One of my favorite craft books of all time is Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas (also fabulous and a worthy investment is its companion book, The Breakout Novelist). Also, check out all the Save the Cat books for plot guidance. I think everyone should take a look at screenwriting books, like the Screenwriter’s Bible by David Trottier, as that will help you better understand basic story structure which, as you get more experience, you can alter with forethought. (Though keep in mind that writing a book is more loosey-goosey and character driven than shorter-format screenplays.) The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler is a particularly valuable read if you are writing a quest type adventure book. Don’t miss Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by Browne and King to avoid unprofessional, typo-ridden end products that will turn an agent off before they get very far. On Writing: A Memoir of Craft, by Stephen King, is both entertaining and interesting and an important read for all writers. For me, I never stop learning for craft books. I am about to read: Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets A Novelist Can Learn From Actors by Brandilyn Collins.
