The publishing industry is a fascinating one. These are some of the many books available about writing, editing and publishing.
They should be available through your local bookshop and library.
The Writers' and Artists' Year Book
Published by A&C Black
This is an industry classic - updated annually and packed with information about the world of publishing, with practical information, references, guidance and advice.
Children's Writers' and Artists' Yearbook
Published by A&C Black
This duplicates some of the information of the previous Yearbook, but adds essays and information by well-known children's writers and publishers.
The Writers' Handbook
Published by Macmillan
This is similar to the 'Yearbook', updated annually and full of useful and fascinating information.
The Forest for the Trees: An Editor's Advice to Writers
Betsy Lerner, published by Pan
An accessible and sensitive overview of the process of writing by a renowned editor and agent.
From Pitch to Publication
Carole Blake, published by Pan
The manuscript is complete - this comprehensive book tells the story of the journey to publication.
On Writing
Stephen King, published by New English Library
Yes - the Stephen King. This is full of practical, down-to-earth guidance from one of the industry's most successful writers. It's packaged similarly to Stephen King's fiction and short stories, so is often found filed alongside them in bookshops...
An Author's Guide to Publishing
Michael Legat, published by Robert Hale
A highly accessible reference book for those interested in how the industry works, and what the various clauses in their contracts signify.