Crazy idea and I need YOUR help!

[Edited bits in bold]

I'm compiling a list of

100 BOOKS EVERY WRITER SHOULD READ

And I need your help.

I'm asking that each of you submit 10 books (by email only) that you think every author should read. They don't have to be fiction. For example, my neighbour read the whole Bible during Lent last year. And he says that everyone should read it because he sees so many more biblical references in Western entertainment now.

Also spread the word. I'd like this list to be representative, meaning I need a decent sample size. I'd prefer at least 1000 respondents, but I'll be happy with 200.

What's in it for you?

First, the obvious. You will be helping to create a list of 100 books (craft, other non-fiction, fiction across all genres) that authors (and hopefully other industry professionals) think that authors should read.

Secondly, a chance to win. I'll be giving a random contributor copies of the first 5 single volumes on the list. (If Nancy Drew comes in at number 1, you can rest assured, I will not be mailing the entire works of Nancy Drew. Even I am not that crazy.

Thirdly, I will be giving away another set of the first 5 single volumes to someone who spreads the word through their blog, their twitter, other social media, or face-to-face interaction at a writer's event. (I'm trusting you guys to be honest about this. Unless of course you want to pay for a shinkansen ticket to Tokyo and a plane ticket from there for me to see you word-of-mouth it.) Please leave a message in the comments.

QUICK SUMMARY and RULES
1. Please send your list of 10 books every writer should read to muchlanguage (at)gmail (dot)com.
2. You don't have to, but I'd love if you included nationality in your email. If you do, I'll use that info to tabulate the number one book for Brits v. Americans vs. Australians, etc. (This hinges on your nationality being represented by at least 5 people.)
3. Please spread the word on twitter, your blog, facebook, in person, etc.
4. Please comment when you spread the word. There is no limit to the number of entries you can receive for spreading the word.
5. I'll accept lists until December 31, 2011 (11.59 pm EST as usual). I have less than 200 respondents, I may extend that.
6. You can win the first 5 books (single volumes) by spreading the word or by entering.
7. I'll compile the list in early January (or a few weeks after I've stopped accepting lists) and draw the 2 winners.
8. I will ship books to any country serviced by Amazon.com or Bookdepository.com. If neither of those companies ships to your country, but you have a mailing address in another country that you can use, you are still eligible.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what this turns up!