Is it odd to look to traditional media for advice on becoming a better blogger? Not as odd as you might think. Covering issues in a much more in-depth and logically ordered way than reading online, books are also just easier on the eye…

From post ideas, to writing, to web development to marketing, in this post we’ll look at a bunch of books that will make you a better blogger.

1. 

   No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog

   As we like to stress here on NorthxEast, writing quality, unique content for your blog is what sets it apart and ultimately leads to success. Margaret Mason demonstrates she knows a thing or two about writing just by having such a damn catchy title! And though it’s a quick read, this book should get you thinking.

   More at Amazon:
   No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog

2. 

   WordPress 2 (Visual Quickstart Guide)

   If you’re new to WordPress and looking for some hand-holding, this could be the book for you, it’s easy to read, takes you through step-by-step on installing, customizing and getting the most of WordPress. Of course you could just save yourself a few dollars and get yourself a WordPress account and start tinkering!

   More at Amazon:
   WordPress 2 (Visual QuickStart Guide)

3. 

   CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standards Solutions

   Written by three of my favourite designers - Andy Budd, Simon Collison and Cameron Moll - this book is great for anyone looking to master CSS design and wanting to learn from the best.

   More at Amazon:
   CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standards Solutions

4. 

   The Elements of Style

   When the New York Times gives a book a review that says “Buy it, study it, enjoy it” you know it must be good. This classic of composition will DEFINITELY make you a better blogger.

   More at Amazon:
   The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition

5. 

   Killer Web Content

   Content is after all what a blog is all about, so a book on killer web content just can’t go wrong. If you’re interested you can also read the first chapter freely online to get a taste.

   More at Amazon:
   Killer Web Content: Make the Sale, Deliver the Service, Build the Brand

6. 

   Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability

   This book is a classic in web usability and if you only read one book on the subject, it should probably be this one. Covering things like navigation design, use of copy, usability patterns and much more, Brian Krug’s book is essential blogger reading.

   More at Amazon:
   Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition

7. 

   Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML

   Head First is a line of books from Kathy Sierra & Co and they are renowned for thier readability and style. This book is a great introduction to HTML and CSS for the non-web designer and will get you up to speed and hand-modifying your WordPress themes in no time!

   More at Amazon:
   Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML (Head First)

8. 

   Guerrilla Marketing Weapons: 100 Affordable Marketing Methods

   Guerilla marketing is the art of marketing with a limited budget in unconventional ways. In other words its marketing that is ideal for bloggers. Thi book goes through 100 ways to market a business and while not all of it suits bloggers, there is plenty that does and the rest will get you thinking anyway.

   More at Amazon:
   Guerrilla Marketing Weapons: 100 Affordable Marketing Methods

9. 

   All Marketers Are Liars: The Power of Telling Authentic Stories in a Low-Trust World

   If you don’t Seth Godin you’re going to love him, and if you do…well then you already know what to expect. This classic book on marketing talks about how to tell a story to market a product. If you are using your blog to market affiliate products, you’ll find many pearls of wisdom here.

   More at Amazon:
   All Marketers Are Liars: The Power of Telling Authentic Stories in a Low-Trust World

10. 

    Unleashing the Ideavirus

    And because one Seth Godin book is just never enough, here’s another… This one is about viral marketing and idea viruses - I’ll let Seth explain the difference - great for anyone and everyone!

    And in case you find “reading” a bit too much trouble, I’ve linked up to the AUDIO version of the book on Amazon, so you can just throw it in your car and listen while you drive!

    Unleashing the Idea Virus