guide to Audio Journalism and Production" by Jonathan Kern
NPR produces some of the most comprehensive and engaging radio shows and podcasts out there, and its "Sound Reporting" guide is an inside look into its craft.
"It's a great overview of audio storytelling with lots of examples from NPR," said Brian Ekdale, an associate professor at the University of Iowa who teaches introduction to multimedia storytelling and audio and video production. "This book pre-dates the boom in podcasting, but the principles of audio reporting and story construction remain the same." For instance, you'll learn how to record smooth sound and relate to your audience through audio.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Anne Donohue, Boston University
4. "Aim for the Heart: Write, Shoot, and Produce for TV and Multimedia" by Al Tompkins
To learn how to write clear, strong broadcast stories, "Aim for the Heart'' should be the next book on your reading list. It covers who to interview and how to choose the best soundbites, as well as best practices for writing engaging, concise TV copy.
"Tomkins stresses the importance of emotion in writing, sound bite choice, and video gathering," said Ben Bogardus, an assistant professor at Quinnipiac University who teaches storytelling, broadcast news writing, the art of the podcast, and newscast capstone courses. "It's the next step for students to take after they've mastered the basics."
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Joshua Davidsburg, University of Maryland
5. "Write Like You Talk: A Guide to Broadcast Newswriting" by Jeff Butera
"Writing is so fundamental in journalism and this text boils it down to plain language," said Harrison Hove, who teaches broadcast writing, in-depth storytelling, and TV news reporting at the University of Florida.
"The text is easy to understand, features an array of examples, offers practice questions, and helps students find their voice," he added.
Shop at Write Like You Talk6. "Broadcast News Handbook: Writing, Reporting, and Producing in the Age of Social Media" by C.A. Tuggle, Forrest Carr & Suzanne Huffman
Backed by 50 years of combined broadcast news expertise, "Broadcast News Handbook" offers discussions and practical advice for becoming a segment writer and on-air anchor.
Harrison Hove also recommends this text for its detailed explanation of the broadcast journalism industry.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble7. "Air Words: Writing Broadcast News in the Internet Age" by John Hewitt
I used this text in my broadcast journalism course and it provided a great background to drafting scripts and understanding how news packages are developed. Moreover, Melissa McClinton, assistant professor of video production and immersive media at the University of Nevada-Reno, said it's one of her top three journalism books.
Shop at AmazonThe best writing books
1. "On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction" by William Zinsser
Zinsser's highly praised book is an advice-packed hub for anyone interested in writing, well, just about anything.
"This is the writing text students respond to with the most enthusiasm and from which they tell me they learn the most," said Associate Professor Mark Leccese, who uses the book for his feature writing course at Emerson College in Boston.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Mitchell Zuckoff, Boston University
- Meg Kissinger, Columbia University
- Jonathan Weiner, Columbia University
- Dan Kennedy, Northeastern University
- Adam Perenberg, New York University
- Karen Springen, Northwestern University
- Patti Wolter, Northwestern University
2. "The Associated Press Stylebook"
As a journalism student, I can attest the "AP Stylebook" is the writer's bible. You'll find best practices for everything from using affect versus effect (a struggle for many) to referencing sensitive topics like mental health and war outbreaks.
"It provides order in a chaotic world," said Aileen Gallagher, an associate professor at Syracuse University who teaches reporting and cross-media news writing. "If you don't have the luxury of an editor, it's at least a reliable resource. In class, it's a reference book that's also a discussion starter to understand the reasoning behind language and style changes."
Additionally, Greg Munno at Syracuse University recommended the "Briefing on Media Law" version, too.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Elena Romero, Fashion Institute of Technology
- Joseph Weber, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Andy Bechtel, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Patti Wolter, Northwestern University
- Melissa Chessher, Syracuse University
- Megan Craig, Syracuse University
3. "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White
"The Elements of Style" provides a crash course on writing skills, particularly how to use clear language to engage the reader.
"Strunk and White, of course, is the last word on writing English prose," said Christopher B. Daly, who teaches news reporting and the history of journalism at Boston University. "It's all in there — after that, it's all execution."
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Mark Stencel, Duke University
- Emilie Lounsberry, The College of New Jersey
- Karen Springen, Northwestern University
- Patti Wolter, Northwestern University
- Julia Bloch, University of Pennsylvania
4. "Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer" by Roy Peter Clark
"Writing Tools" covers 55 tips — from mixing narrative modes to names to varying paragraph length — in an all-in-one toolbox every writer needs in their arsenal. In fact, I ended up purchasing it after many professors recommended the resource.
"If you go straight from Strunk and White's 'The Elements of Style' to this one, you will omit needless lessons," said Mark Stencel, an adjunct instructor at Duke University who teaches news writing and reporting, fact-checking, and watchdog reporting in American politics.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Anne Donohue, Boston University
- Ellen Shearer, Northwestern University
- Harriet Brown, Syracuse University
5. "Telling True Stories: A Nonfiction Writers' Guide from the Nieman Foundation at Harvard University" by Mark Kramer
"Telling True Stories" is a recollection of anecdotes from distinguished writers who gather each year at Harvard's Nieman Conference on Narrative Journalism.
"There are so many short pieces by amazing journalists and writers in this book, telling us why their work is important and how they do it," said Ellen Meacham, who teaches introduction to multimedia writing at the University of Mississippi. It helps her students curate headlines, inverted-pyramid-style stories, and simple broadcast stories for radio and television.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Jonathan Weiner, Columbia University
- Patti Wolter, Northwestern University
6. "Storycraft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction" by Jack Hart
For everything story structure, point of view, and revising for publication, "Storycraft" is truly a comprehensive guide on the craft.
Brett Oppegaard, an associate professor and journalism undergraduate chair at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, said it's his favorite book on writing, by far. "I collected bits of wisdom about writing for decades and, when I first found this book, I just picked up that file of mine and tossed it in the garbage because Hart covered everything important that I had gathered — plus so much more," he said.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Adrianne Flynn, University of Maryland
- Julien Gorbach, University of Hawaii at Manoa
7. "A Writer's Coach: An Editor's Guide to Words that Work" by Jack Hart
"A Writer's Coach" is a dictionary with a twist. Inside, you'll find tips on how to polish your writing and the advice author Jack Hart used to coach Pulitzer Prize-winning writers.
According to Adrianne Flynn, a senior lecturer at the University of Maryland, "The two Hart books [the other: "Storycraft"] are the best I've seen at teaching, with simple language, great examples, and how to report, organize and write everything from simple to complex news or feature stories." The book is a resource to her students for writing about government, breaking news, and education, among other beats.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Patti Wolter, Northwestern University
8. "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King
Stephen King, known for his hefty page-turners, dishes out the tricks of the trade in his first-part memoir, second-part master class: "On Writing"
"The second half of 'On Writing' is a marvelous primer of journalism," said Eric Grode, an assistant professor of magazine, news, and digital journalism and director of Syracuse University's Goldring Arts Journalism. Grode considers this one of the top writing books of all time.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Karen Springen, Northwestern University
9. "The Chicago Guide to Fact-Checking" by Brooke Borel
To improve the editing and revision process, "The Chicago Guide to Fact-Checking" is here to help. Julia Bloch, the director of the University of Pennsylvania's Creative Writing Program, recommends this book for students who want to fine-tune their writing across a variety of mediums.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Patti Wolter, Northwestern University
10. "Write Choices: Elements of Nonfiction Storytelling" by Sue Hertz
"Write Choices" is an all-encompassing book that dives into common stylistic choices all writers encounter. You'll find strategies for writing memoirs, literary works, travel essays, and more.
"I use this in an intermediate reporting workshop that's offered in the graduate and undergraduate level," said Meg Heckman, an assistant professor of journalism at Northeastern University.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & NobleThe best grammar books
1. "The Glamour of Grammar: A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English" by Roy Peter Clark
Yes, grammar can be glamorous (at least in the minds of readers). "The Glamour of Grammar" is a contemporary guide on different types of speech, why concrete words and action verbs are preferred, and how to replace stuffy language for an engaging tone.
"It's an invaluable guide to narrative akin to the Strunk and White classic for prose, 'The Elements of Style,' said Assistant Professor Julien Gorbach, who teaches news literacy at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Other professors who also recommended the book:
- Brett Oppegaard, The University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Patti Wolter, Northwestern University
2. "Words on Words" by John M. Bremner
For a simple take on writing and style, "Words on Words" is filled with practical facts. "The book started my love affair with the English language," said Kelly Furnas, a journalism lecturer at Elon University. "Bremner was probably the most remarkable newsroom editor and grammar educator of all time, and this book taught me to appreciate the quirks and logic of this 'beautiful, bastard language' of ours."
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble3. "The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition"
For best practices on citing sources and word usage, "The Chicago Manual of Style" is often used by Julia Bloch, the director of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Pennsylvania, along with "The Chicago Guide to Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation."
"We read from texts that range from how-to manuals to reflections on the profession itself, so that students can come away with both concrete skills and knowledge of the field of journalism and editing," she said.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble4. The Copyeditor's Handbook and Workbook: The Complete Set"
For a more hands-on style guide, "The Copyeditor's Handbook and Workbook" is a two-in-one-set that Bloch also recommends, as it comes with both a manual and some do-it-yourself exercises.
Inside, you'll find 21st-century adaptations for preparing text for digital formats, addressing global audiences, and complying with plain language mandates.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble5. "Developmental Editing: A Handbook for Freelancers, Authors, and Publishers" by Scott Norton
If creative nonfiction writing is your new passion project, or you simply want to get better at copyediting, "Developmental Editing" is a must-read. Bloch enjoys this book as it goes in-depth with the perspectives of different authors, editors, and publishers.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble6. "Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation" by Lynne Truss
I read this book in my high school's AP English course and enjoy its playful take on the necessity of punctuation and its use in your particular type of writing. Donna Shaw, an associate professor of journalism and professional writing at The College of New Jersey, said this was one of her favorite writing books, too.
Shop at Amazon Shop at Barnes & Noble7. "Watch Your Words: A Writing and Editing Handbook for the Multimedia Age" by Marda Dunsky
"Watch Your Words" is great for the classroom and newsroom alike and incorporates tips on mastering the English language amid the digital era.
"It presents grammar, punctuation, usage, and AP style-focused specifically for journalists," said Professor Ellen Meacham, who teaches multimedia writing at the University of Mississippi. "It's a slim volume with no fluff, has practice exercises for students, and is a great way to refresh (or teach) some important skills."
Shop at Amazon Shop at Bookshop Shop at Barnes & Noble Victoria Giardina Buying Guides Fellow, Insider Reviews Victoria is the Buying Guides Fellow working across all verticals on the Insider Reviews team. With a strong interest specifically in beauty, health, and lifestyle-related content, she is passionate about service journalism — a sector encouraging her to be both strategic and creative in the editorial industry. Finding the best of the best products to share with consumers — from drugstore eyeliners to podcasting microphones — is what brings her joy. Before joining Business Insider, Victoria held editorial internships at "The Dr. Oz Show," WebMD/Medscape, and CNN. She is currently a senior at The College of New Jersey majoring in journalism and professional writing. For all of her reporting pieces, visit her digital portfolio. Connect with Victoria on Instagram and Twitter. To say hello or send a media inquiry, contact vgiardina@businessinsider.com. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnnJqus7rIp55ompWowW62zq6pp5mcnsCuedaroK2hnpx6o7vOpKo%3D