As a counterpoint to the Strunk and White recommendation, please take a look at this: 50 Years of Stupid Grammar Advice[1]. (Note that it doesn't primarily object to the stylistic advice in S&W, which it calls "vapid" but "mostly harmless". The real objections are to the grammatical claims and advice.)
Two books on writing I strongly recommend:
Clear and Simple as the Truth: Writing Classic Prose[2], exerpt here[3].
Style: Towards Clarity and Grace - this one has gone through countless versions as the publisher seems to re-release it every academic year. (Make used copies obsolete and raise the price.) I prefer the older, shorter versions to the more recent ones. It was clearer itself when briefer! Anyhow, here's an author search on Amazon - look for older used copies[4]. Edit: Just found this outline of the 6th ed. of the book. A good way to see what he covers in a hurry.[5]
The first is not a standard writing guide; it's a thoughtful analysis of what makes a certain kind of writing clear and persuasive. The second is a more nuts-and-bolts guide to writing. They're both excellent.
And as for listening to editors, the world is your editor. Put your writing into the hands of anyone you can and ask for feedback. When someone says it is great, thank them and move on until you find someone who can honestly provide constructive criticism...your work is never great.
This book is on my shelf. It's a thoughtful and practical approach to language and writing. The prose in the book is often winking at you as it reveals a principle.
Two books on writing I strongly recommend:
Clear and Simple as the Truth: Writing Classic Prose[2], exerpt here[3].
Style: Towards Clarity and Grace - this one has gone through countless versions as the publisher seems to re-release it every academic year. (Make used copies obsolete and raise the price.) I prefer the older, shorter versions to the more recent ones. It was clearer itself when briefer! Anyhow, here's an author search on Amazon - look for older used copies[4]. Edit: Just found this outline of the 6th ed. of the book. A good way to see what he covers in a hurry.[5]
The first is not a standard writing guide; it's a thoughtful analysis of what makes a certain kind of writing clear and persuasive. The second is a more nuts-and-bolts guide to writing. They're both excellent.
[1]: http://chronicle.com/article/50-Years-of-Stupid-Grammar/2549...
[2]: http://classicprose.com/
[3]: http://classicprose.com/csx.html
[4]: http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-M.-Williams/e/B001H6MZ40/ref=nt...
[5]: http://www.oxfordtutorials.com/StyleTenLessons.htm