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I recently had a request by email to share a list of suggested books for screencasters. So, I asked a few people around the office like Daniel Foster, our newsletter editor, Matt Pierce, our Customer Engagement Manager, and Dave McCollom, TechSmith's Education Evangelist.

And, I was also thinking about different elements of a screencast: preparation, planning, writing, graphics, presentation, storytelling and promotion.

Based on that, here are some of the books we came up on our suggested reading list for screencasters:

Prep:

• Made to Stick, by Chip Heath, Dan Heath - This book gives you tips on how to keep your screencast viewers attention and make your ideas stick.
• The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam - A picture is worth a thousand words. This book helps you create compelling graphics and visuals for your screencasts.
• Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark - this is a useful book for any writer. Great screencasts start with great writing.

Presentation:

• Beyond Bullet Points by Cliff Atkinson - learn how to use storytelling and graphics to effectively communicate. I've seen Cliff speak several times - he has wonderful advice!
• slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Nancy Duarte - effective visual communication for your screencasts. Make great graphics especially when recording PowerPoint. I've seen Nancy present several times - every time I see her speak, I am in awe.
• Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery by Garr Reynolds - make better presentations which makes for better screencasts.
• Confessions of a Public Speaker by Scott Berkun - learn techniques behind what great communicators do and how to effectively present ideas. Use these tricks to make better screencasts.

Tools:

• Camtasia Studio 6: The Definitive Guide by Daniel Park - Daniel's book takes you through using Camtasia Studio from start to finish of your screencast.
• The Screencasting Handbook by Ian Ozsvald - Ian has created hundreds of screencasts and his handbook reviews software and microphones, processes and techniques.

Promotion:

• Get Seen by Steve Garfield - now that you've created your screencast, make sure your screencasts are promoted and seen!

I've started a list on Amazon - Screencaster Suggested Reading List And, I'd love to add what's on your reading list.

Here's where I need your help... As a screencaster, what books have you found useful and why?