Best New Books for Writers and Editors

If the evolution of inclusive language has left you feeling lost, turn to "The Conscious Style Guide" for a map that takes your interests, beliefs, and abilities into account. Learn how flexibility and creativity distinguish conscious language from political correctness and other rigid styles. Associated Press Stylebook editor Paula Froke calls it “the best tool book of all.”

Here to meet the challenge of writing an authentic marginalized character is "Writing an Identity Not Your Own." By exploring the complexities of identity, influences of unconscious bias, and common pitfalls of stereotyping, author Alex Temblador guides the reader toward representation rooted in accuracy and respect.

Writers are told that voice is everything. But what is it? In "Voice First," creative writing expert Sonya Huber presents examples and techniques from the classroom and her life to inspire readers to explore voice with honesty, curiosity, and fearlessness. This thoughtful work delves into race, misperceptions of “normal,” and the rejection of the notion that marginalized writers must tailor their voices for outsiders.

Bestselling author and writing coach Roy Peter Clark’s "Tell It Like It Is" was written with journalists and other public writers in mind but offers countless insights for storytellers of any ilk. With succinct examples to illustrate the mechanics of writing clearly and effectively, Clark teaches readers how to craft stories that cut through the falsehoods and misinformation polluting current discourse while taking care to build trust and instill hope among readers.

Eli Burnstein’s "Dictionary of Fine Distinctions" is an adventure in hair-splitting as well as a fun snack for the brain. To illustrate the differences between oft-confused words, actual illustrations (or is it “doodles”?) add more quirk to an already quirky resource. A delightful gift for any lover of English.