BOOKLIST  Books for Journalists

Note: Books on journalism can be difficult to find. If they're not in your local bookshop then try online alternatives such as Amazon. They can go out of print very quickly, in which case try your local library, Amazon's Used & New service, or even a specialist second-hand book service such as ABE Books. You may get lucky.

Fowler's Modern English Usage (2004)
Excellent guidance on English grammar, usage, syntax, and style.

Journalism for Beginners, Joan Clayton, Piatkus, latest edition 2000)
An excellent practical introduction to journalism, but hard to get hold of..

New Subediting, FW Hodgson (Focal Press, 1998)
A guide to subbing in the electronic era.

Oxford Guide to Plain English (2004)
Authoritative guidance on how to write clearly and effectively.

Research for Writers, Ann Hoffmann, A & C Black (latest edition 2003).
The classic guide to research, now updated.

The Guardian Media Guide (yearly)
Lots of essential information, including an excellent media training section. See reference section.

The Economist Style Guide, (2005)
An essential tool for budding writers and sub-editors. Try the site before you buy the book. Can be purchased at The Economist Bookshop.

The Guardian Style Guide
An essential tool for budding writers and sub-editors. Try the site before you buy the book. Can be purchased via The Guardian's website.

The Magazines Handbook, Jenny McKay (2003, Routledge)
A combination of the media studies overview of journalistic practice and practical analysis of written examples.

The Newspapers Handbook, Richard Keeble (2001, Routledge)
As above, but focusing on newspapers.

Usage and Abusage: A Guide to Good English, Eric Partridge.
Highlights the problems and pitfalls of language and offers constructive advice on the proper use of English.

Waterhouse on Newspaper Style, Keith Waterhouse (Penguin,1993)
Inspired and idiosyncratic look at newspaper style, especially the 'red tops'. Hard to get, but worth tracking down.

Writers and Artists Yearbook (yearly)
Essential for newspaper and magazine contact details. Find it in the reference section of most libraries.

Writing for Journalists, Wynford Hicks (1999, Routledge)
An introduction to the craft of journalistic writing.