This should really be titled "Trish's Favorite Writing and Editing Resources." There are scores, maybe hundreds, of similar articles online. These are what I consider the essentials for being a writer or editor. And I've only scratched the surface.
I start with the basics, for those needing guidance with grammar rules and language mechanics. I then list several more advanced resources for those who need help with developing their writing style, tone, and presentation. Finally, I offer a short list of essential online tools.
The Basics: Grammar, Punctuation, Mechanics
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. If you buy only one grammar and composition guide (but why would you do that?), this is the one. What hasn’t been said about this little gem? First published in 1959, The Elements of Style is a perennial bestseller, available in a variety of versions, such as an annotated edition, an edition with a study guide, a 4th edition published in 1999, and a new inexpensive e-book version published in October 2020.
On Writing Well by William Zinsser. Here’s another classic owned by almost every writer and editor. The 30th Anniversary Edition was published in May 2006. Zinsser is a superstar journalist, magazine contributor, book author, editor, and university teacher.