The first step into UX writing career – ultimate reading list

In today’s digital world, the demand for people who can create exceptional digital experiences is constantly growing. And, UX writers are one of those people – if you would like to learn exactly what UX writers do, we encourage you to check out our article about the role of a UX writer and how to become one.

In the perspective of this growing demand, if you consider such a career, you need resources that will help you learn the basics and understand the whole aspect of UX writing. That is exactly what we are going to provide for you in this article. So, buckle up your seatbelts and get ready for a great dose of knowledge.

Microcopy: The Complete Guide by Kinneret Yifrah

The book – the Bible. That is right. Many people referred to this book as a “Bible of microcopy.” So, if you are not in the best relationship with books, and you plan to read only one (we do not recommend that though) it has to be this one. Especially if you are just starting with UX writing. Why? Well, this book includes multiple examples from the UX writing world, as well as tips on how to get better. Also, it is a great resource for creating your own, different microcopy scenarios.

If you want to get a glimpse of microcopy, read our article, where we discuss exactly what it is.

Content design by Sarah Winters

If you are looking for a clear, concise book with tons of insights from actual UX writers – this book by Sarah Winters is for you. What is even more, Winters presents all of this information in a way that makes it very easy to digest. And, Sarah Winters definitely knows all about UX writing since she led the team that created the content style guide for the UK government. A true expert right here.

Because Internet by Gretchen McCulloch

We are all immersed in a digital world, and the internet has greatly influenced language usage. It all started with SMS, then emails, and now social media. At all of these steps, the language was different. So, whether you are just beginning your UX writing journey or you are already on your way, it is crucial to grasp how language evolves in order to apply it to your daily work effectively. In this book, Internet linguist Gretchen McCulloch highlights how emojis, memes, and various "LOLs" have integrated into our conversations, emphasising the positive impact of these changes.

Writing is Designing by Michael J. Metts and Andy Welfle

This collaboration between Michael J. Metts and Andy Welfle goes beyond simple tips. It dives deep into how writing shapes user experiences. Their approach emphasises how words are as much a part of design as visual elements. Whether you're writing buttons, error messages, or onboarding instructions, Metts and Welfle give you a designer’s perspective on how to craft clear, concise, and helpful copy. It’s a hands-on guide that treats writing as a core design practice.

Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Although not directly related to UX writing, this classic explores why some messages are memorable while others are not. It's a must-read for any writer who wants their words to have a lasting impact on users. The Heath brothers outline six principles of sticky ideas: simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, emotions, and stories. These principles are invaluable for creating memorable and effective microcopy that users can quickly understand.

Summary

While this list is just a small part of the vast amount of books available to improve your writing skills, we believe that these are some of the most important. Going through this list will give you a glimpse of what it is like to be a UX writer and demonstrate the necessary skills for becoming one. However, we recommend selecting one or two books at the start and concentrating on them entirely. This will help you grasp the fundamentals of UX writing and begin practising.