A useful basic reference for all kinds of writing, written by a fiction author who has written several books on the craft of writing. Divided into two parts, the first concerns spelling, punctuation, grammar, style and common pitfalls that writers fall into. The second part is about getting into print and the publishing process.

It's on my bookshelf but I don't remember reading it. Flicking through, it covers everything I'd want from a book on screenwriting - formatting the script, premise, characterisation, structure, dialogue and pitching. Plus a few other crucial topics. Maybe I'll read it and dust off a few screenplay ideas.

Written by a literary agent who is also an author. The breakout novel is the one that finds exponential commercial success. The author attempts to define why that is and how to do it. The short version is, that while there are things that can be done to make a story better, there is no guarantee and no easy formula. However, for those seeking their fortune from writing, there are some useful gems here - each drawn from the works of popular contemporary authors.

This is actually three books in one. It is a big fat paperback printed on cheap paper so you might want to try and pick up a new copy rather than one that's gone all yellow round the edges. The three books are Plot, Characters & Viewpoint and Dialogue - each written by a different author. The title is slightly deceptive. It doesn't really cover how to write a best seller. It is more about writing well. The books will make you review and see flaws in your own work. For an inexperienced author, or a student on a creative writing course, this is essential reading. Inspiring and disheartening in equal measure.

This is a text book for students of school age and has stood the test of time. It is full of exercises and examples to give a thorough understanding of how to use words and construct sentences. If you are thinking about writing, but aren't sure your English is up to scratch, this might be a useful purchase.

I've had a copy of this since the mid-eighties but punctuation trends don't change much so it is still good. The big advantage here is the small number of pages with one topic to a page. That makes it very quick to find the subject and each one has clear examples and pictures that help you remember rules.

As above but covering the subject of grammar. Grammar is a bit more contentious than punctuation but this book gives sensible advice pointing out best practice without being rigid. Usborne now sell Usborne Guide to Better English: Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation that covers spelling as well. I suspect it contains the same content but I've not seen it close up so I can't say it would be a better buy.

Very readable practical tips. Some useful stuff on creating characters and building on ideas. Has a long section on dialogue.

Celia Brayfield is a British author who had written a couple of blockbuster chick-lit novels when she wrote this manual. I didn't find this as readable as I find other writing manuals. The book does contain good sections on defining the protagonist and theme. There is also a good section on planning and the book covers the motivation of the author and what to expect or not to expect on publication.

Useful advice for breaking into the women's magazine story market. The author has written several writing manuals but this is the only one I've read. This market has probably changed radically in the fifteen years since publication so you might want to get one of her more recent books if it looks like it covers the right ground.

A Writers Digest book written by a prolific fiction author. I think it is an American publication and may be scarce in the UK. I thought this book was excellent. It has good sections on plot construction, revision and writing for a genre - 'literary novels are often genre novels'. I also enjoyed the chapter on the study of fiction.

Excellent on checklists and useful as an essential reminder. Once the writing is done it is vital to go back and look for errors, omissions and structural flaws. This book will help find them. It contains an insight into 'show don't tell' that I have not seen in other manuals.