Publishing the write stuff.(books on authorship)(Book Review)

A September 2002 survey showed that 81% of Americans believe they have a book in them--which no doubt explains the plethora of titles about writing and how to do it. This year's crop of advice for aspiring authors is more specific than ever--it seems as if for each step of the process, from concept to sale to marketing, publishers are offering the perfect reference title.

Step 1: Learn the tools of the trade. Washington Post copy editor Bill Walsh's The Elephants of Style: A Trunkload of Tips on the Big Issues and Gray Areas of Contemporary American English (McGraw-Hill, Apr.) serves as a witty review of grammar and style. Even an experienced hand like McGraw-Hill …