5 Books That Will Transform Your Blogging Writing

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please visit our Disclaimer Page.

Introduction to Top Writing Books for Bloggers

Hello, bloggers and aspiring writers! Today, I’m thrilled to share the top five writing books for bloggers. These resources can truly transform your writing and make your blogging journey rewarding.

Remember, no one is born a writer; it’s a skill developed through practice, focus, and learning. Writing for blogs requires a distinctive touch, and these carefully chosen books can provide just that. They help you master blending information with entertainment in your unique voice.

Let’s save you the time of sifting through countless books. Here are the top five writing books for bloggers that cover everything you need to know about writing compelling content for your blog. So, let’s jump in and explore these essential writing tools together.

Book 1: “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley

Ann Handley‘s Everybody Writes is the holy grail for aspiring writers. Her message that writing is a learnable skill – not some magical inborn talent – hits the nail on the head.
Handley’s approach can transform anyone into a skilled, compelling writer. The way she breaks down key strategies for improving your craft is brilliant.

For me, the section on voice and storytelling is pure gold. Her advice for connecting with readers through vivid stories instead of just stating facts is a total game-changer.

I was skeptical about the grammar chapter, but Handley surprised me by making technical topics engaging. And I can’t praise enough her razor-sharp insights on publishing – they’re an absolute must-read for optimizing your written gems.

Everybody Writes should be required reading for every writer. Handley’s wisdom, warmth, and humor shine through on every page. She equips you with rock-solid writing skills and inspires you to have confidence in your voice. This book hits the sweet spot for writers ready to take their work to the next level. Ann Handley is simply one of the best writing mentors out there.

Key Takeaways

• Ann Handley empowers readers to view writing as a learnable skill, not a magical inborn talent. Her book provides practical strategies to improve your craft through regular practice.
• Handley convinces readers that writing excellence is achievable for anyone willing to do the work by breaking the writing process into manageable steps.
• Handley stresses the importance of finding your unique writing voice. Her exercises for understanding your perspective and strengths help writers authentically connect with readers.

Book 2: “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon‘s “Steal Like an Artist” is a must-read manifesto for empowering creativity. His core message that real innovation comes from embracing influence resonates deeply with me. I wholeheartedly believe nothing is 100% original – true creativity blends existing ideas into new permutations. Kleon’s advice to begin creating before you’re ready is right on the money. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions that may never come. Just start!

Personally, I find Kleon’s viewpoint on “imposter syndrome” extremely liberating. Embracing imperfections as the gateway to authenticity is so spot-on. Kleon’s words are comforting and motivating for someone who has struggled with self-doubt. I also love how Kleon distinguishes stealing from mindless plagiarism. Remixing and recontextualizing work you admire takes true skill. Just slapping your name on something copied exactly is artistically bankrupt.

For any creative person, Kleon’s tips to simplify, write things down, and persevere through projects are invaluable. His advice to live your art and run the business you want rings so true. Why waste time on work you don’t believe in? Kleon simultaneously celebrates the creative spirit while offering tactical ways to nurture it. A swift read, but I found myself underlining passage after passage. Austin Kleon is now one of my creative gurus – right up there with Seth Godin and Elizabeth Gilbert. I can’t recommend his book strongly enough!

Key Takeaways

• Austin Kleon proves that gathering inspiration openly can unlock new creative potential. His book empowers you to view nothing as completely original and make ideas your own.
• Kleon convinces you not to wait for the perfect moment to create. Just begin transforming influences into your work – that’s how you find your artistic voice.
• By advising readers to creatively “steal” from many sources, Kleon shows how curating and repurposing influences fosters artistic innovation. Mindless plagiarism misses the point.

Book 3: “Content Rules” by Ann Handley & C.C. Chapman

The authors are totally on point – quality engagement always trumps spammy volume. I couldn’t agree more with their emphasis on truly knowing your audience and using that insight to craft resonating content. Too many brands blast irrelevant content and wonder why it flops.

Personally, I think the book’s advice on storytelling is invaluable. Weaving in stories activates emotions and forges connections. I know from experience how powerful that is in hooking an audience. Facts inform, but stories are what people remember. Content Rules has deeply shaped my own approach to story-driven content that grabs attention.

Diversifying distribution across platforms makes perfect sense too. Adapt your content to multiple formats and networks to maximize reach. I’m always encouraging colleagues to expand beyond just blogging or just Twitter. Spread your content far and wide!

Of all the golden nuggets, the quote about measuring what matters hit home for me. Don’t fall into the vanity metric trap – ensure your stats align with business goals. Such a critical point that I wish more companies would take seriously.

Key Takeaways

• Ann Handley makes grammar, writing, and content creation entertaining and engaging with her fun, memorable approach. The book proves these topics can be interesting.
• The book provides expert guidance on creating compelling content for the 17 most common marketing formats, from social media posts to newsletters. Invaluable for any marketer.
• Content Rules reveals journalism techniques to help build audience trust through factual, ethical content. This establishes brand credibility.

Book 4: “How to Write Copy That Sells” by Ray Edwards

I believe Ray Edwards‘ book “How to Write Copy That Sells” is the holy grail for crafting killer copy that converts. His PASTOR framework epitomizes everything I believe makes effective sales messaging. Walking through understanding the target audience, amplifying their problem, presenting the solution, proof it works, creating an irresistible offer, and prompting action – it’s a perfect recipe for success.

Things like social proof and clear CTAs seem obvious but are so foundational. I couldn’t agree more with focusing on transformations over stuff – people buy outcomes. Edwards’ wisdom has shaped my entire mindset around truly resonant copy.

I love how Edwards practices what he preaches by filling his book with compelling examples. His sample weight loss PASTOR copy is a brilliant demonstration of how following this framework translates theory into persuasive sales copy tailored to the reader.

In my experience, Edwards’ system truly works. His book has become my copywriting bible – I constantly refer to it before creating high-stakes content. Edwards’ decades of expertise condensed into an easy-to-apply guide is a gift.

Key Takeaways

• The PASTOR framework provides a proven structure for writing compelling sales copy that converts readers into buyers. Following this outline helps create copy that truly resonates with the target audience.
• Effective copywriting techniques like attention-grabbing headlines, social proof, risk reversal offers, and clear CTAs are essential for persuasive messaging.
• Ray Edwards condenses decades of copywriting expertise into an accessible guide for writing high-converting copy using his PASTOR formula and techniques. The book enables strengthening persuasive messaging abilities.

Book 5: “Made to Stick” by Dan & Chip Heath

In my view, Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath is the holy grail for crafting ideas that stick. Their SUCCES checklist perfectly captures the principles that make ideas irresistible and unforgettable.

I couldn’t agree more with the Heaths that simplicity and unexpectedness are key – if your idea isn’t concise and unexpected, good luck getting anyone’s attention! I also love their emphasis on the power of stories. Stats don’t change minds, but stories stir emotions in a way that compels people to act.

Personally, I think Made to Stick should be required reading for marketers, educators, entrepreneurs… anyone who needs to pitch ideas effectively. I believe the Heaths’ insights are universally applicable. Their case studies of campaigns that got it right are brilliant and inspiring.

While some dismiss the SUCCES principles as manipulative, I see tremendous value in understanding what makes ideas stick so you can educate and inspire audiences authentically. This book is a game changer if you care about making a difference.

Key Takeaways

• Sticky ideas resonate with people by adhering to principles like simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, emotion, and good storytelling.
• The Heath brothers provide a practical SUCCES checklist to craft memorable ideas by incorporating simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, emotion, and stories.
• Made to Stick offers real-world examples of applying the SUCCES principles to create compelling ideas that grab attention, inspire action, and stick in people’s minds.