Is this a how-to writing book?

No. It is a collection of short essays by working writers about their own habits and struggles. There are no exercises or templates.

Do I need to know the contributors' books?

Not really. Most essays stand alone, though a few are richer if you have read that author's work.

Each piece is short, typically a few pages, so the book works well for reading in short sessions.

It gathers essays from the New York Times "Writers on Writing" series, edited by John Darnton, into one paperback volume.

Beginners get encouragement and a sense of the working life, but should pair it with a practical guide for technique.

At alibris, for $1.82, 85% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

3 stores we checked sell it, including alibris, Target, Walmart.

$1.82at alibrisChecked Nov 8

85% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.