20 Best Reference Books For Writers

Are you looking for the best reference books for writers? If so, you're not alone. Thousands of people turn to the internet each day to find books that they can purchase and have delivered right to their doorsteps.

The good news is that there are a number of great reference books for writers. The bad news is that with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start.

To help you make the best decision, we've compiled a list of some of the best-selling reference books for writers:

SaleBestseller No. 1
Roget's Thesaurus of Words for Writers: Over 2,300 Emotive, Evocative, Descriptive Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms Every Writer Should Know
  • Olsen, David (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 448 Pages - 01/01/2014 (Publication Date) - Adams Media (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 2
The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression (Second Edition) (Writers Helping Writers Series)
  • Puglisi, Becca (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 306 Pages - 02/14/2019 (Publication Date) - JADD Publishing (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 3
Romance, Emotion, and Erotica Writers' Phrase Book: Essential Reference and Thesaurus for Authors of All Romantic Fiction, including Contemporary, Historical, ... and Suspense (Writers' Phrase Books Book 7)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Chase, Jackson Dean (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 164 Pages - 07/16/2016 (Publication Date) - Jackson Dean Chase, Inc. (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 4
The Writer's Practice: Building Confidence in Your Nonfiction Writing
  • Warner, John (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 256 Pages - 02/05/2019 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 5
Writers' Handbook 2023
  • Dyson, J. Paul (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 414 Pages - 08/26/2022 (Publication Date) - JP&A Dyson (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 6
The Writer's Guide to Weapons: A Practical Reference for Using Firearms and Knives in Fiction
  • Sobieck, Benjamin (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 288 Pages - 07/09/2015 (Publication Date) - Writer's Digest Books (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 7
The Emotional Wound Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Psychological Trauma (Writers Helping Writers Series Book 6)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Puglisi, Becca (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 606 Pages - 10/18/2017 (Publication Date) - JADD Publishing (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 8
The Writer's Idea Book 10th Anniversary Edition: How to Develop Great Ideas for Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Screenplays
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Heffron, Jack (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 356 Pages - 12/15/2011 (Publication Date) - Writer's Digest Books (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 9
A Writer's Reference
  • Hacker, Diana (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 560 Pages - 09/10/2020 (Publication Date) - Bedford/St. Martin's (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 10
Horror Writers' Phrase Book: Essential Reference for All Authors of Horror, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Thrillers & Urban Fantasy (Writers' Phrase Books Book 1)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Chase, Jackson Dean (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 168 Pages - 02/27/2015 (Publication Date) - Jackson Dean Chase, Inc. (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 11
The McGraw-Hill Desk Reference for Editors, Writers, and Proofreaders (with CD-ROM)
  • Sullivan, K. D. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 304 Pages - 07/13/2006 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 12
Romance Writer's Phrase Book: The Essential Source Book for Every Romantic Novelist
  • Jean Kent (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 144 Pages - 03/21/1984 (Publication Date) - TarcherPerigee (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 13
The Linchpin Writer: Crafting Your Novel's Key Moments
  • Fox, John Matthew (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 190 Pages - 10/25/2022 (Publication Date) - Bookfox Press (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 14
The Story Book: A writers' guide to story development, principles, problem solving and marketing (The Story Series)
  • Baboulene, Dr David L (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 254 Pages - 07/13/2010 (Publication Date) - Dreamengine Media Ltd. (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 15
Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference
  • Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference
  • Writer's Digest Books
  • ABIS BOOK
  • Writers Digest, Writers (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Bestseller No. 16
Nail Your Novel - Why Writers Abandon Books and How You Can Draft, Fix and Finish With Confidence
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Morris, Roz (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 184 Pages - 01/07/2014 (Publication Date) - MaxtrvNewcos (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 17
A Writer's Reference
  • A Writer's Reference
  • ABIS BOOK
  • Bedford/St. Martin's
  • Hacker, Diana (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Bestseller No. 18
The Psychology Workbook for Writers: Tools for Creating Realistic Characters and Conflict in Fiction
  • Smith, Darian (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 90 Pages - 08/17/2015 (Publication Date) - Wooden Tiger Press (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 19
The Writer's Guide to Psychology: How to Write Accurately about Psychological Disorders, Clinical Treatment and Human Behavior
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Kaufman, Carolyn (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 250 Pages - 12/01/2010 (Publication Date) - Quill Driver Books (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 20
Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle
  • GENTLE NON-ABRASIVE LEAVE-ON EXFOLIATOR: with 2% BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) to unclog & diminish enlarged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles & brighten & even out skin tone. Combats redness, wrinkles, aging, enlarged pores, & blackheads. PACKAGING MAY VARY.
  • Dramatically improves skin's texture for radiant youthful even-toned skin. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores.
  • HYDRATE, BRIGHTEN & SMOOTH FINE LINES: Our unique, non-abrasive, leave-on exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even tone, plus it visibly reduces fine lines & wrinkles.
  • Paula's Choice facial exfoliants are gentler on delicate skin of the face & neck than an abrasive face scrub, which can cause micro-tears. A BHA leave-on exfoliator delivers hydration & can exfoliate directly inside the pore & improve how the pore works.
  • Look to Paula's Choice for highly effective skin care solutions for the face & body. Our full line of facial cleansers, exfoliators, toners, moisturizers, serums, eye creams, facial masks, sunscreens, body washes & more are made to care for every kind of skin.

If you love to read, there's nothing better than finding to buy new reference books for writers in your collection. But with so many options available, how do you know which ones are worth your time and money?

Here are a few tips to help you to buy the best reference books for writers online:

  1. Check out online reviews. With so many different opinions out there, it can be tough to know which books are actually worth reading. Checking out online reviews from trusted sources can help you narrow down your options.
  2. Consider the price. It's important to find books that fit your budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options available at a variety of price points.
  3. Look for deals and discounts. Many online retailers offer discounts on certain reference books for writers, so it's worth checking around to see if you can snag a good deal.
  4. Consider the author's reputation. If you're familiar with an author's other work and liked it, there's a good chance you'll enjoy their new book.
  5. Go beyond the bestsellers. Bestselling reference books for writers are often popular for a reason, but don't be afraid to explore other titles that may not be as well-known. You might be surprised at what you find!
  6. Make sure you check the shipping policy before you buy anything. Many online retailers offer free shipping, but sometimes it comes with a catch - like a minimum order amount.
  7. If you're not sure about a store's return policy, give them a call or send them an email to ask. Most online stores will allow you to return items within a certain time frame, but some have stricter policies than others.
  8. Be sure to choose a store that accepts the payment method you're most comfortable with. Some stores only accept credit cards, while others accept other forms of payment.
  9. Trust your gut. Ultimately, you should choose the book that feels right for you. If something doesn't feel quite right, don't force yourself to read it. There are plenty of other great books out there!
  10. Take your time. There's no rush when it comes to finding new reference books for writers to read. So, take your time browsing, and don't feel like you need to make a purchase right away.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to find the best reference books for writers. Happy reading!