 (A guest column by literary agent (and author) Mike Nappa of Nappaland Literary.) You want to write professionally? Then study the craft of writing. Here are a few places to start:  Telling Lies for Fun and Profit: A Manual for Fiction Writers This classic (and often funny) textbook from acclaimed mystery author, Lawrence Block, stands alone in its accuracy and accessibility. Chapters like “How to Read Like a Writer,” “First Things Second,” and “Don’t Take the D Train” will actually make you better at this whole author thing—whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction. Hey, there’s a reason this book has lasted 30 years. If you follow the good Mr. Block’s generous advice, your manuscript will leap out of the slush pile at my literary agency—and onto editors’ desks everywhere. Highly recommended.  The Book on Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well Ever wish a wise editor would be your own personal mentor? Well, Paula LaRocque’s book is the next best thing. Her step-by-step advice is right on target—clear, concise, and compelling (just like your writing should be). LaRocque is startlingly insightful on topics like content structure, archetypes, metaphors, word-sound impact, and more. This book will turn you into a craftsman with the English language. It’s a bargain at any price.  Madeleine L’Engle Herself : Reflections on a Writing Life After Block and LaRocque have helped you become a strong technician with words, literary goddess Madeleine L’Engle will help you become an artist. Written in short, almost devotional segments, Ms. L’Engle’s deep revelations into writer/artist heart, inspiration, style, process, and story will change your soul. It’ll keep you thinking—and writing—long after you’ve reached the last page.  Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself Into Print If you come to me claiming to be a novelist, but you haven’t read Renni Browne and Dave King’ book, I simply don’t believe you are what you claim to be. An aspiring fiction author who hasn’t read THE foundational writing book? Please. That’s like a rodeo cowboy who’s never ridden a horse. In here are all the practical tools you need to write novels people will actually want to read. Browne and King’s easy-to-follow, ready-to-apply exposition on basic concepts like “show, don’t tell,” point of view, story beats, and dialogue are simply essential to your success.  During a short-lived career as a college English teacher, I once thought my students needed Laurie Kirszner and Stephen Mandell’s book, but I didn’t. Then I read The Concise Wadsworth Handbook. Wow, I had no idea all that I didn’t know! Truth is, basic grammar and sentence construction are foreign languages to most aspiring writers. Be assured that arrogant publishing professionals like me notice when you suck at those basics. So do yourself a favor: Keep this concise reference next to your computer, on the back of your toilet, and anyplace else you can refer to it often. You’ll be glad you did. Bonus Recommendations (for overachievers): • 77 Reasons Why Your Book Was Rejected: And How to Be Sure It Won't Happen Again • The Copyright Handbook • On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft • The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing: Brief Edition  MIKE NAPPA is an award-winning theologian, as well as a bestselling and award-winning author. His highlight reel includes VeggieTales comics, the bestselling Coffey and Hill series of suspense novels (endorsed by the legendary Lois Duncan!), and the bestselling devotional book, Reflections for the Grieving Soul. He writes “coffee-shop theology” books, children's books, and lots of articles on random topics such as pop culture, grief, data intelligence, biblical studies, the publishing industry, and pretty much anything he finds interesting at the moment. Mike is proud to be a person of color (Arab-American) active in the publishing industry. Plus, he once met Stan Lee for 45 seconds, so you know, he's got that going for him too.  This post was complied by Brandy Vallance, a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency, an award-winning author, and a Story Consultant for Writing Day Workshops. Brandy is the winner of two national writing awards, one of which included a $20,000 prize. Her novel, THE COVERED DEEP, has been featured in USA Today & Writer’s Digest. WITHIN THE VEIL has been called “passionate and riveting” and Publisher’s Weekly encourages those who like sweeping Scottish sagas to dive in because “the journey is wonderful.” Brandy loves helping writers break the chains of fear and self-doubt. You can find out more at brandyvallance.com.  Pitch Agents at a Writers Conference in 2026:
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