I've read a lot of content marketing books.

But if I could go back in time to when I started content marketing, the following three books would form my "content writing essential reading starter pack."

Here's why...

Everyone Writes by Ann Handley

Ann Handley's guide to creating memorable content is your content marketing bible.

She covers everything from writing rules, grammar rules, publishing rules, and how to fact-check your work. My favorite sections are where she talks about using "real words" when writing, editing your writing with a chainsaw, and why you should avoid "Frankenwords" or words pretending to be something they're not.

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

The best part of William Zinsser's guide to non-fiction writing is Part IV.

Here he breaks down his writing process. But you would do well to get through Parts I to III. These sections are pretty dense, but he does an excellent job of explaining how to write from the first person, keep your reader engaged, and strip clutter from your writing.

The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking by Edward Burger & Michael Starbird 

Writing is thinking on paper.

This is a short book. But don't be deceived. If you can assimilate all the authors' concepts in this book, your writing career and life will never be the same.

My favorite concept is "raise questions." Framing good questions focuses your attention on the right issues.

Isn't that all B2B writing is about?

Get through these books, and you're miles ahead of most beginner B2B content writers.

Remember to practice what you read.