3 Books That Are Guaranteed to Make You a Better Blogger

With all of the technical and marketing information that is constantly being written on the subject of blogging, it’s easy to forget one simple fact:  Blogging is writing.  As a general rule, good bloggers are good writers.  They are able to communicate concisely and effectively.

There are a few bloggers who are doing okay even though they have poor writing skills.  But these blogs are successful in spite of their shoddy writing, not because of it.

With better writing, these blogs would be even more successful.  They are not reaching their full potential.

Regardless of your current skill level, learning to write better will make you a better blogger.  The good news is that good writing is a skill that can be learned.  With consistent practice, anyone can become a better writer.  And you don’t need an advanced degree to do it.  You simply need to learn and apply some basic skills.

If you are willing to put in the time to become a better writer, good books on writing provide the most return for your effort.  A good book on writing will help you identify the flaws in your own writing.  It will also help you to recognize the techniques that good writers use to master their craft.

An Easy Plan For Becoming a Better Writer (and Blogger)

To become a better writer, map out a one-year plan. Plan to read one book on writing during each quarter.  I recommend reading these three books every year:

1. Writing With Style (Trimble) – Writing with Style succeeds in its goal to be a “short, fun, and genuinely useful” writing guide.  The book takes the mystique out of good writing and shows you what makes the best writing work.  It also gives step-by-step instructions for developing a consistent writing style.
2. The Elements of Style (White and Strunk)  – The Elements of Style is the one must-have book on this list.  Anyone who reads this book can quickly improve their writing.  The book itself is a masterpiece of clear prose.  It teaches you how to master basic usage and composition and gives solid guidelines on how to develop your own writing style.  This one little book is the best purchase you can make if you want to become a better writer.
3. On Writing Well (Zinsser) –  On Writing Well is a practical guide to nonfiction writing, written by a master of the craft.  It gives you the basic principles, methods, and attitudes required of any good writer.  It also gives specific instruction about various genres, such as travel writing, business writing, technology, and science.

If you read each of these books during the first three quarters of the year, you will be head and shoulders above other bloggers.  For the fourth quarter, choose another book on writing that will help you improve in a specific area.  For example, if you are having trouble with proofreading, find a book on editing.  If you want to write more persuasively, read a book on what makes for a persuasive argument.

Following this plan only takes several minutes a day, but it is the single best thing that you can do to become a better blogger.  Your writing will grow stronger each year, guaranteed.