On Writing by Stephen King
Inspiring and full of good advice – worth buying

From Pitch to Publication by Carole Blake
Invaluable guide to getting published from an experience agent – well worth buying

The Right to Write by Julia Cameron
One of the best books about being a writer and living a writer’s life I’ve ever found.Direct and truthful, this is a book I come back to over and over again if I’m in need of a little writerly pick me up.

Write Away by Elizabeth George
Excellent if you want to write crime

See Jane Write by Sarah Mlynowski and Farrin Jacobs
Tips on writing fiction for a female audience – American book

Writing for Success by Patricia O’Reilly
Sensible advice with a useful Irish slant

The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers by Betsy Lerner (American)
A fascinating book described as ‘a riveting safari through the wilds of a writer’s brain.’ Ever wondered what exactly editors think about when faced with a manuscript, then this is the book for you!

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
More memoir than writing guide, but very entertaining

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
How to ‘free the writer within’

Books On Writing for Children

Children’s Writers and Artist’s Yearbook
Comes out every year and contains essays and advice from bestselling authors like J K Rowling and Eoin Colfer. Very useful!

Juicy Writing by Brigid Lowry
Exercises and practical advice on writing – written for teens but great for all ages!

The ‘Ultimate’ Guides to Children’s Books – First, Age 8 to 12, and Teen – depending on what age your are most interested in.
Highly valuable guides – packed with info on a wide range of children’s books – mostly UK but Irish, and world also. Well worth investing in.

Writing for Children by Pamela Cleaver – one of the best practical books I’ve seen recently