If you’re looking to improve your academic writing, there’s a wealth of advice out there. But with so many books on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are worth your time. In this post, I’ll share six writing advice books that have had a lasting impact on my writing and that I often recommend to my coaching clients.
1. On Writing by Stephen King
Stephen King’s On Writing is a must-read for anyone serious about writing. Although it’s aimed at novelists, the lessons King shares are universal. His key advice? Close the door. This means carving out uninterrupted time for your writing, away from distractions. King’s routine, writing in the morning without fail- can be adapted to any writer's schedule, even if you’re balancing research with teaching. His focus on consistency and shutting out the world is crucial for producing quality work.
2. How to Write a Lot by Paul Silvia
If you’re struggling to stay productive, How to Write a Lot is your solution. Paul Silvia’s no-nonsense approach tackles the mental blocks that prevent writers from getting their words down. The book helps you address the excuses you make and focuses on the psychological barriers that slow you down. Silvia breaks down the habits of productive writers and offers practical advice to get you into the habit of writing consistently.
While Silvia recommends tracking word count, I’m less keen on that method but still find his psychological insights invaluable for overcoming procrastination.
3. Deep Work by Cal Newport
Cal Newport’s Deep Work offers an essential framework for focused writing. Newport distinguishes between shallow work—like answering emails—and deep work, which requires intense concentration. For academic writers, research and writing should be your deep work, where you dedicate all your mental energy. Newport stresses that creating boundaries around your time and focusing solely on high-value tasks is the key to productivity. This approach is incredibly useful for balancing the demands of academia, where distractions are constant.
4. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is a classic, full of both humour and real-world writing advice. Lamott’s most famous concept is the shitty first draft—the idea that you need to get your ideas down on paper, even if they’re not perfect. This book encourages writers to let go of perfectionism and embrace the messiness of the writing process. The key takeaway? You can’t improve what’s not written, so get your thoughts on paper first, and then revise.
5. Write No Matter What by Jolie Jensen
Jolie Jensen’s Write No Matter What is a valuable resource for those who struggle with motivation. Jensen explores the stories we tell ourselves about why we can’t write, from imposter syndrome to life distractions. Her advice is simple: write every day. Whether it’s a rough draft or a final piece, consistency is key. This book resonated with me during a period when I had fallen out of the habit of writing. It’s a powerful reminder that success in writing is about showing up every day, no matter what else is happening.
6. Still Writing by Dani Shapiro
Dani Shapiro’s Still Writing is a beautifully written book that explores creativity and the writing life. While not an academic writing book per se, Shapiro’s insights into the writing process and maintaining a writing habit are invaluable. She talks about how life’s interruptions can derail your writing routine, but with a good habit, you can return to your work, no matter what life throws at you. This book has been a recent addition to my recommended reading list, offering both inspiration and practical advice for sustaining your writing practice.
Conclusion
These six books offer a wealth of advice for improving your academic writing. While each of these authors comes from a different background, fiction writing, psychology, productivity; they all offer valuable lessons that can help you overcome procrastination, write with confidence, and develop a consistent writing habit.
Remember, you don’t have to follow every piece of advice in these books, but they can provide the tools and perspectives needed to improve your writing. Whether you’re struggling to start or facing writer’s block, these books will help you make progress.
Start today by reading one of these books and applying the advice to your writing practice. Writing success is built on consistency and confidence; both of which these books can help you cultivate.