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For Writers From All Walks of Life!

There's no need to fear the big, bad world of writing with The Little Red Writing Book in hand. Brimming with clever advice, this book offers writers, students, and business professionals a concise guide to penning strong and effective work for all occasions.

The Little Red Writing Book is designed for visual appeal and ease of use. Elegant yet practical, it will be an intriguing, inviting reference you'll turn to again and again. Author Brandon Royal offers clear explanations and non-intimidating instruction based on the four pillars of sound writing - structure, style, readability, and grammar. His discussion centers on 20 immutable writing principles as well as 30 commonly encountered rules of grammar. A wealth of examples, charts, and engaging exercises make The Little Red Writing Book an invaluable guide for anyone who wants to master those skills that will make a good writer even better. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Excellent
Excellent work. Should be used in all non-English speaking schools. Particularly useful in TOEFL preparation.

Excellent Overall Reference Book
Great book to show what is necessary for good writing.Excellent reference tool.Highlights all the significant elements for effective writing.

Exceptional
This book is exceptional.I really cannot say enough good things about it.It covers everything related to writing with ease.

Simply the best...
Writing guides and handbooks fall into roughly two categories: Some are long, comprehensive, and, except for the extremely punctilious writer, unfathomable; a few are direct, useful, and ideal for serious writers who would rather write than spend hours finding the rules for semicolons. In the latter category falls Brandon Royal's brilliant The Little Red Writing Book.

The articulate exposition of his twenty principles of writing and thirty rules of grammar fit neatly into 159 short, accessible pages, pages undoubtedly well-thumbed by thousands of grateful writers for years.Built carefully and simply around the categories of structure, style, readability and grammar, Mr. Royal's little book will satisfy both the sit-down-and-read-all-about-it reader and the frustrated-fly-by-and-check-something-quickly writer.

I recommend this wonder to all my writing students; one day the writing committee with wise up and make this a primary text for all writing courses at my school.I won't hold my breath, butyou could buy a copy now anyway.

A great tool
A visually appealing and gentle book, this is as enjoyable as a book on the art of writing can be. The author communicates in an engaging, personal manner that speaks to us no matter where we're at in our skill as a writer. Even a reluctant writer will find this little manual easy to tolerate. The introduction alone, while giving a helpful, brief overview of the pillars of writing, is an encouraging invitation to come along for the journey. Think of each of the twenty principles of writing as little gems to be uncovered by those who wish to write better. Who among us is not guilty of using needless words? Or how about long sentences?

He also emphasizes things I wanted reiterated to my homeschooled child such as sentence variety and reworking his writing. Additionally I like how the author uses both positive and negative examples for his readers to examine and compare. The errors of bad writing become obvious to us when held up against good writing that follows sound principles. As to the exercises, while they are short, and not every chapter contains them, they are useful and help cement the rule given. As a home educator I used this book, along with the exercises, as a supplemental refresher for my sixteen year old, who is a strong writer but needed some help in "polishing" his work. Finally, the grammar section is concise and beneficial and will be considered a reference tool in our home. I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Product Description

This text covers the full experience of sports writing. Authors Wayne Wanta and Scott Reinardy approach the topic using their own professional experience as sports writers and editors to give students a realistic view of the sports writing profession. After the overview and introduction to sports journalism, the authors move into the stages of article writing, organized around article beginnings, middles, and endings. The text also covers other types of sports stories, such as columns, profiles, and news, and addresses style and ethics issues. It provides students with a full understanding of how to produce quality content for sports stories, as well as offer insights as to what to expect in the sports reporter position.

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A nationally recognized psychotherapist and creativity consultant shows writers how to overcome psychological blocks in order to create with passion, power, and ease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Answers to Writers' Issues
Eric Maisel is one of the top creativity coaches in the US and has 30 books out.He's published in both fiction and non-fiction.

I had an opportunity a few months ago to hear Dr. Maisel speak in person. Everything he said resonated deeply with my own experiences.He answered many of my half-formed questions about my creativity, depression, obstacles, and frustrations.

I spent all of my "writing craft budget" for the next six months and bought about five of his books on Amazon...including "Deep Writing."

I'm about three-quarters of the way through the book, and am impressed by the topics he's touched on I've not seen addressed elsewhere like the internal debates between meeting commercial goals and creative goals when they conflict.He also presents some unique ideas on editing your work by seeing it through different lenses.

He also talks about how to quiet your mind - and as a mother and writer I need to perfect that skill.

I've also read his book "Sleep Thinking" which is also unique and insightful in different directions.

Inspirational
There are writing books for those who would rather read than really write, and then there are writing books that are more like gentle guidance into meditation.Deep Writing is the latter.Writing is a profoundly lonely affair, and books like this help us to reconnect with what we know to be true about life, while validating our profession.Maisel's wisdom in this gem of a book is not to be missed by serious writers.

Deep and wide
As writer Rick Bassobserved in "The Racoons of Yaak," (Orion, Spring 1999) "Art (is) the desire to make order and meaning out of otherwise random elements." This definition fits neatly into Eric Maisel's keen explication of writers and the forces that move them. Maisel calls writers "meaning-makers," and while recognizing that everyone seeks some level of meaning in life, he posits that those called to write have a stronger urge to seek and explain the world's ways. Writer's formalize the thoughts that others are content to quietly mull. Further, it is Maisel's position that deep writing is an imperative goal for writers and would-be writers, whatever their interim aspirations. To tap the truest feelings, the profoundest thoughts, the wellspring of personal understanding, and communicate as clearly as possible requires depth. It doesn't matter if the project is a training manual, a sales brochure, a popular novel or an intellectually turbid masterpiece, a screenplay, a memoir, a doctoral thesis or ... a book review. If you currently write or have ever had the notion, or in the broader context have ever been drawn to express meaning through art, you will find sage counsel and some clever tricks in DEEP WRITING. Eric Maisel works with artists as a psychotherapist and creativity counselor both in private practice and writing workshops, and has written numerous fiction and non-fiction books. He clearly understands that the differences between wanting to write and writing (and "only" writing versus deep writing) are not creative but psychological. His observations resonate with my own creative experience: twenty years of good intentions and sporadic jabs that finally crossed an invisible border ten years ago from intent to imperative, from "someday" to NOW. Two days past reading Maisel's slim, insightful book, his clarity has already changed my work and my relationship to my work in deeply satisfying ways. In short, DEEP WRITING is the best writer's road atlas I have stumbled into -- ever -- a Fodor's guide to the creative interior land of high art.

Deep? No... But Not The Kiddie Pool
Eric Maisel turns in a decent effort here-- one that is worth a read. He as an easy, readable style and an obvious love of the craft. Not much in the way of brand-new insight to be found in these pages, however... except for a few goofy exercise straight out of the therapist's office (Mr. Maisel, in addition to being a writer, is a creativity therapist or something along those lines).
Nonetheless, the ideas he does retread - respect the craft, nurture your ideas, etc.-- bear repeating. And let's face it, even a single fresh perspective on an old truth can be valuable.. and you're apt to find at least a couple here.

Bringing Ideas to Fruition
"Deep Writing" has one goal: to get your writing projects off the ground and onto paper. Dr. Maisel doesn't do you the disservice of promising that if you only follow his seven steps everything will be simple and easy. He shows his sample writers stumbling and falling as well as succeeding, and he shows them changing direction, taking their time, and engaging in other realities of the writing process. It is important to him that we understand the realities of the writing process, not that we believe his method is a cure-all.

The first step is as easy as quieting your mind and allowing yourself to think. It's also as difficult as quieting your mind. Simple? Yes. Obvious? Yes. But in my experience, it's the obvious things we often miss in life. Maisel presents an exercise called TIPS (Themes, Intention, Plan, Steps) that will help you make your first steps toward actually working on your project, and another exercise that will help you connect theme and intention.

Another chapter deals with choices pertaining to marketplace and ethical concerns. Maisel presents arguments on both sides of the issue. Do you aim your work at the marketplace to make more money? Do you stick to your guns and write what you want regardless of whether anyone will want it? Is there a happy middle ground? He gives us the tools we need to decide for ourselves which goal is more important to us.

He continues on to discuss more issues of the process of writing, evaluating the work, feeling comfortable with the work, and doing what's necessary. Maisel provides a checklist of requirements writers can meet in order to help themselves, and some brief exercises to help with that goal.

"Deep Writing" is not a huge book, but it does pack a pretty good punch. It might not have massive reams of advice to convey, but the simple principles it does present are ones that can make a big difference in your writing. This book does get into a certain amount of touchy-feely psychobabble, but even if you're a bit skeptical of such things (as I tend to be), you might find it useful. If you ever have trouble sitting down to work, if you ever find it difficult to move from idea to product, this book could do you a lot of good! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Nothing but Praise

The Dictionary of Concise Writing is a book to be read from cover to cover by every wordsmith in any discipline or profession if for no other reason than to gain the realization of just how "shoddy" much of our writing is. -- Nancy Berger

This is brilliant! This is exactly what I have been looking for. As a translator, I often have to convert wordy dreck into readable English -- it is too easy to be influenced by the wordiness of the original, and pass it through the filter of translation. For quite some time, I have been collecting as many books as I could find to help me edit and revise, but this is undoubtedly the best. -- Kirk McElhearn

I keep three books on my desk next to my monitor: a dictionary, the AP Stylebook, and Robert Fiske's The Dictionary of Concise Writing. I use it frequently. -- Gary B. Larson, Garbl's Writing Resources Bookshelf

The Dictionary of Concise Writing is a great book. -- Professor Charles Lave, University of California

Your book The Dictionary of Concise Writing is worth its weight in gold. ... Your book has been invaluable to me in ridding sentences of useless words. -- William G. Penner, Russian-to-English translator

I am forcing my associate to read Concise Writing because lawyers are schooled in its antithesis and I am learning a great deal myself despite having had the illusion that I was a competent butcher who wielded a terrible swift sword of fat-trimming from the legal garbage I face daily. -- Bill Martin, lawyer

An indispensable tool for respectful writers
Use this book before you use an editor. No one will be as capable as you of initially editing your writing for wordiness, IF you have the "The Dictionary of Concise Writing" at your side.

It's easy to use and durable. It has 400 pages in two parts. Part One is "Words and People," with concise advice about concision, and Part Two, beginning on page 45, is "The Dictionary of Concise Writing." The dictionary alphabetically lists wordy phrases with "alternative expressions and real-world examples." ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

The best book on film dialogue that I've found!
I've read four other dialogue books in an effort to improve my screenwriting skills, and this is the best one that I've found.This book is the real deal.It explains subtext in a way that none of the other books that I read have ever come close to.It also explains some situations that I never considered in my scripts before like: characters who brag, ly, and other traits, and how they impact scripts.It also runs through examples of good and bad exposition.

Good film dialogue books seem to be extremely rare.I'm rating this one five stars, and I wouldn't rate any of the other four that I've read more than two stars.In comparison to this fine book, they were virtually a waste of my time and money. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (13)

Fun little book

This is a nice little book for editors and writers alike. It accurately discusses many of the dynamics in that relationship, and offers good advice for dealing with them. Written in a very readable, enjoyable way.

It's like finding out your mother smokes!
Editors break rules. How liberating! Carol Fisher Saller's "Subversive Copy Editor" confirms what I learned as a scientist: The more you know about a subject, the less dogmatic your opinions. Rules can be broken; editors do make stupid mistakes. Saller brings great common sense and, yes, sharp business acumen to her profession. The book reminds you that if an author--consistently--has styled his 985 references in a totally nonstandard, but logical style, what's the point in undoing all the painstaking work? Having enjoyed this "Chicago Manual of Style" editor's online Q&A page for years, I loved reading more about the crazy questions she gets about editing (and sometimes other topics, like fashion, when someone mistook "The Chicago Manual of Style" for a fashion advice book) and the clearheaded, sometimes funny answer she gives. But beyond her approach to editing and her invaluable hints on how to stay organized as an editor, the book includes invaluable lessons in modern business etiquette: ways to work with difficult co-workers and authors, the importance of answering e-mail promptly, even if you don't know the answer; how to defer a decision; the importance of keeping the big picture (in this field, the big picture is the reader and book sales); rules of etiquette not only in your own e-mails but especially with how you handle others' messages; and so on. The book can be read from front to back, almost like a novel (well, I am an editor, so perhaps I found it especially compelling), and Saller's self-deprecatory humor had me laughing out loud. Editors, writers, students, and businesspeople who handle any sort of communications will enjoy this book.

A literary must-have
This thin, little volume will open the eyes of writers and editors alike with its simple and experiential approach to the practice of copy editing. The author shares anecdote after anecdote (her own as well as others') that demonstrate the nuance of judgment required to master the craft and build relationships with authors.

The book's structure is based on a working, day-to-day point of view; extremely practical and as much a have-at-hand reference as the encyclopedic Chicago manual. It addresses the fallibility of human nature and will appeal to readers at every level of experience. The Subversive Copy Editor should be required reading for anyone interested in becoming or living their life as an editor or writer. Buy two and give one to your most difficult client.

Stet
While written for the narrow orbit of copy editors and those who might desire such a career, this book deserves a wider readership.

Authors, language mavens, newsletter writers, corporate communicators, to those who simply want general good advice on handling co-worker business interactions at any type of office--all these and more would profit from Carol Fisher Saller's advice.

Practical, good humored, well written, and nicely proofed. (The jacket design by Isaac Tobin is nicely done, as well.)

A Copy Editor Wannabe Who Became An Author
When I stumbled across this book, I just had to read it. Many years ago, as a college English major with a concentration in creative writing, I graduated wanting to go into the publishing field. On job interviews I was told I was perfect for the job except that my typing speed was terrible, and to come back when it was better. My typing speed is just a little better, still hunt-and-peck but it was never good enough to go back, so I never gotthe job I wanted in the publishing field. I entered the mental health field instead but I have gotten to know the publishing field as an author. I hada book published nine years ago, and a second one that is looking for a publisher. Through my experience with book #1 (When the Body Is the Target: Self-Harm, Pain, and Traumatic Attachments), and several journal papers, I certainly can empathise withthe writer who does not want to change a word or comma. Although that was never me, when my publisher edited out four entire chapters of a very large book, it hurt. It felt like giving birth to four babies and then having to give them away. It was not copy editing but nonetheless I know what it is to become very attached to ones own words. I read first and appreciated most the chapter on the difficult writer and the one meant for the writer. Now I know more about the world of the editor even though I never got to know it the way I wanted to when I graduated from college. This is a most valuable book for copy editors and writers alike, and I am grateful to Carol for writing it. ... Read more

Product Description
Editing Fact and Fiction is a concise, practical guide for people interested in book publishing or already working as editors who want to learn more about the opportunities in various kinds of book editing. Writing in a lively, informal style, two editors with extensive experience in a wide variety of fields--fiction and nonfiction, trade and reference, academic and commercial publishing--explain what editors in different jobs really do. The authors take the reader step by step through the editing process, from manuscript to bound book.They discuss the principles of sound editing and provide many specific examples of how to--and how not to--edit copy. They also give examples of how to deal tactfully with authors and show when editorial restraint is the best intervention. Editing Fact and Fiction is a book to be read, not just referred to.It will be an indispensable guide for anyone thinking about a career in book publishing, a valuable resource for working editors who want to enlarge their knowledge, and a useful tool for senior editors training staff. Leslie T. Sharpe and Irene Gunther are both editors and writers.An experienced trade book editor, Leslie T. Sharpe teaches editing and writing at New York University and Columbia University. She is also a regular contributor to New York Newsday.Irene Gunther was a senior editor at Macmillan Publishing and has extensive experience in reference and college book editing.She is the author of a teenage biography and a contributor to various publications.Amazon.com Review
Every month, it seems, brings a fresh crop of books on writing. Whatever it is you want to write, you can be sure there's a shelf's worth of books toguide you. But try to locate a book on editing, and you're likely to comeup empty-handed. Editing is so dependent on instinct that a newcomer isexpected somehow to just figure it out. We can imagine no finerintroduction to book editing than Editing Fact and Fiction. AuthorsLeslie T. Sharpe and Irene Gunther explain what different editors(acquiring, copy, production, managing) do, as well as how those tasks varydepending on the type of book (fiction, nonfiction, children's, reference,textbooks, etc.). They address freelance editing, electronic editing, andpublishing courses, and have compiled a terrific bibliography of usefulbooks for editors.

But most important, they have "distill[ed] our philosophy of editing into a set of guiding principles," principles "that will inform every editing decision." These principles are all about restraint and respect and having a deep understanding of the elements of good writing. "Do no harm," the authors advise. "Change as little as possible." A book belongs, ultimately, to its author, and it is the editor's job to coax out the best version possible. An editor, they say, is like a baseball umpire. "The best umps, like the best editors, areinvariably the ones you don't notice. They guide the game but don't intrudeon it." --Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A Concise review of 'Editing Fact and Fiction'
I am both a wannabe writer and a freelance editor. With my writer's hat on I found that seeing the editing and publication process through the eyes of practicing editors was very useful. With my editor's hat on the broad details on how the various types of editor should act when dealing with writers, publishers and other people in the chain when a book in being produced was also very useful. My only problem with the book is that its age makes most of the material on computers and electronic publishing useless.

Editing Fact and Fiction
This was everything I was looking for for overall information and understanding of copy-editing and content editing.Very helpful.

Well Worth the Purchase
One Stop shopping for editing information.This is a great tool for beginning editors and writers.The book is concise, easily readable and contains a wealth of information about the editing role in publishing.There is also great insight and tips for freelance editing and excellent reference information in the back.This is the best book of its type that I've come across to date.

A Great Teaching Tool
As an editor, I'm always amazed at how few texts are out there to teach young editors how to edit. I discovered this book, when it was first published years ago, and gave it to my junior staff to read and, hopefully, teach them the basic principles of editing. Which it did, really well. I went back looking for it again, and I was amazed and delighted that it's still in print (though it could indeed us an update in the tech chapter especially). But the core chapters--on principles, senses, and sensibility--are still solid, fresh, and very, very useful. I'm going to recommend it to this new generation of editors. And I'm so pleased it's still around!

An Editing Classic
This is an editing book that practices what it preaches--it's well written as well as well edited.
Most of all, it's the first book I've found that tells exactly what editors do--or, more to the point, exactly what editors should do and just don't these days. That, is, edit, and not write--that is, intervene, without changing the author's words or meaning. At a time when both editing and writing are on the decline, this book seems to me to be even more relevant than
when it was published, nearly ten years ago. No wonder that it's still in print, but I would advise the publisher (Cambridge University Press) to get the authors to do a new edition. The chapter on technology is out of date, and the freelance chapter needs to be updated too. But for the core chapters on editing principles and philosophy, this book is the best I've read! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

First-Rate Guidance for Writers of all Types
Judy Dalton presents 29 rules aimed at improving writing ability with a focus on the marketability of one's writing.The book is brief yet direct, providing a very insightful guide that will permit any level of writer to improve immediately.

Dalton asserts that too many novice writers confuse talent and skill assuming that talent alone is enough to be a successful writer.Just as in any other endeavor, if skill is not developed, talent is useless.Even the most gifted concert pianist must learn and practice before performing a great symphony. The book is centered on this basis and provides several examples of common writing mistakes to avoid to facilitate an improvement in one's writing skills.

Dalton has a clear grasp of what is required to build a strong writing foundation as well as the proper attitude to produce salable work. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to become a writer and successful market their work.

Encouraging advice for struggling writers
Next to public speaking, I hear students tell me most often how how difficult writing is for them.But it is not only students who struggle with writing. Often doctors, college professors, and CEO's have a hard time communicating clearly as well.This little gem of a book is for those who have practical hurdles that fall outside of the scope of grammar and style questions.The authors give good advice to start writing and especially worthwhile suggestions about focusing one's writing efforts.It is a small book and the short chapters make it quite easy to read. I would recommend this to any high school, college level writers. I am presenting some of these ideas in an English as a Foreign Language composition class for Japanese students.The book addresses more of the attitudes of the stalled, hesitant, or fearful writer and presents 29 mistakes with very good insights that other writing books overlook. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Best book on organizing your writing
What a lifesaver this book is. I'm a professional nonfiction writer, and write average of one 20,000 word article a month. After being at it for 25 years, about six months ago I hit a wall. All my processes unraveled --I was writing without plan, endlessly rewriting one sentence at a time, etc. What should take 40 hours of work started taking 80. I finally went to Amazon to look for a primer on organization that could take me back to basics and help me figure out where I went off track. I couldn't find anything that looked appropriate, and finally thought to go to into my own 4,000 volume library. I found this book, How to Write Fast While Writing Well by David Fryxell, which I now remember buying years ago when teaching a writing class. It's a perfect presentation of the tasks and tools of writing. From how to get organized to how to put it all together, it's letting me see what steps I lost from my own processes. And it's written in a style that is a pleasure to read, full of the methods of other successful writers and examples from the author's own successful writing career. Of all the books I buy, this is the first in several years I've taken the time to review. It's not the only good book I've read, of course, but this book really is helping get my life's work back on track. I'm sorry to see it's apparently out of print. It's really timeless advice.

Useful tool
Despite some drawbacks, "How to write fast while writing well" is a useful tool. I first read it at my leisure, making notes in the margins as I read. After a while, I forgot about the book until I was racing to meet my weekly deadline for one of the publications I write for and was stumped, unorganized and directionless. I took a quick look at the notes I had made in the margin of the text and found help. Particularly helpful was the advice on writing well via an outline. Not that I am a novice or never graduated from the high school/college requirements of using an outline to write, but actually using an outline for a feature article -- at least at times - does speed the writing process. Other chapters are also helpful.
Considering this, I am somewhat surprised at the lack of reviews for this book. No matter -- it is a useful tool that sits on my desk that I use --particularly-- in a pinch.

Would Timing Your Writing Sessions Help?
This paperback edition of a 1992 guide suggests that writing more quickly requires you to be organized, solve problems early on, and cultivate your creativity. In support of the laudable -- but somewhat impractical -- goal of writing everything quickly, the author provides examples throughout his book of well-known writers and their working styles. He suggests that you need to (and can) figure out exactly what you're going to write before you sit down to write, so that you won't have to revise or edit your own work (at all!). For writers like Fryxell, who must be firing on all cylinders at once, crossing that finish line can't happen quickly enough. Although the rest of us may aspire to achieve his level of productivity, we often have to just plod along instead. Still, implementing some of his suggestions, such as becoming more self-disciplined and avoiding time wasters like over-researching and endless interviewing, might speed up even the slowest (i.e., the most meticulous and perfectionistic) of writers. At the very least, it cannot hurt us to try to set and work toward our own such standards. ... Read more

Product Description
The author of more than 100 books, Dan Poynter believes that nearly everyone has the ingredients to be a successful published author, and he provides the recipe in this one-of-a-kind guide on the mechanics of writing nonfiction books. An "evangelist" on book writing, Poynter offers tips on breaking down and researching a topic, organizing findings, and evaluating publishing options. Readers will benefit from Poynter's individualized plan as well as his system of organization, which makes writing about any topic a feasible goal. This edition is completely revised to address reader responses and includes chapter topics ranging from "The New Book Model" and "Researching Your Topic and Checking for Competition" to "Finding an Agent." Readers will not only learn how to accelerate their own writing process, but they'll also gain valuable marketing skills using this clear, step-by-step plan to publishing a well-researched book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (65)

Excellent Book About Writing and Publishing Your Nonfiction Book!
This book is great!I can't say enough good things about it, but I can tell you it helped me understand how to write my book and got me started.Writing Nonfiction helped me understand how to develop my book from idea to self-published success, as well as gave me ideas that freed my creative process.I highly recommend it, especially if you have a good idea for a nonfiction book and need to get started.

Terry M. Drake, LSW, NBCCH
Author of Live Happily, Ever After... Now!

Eloquent yet Common Information
With so many books available on how to make money writing nonfiction, few offer anything new to stand apart from the rest of the genre.Writing Nonfiction by Dan Poynter is thorough yet represents information that is presented in nearly every other nonfiction producing book.

There is valuable insight in the book as Poynter's clearly knows what his material, yet too many books are already available on how to produce material that will sell, how to format your writing, how to edit, and many other of the basic details included.I have read several books in the genre and although this book was adequate, I found nothing new to set it apart.

Good book, but just glosses over the material in the Self-Publishing Manual
This book is a quick, easy read, but it's a little disappointing in the way of substance. I read the entire book in a few hours and the material is a rehash of the Self-Publishing Manual, which is Poynter's Bible for the self-publishing industry. The illustrations were quaint, rather than useful. Honestly, everything that Dan does is good-- it's always better to have more knowledge than less, but I felt that most of the information in this book was redundant. But Poynter's Self-Publishing Bible and Patricia Fry's "The Right Way to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Book". Both of those books will give you most of the information you need to self-publish successfully.

A Must Buy for a Nonfiction Writer
If you are writing a nonfiction book.Buy this one yesterday.i have found it's advice clear and easy to use.

Poor Editing and Production
The good point of this book is his "new book model" which advocates developing the cover and frontal and back matter while doing the initial research, before you start to write, to help you clarify your audience and the breadth of your book.

On page 114 he claims to employ "professional editors, proofreaders, ...", but there are more typos than there should be in a published book and several dangling references - for example on page 40 he writes, "See the ISBN discussion later in the book ...", but there is no discussion of ISBN; also I checked the indexfor "ISBN" and it referred me to page 37 rather than the correct page 40.While I was checking the index, I noticed references to HTML and XML, but could find no mention of either in the text.I suspect he revised the book and forgot to update the index.

The production, editorial, and other problems with this book have given me serious doubt as to whether his "Self-Publishing Manual" will be worth the time to read -- sure "The Self-Publishing Manual" has lots of good reviews - but so does this marginally useful book.
... Read more

Product Description
Based on the premise that one of the best ways for a student to understand a topic is to write about it, this is a book that teaches students how to write philosophical essays. Geared toward first-time philosophy students, the book is a supplement for any Philosophy course in which the instructor requires the students to write essays. Most of the work involved in a Philosophy class is reading assigned material, thinking about it, and then writing about it – whether on an exam or in an essay written outside of class. This book is designed to make all three of those activities easier. Writing to Learn begins with helpful hints on how to read philosophy (chapter 2). In chapters 3 through 7 students are guided through several different types of essays, beginning with the simplest summaries that demonstrate knowledge and understanding, and progressing through essays that require the application of theories to new situations, the analysis and evaluation of arguments used, and finally, the synthesis of several theories or arguments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Helpful advice, helpfully given.
I started using this book in my philosophy classes as a supplement for student writing and thinking.The book uses Bloom's taxonomy to build student thinking and writing from the simply understanding what you are reading (being to able to paraphrase and summarize) to applying it, analyzing and evaluating it, and finally synthesizing it with your own beliefs. Edwards' explanations are short but very much to the point, and she includes examples both good and bad to clarify her ideas. Her basic belief I think is right on:the best way to understand a topic is to have to write about it.More people need to see this connection between thought and paper! Edwards never talks down to you either.This gives the basics principles clearly and concisely, and is an excellent way to improve philosohical thinking and writing!

Excellent
This book is excellent. It belongs in the same category as Strunk and Whit's book on writing. It is only 106 pages long. But the author uses every inch to deliver sound advice about writing philosophy essays in particular and other kinds of essays in general. In seperate chapters, she explains and illustrates the different kinds of essays that are assigned in college philosophy courses: essays for understanding, application, analysis, evaluation and systhesis. She even discusses how to research philosophy problems and take philosophy exams. She must have worked very hard to pack so much sound advice into such a slim volume. Any philosophy student who "understands" and applies her principles will enhance his GPA dramatically. This book should be required reading in every undergraduate and graduate philosophy course. ... Read more

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A must read for writers interested in the field of screenwriting for film and television. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

For the advanced writer looking to take it to the next level
This is a book for experienced scientist/writers interested in becoming excellent scientist/writers. For this, the author prescribes a rigorous course of critical reading, selection of writing models, and imitation. It offers little in the way of practical suggestions for the beginner, almost nothing on basic style and syntax, and nothing on how to stay motivated through the long slog of the Ph.D. thesis. (For these purposes, let me suggest "10 Lessons in Style, Clarity and Grace" by Williams, "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White, or "How to Write A Lot" by Silva)

However, Montgomery discusses intelligently the distinct "scientific voice." He has insightful things to say about each of the various forms of scientific writing. I particularly appreciated his discussion of review articles; he pointed out that reviews can be organized around experimental results, theoretical concepts, the history of a field or method, among other things. This discussion helped me refine my thinking enough to write a solid outline for a current review project of mine.

Although his official prescription for becoming an excellent writer may require more commitment than many are willing to make, there is still much insight here for scientists seeking to improve upon their functional, but basic, writing skills.

Too broad
The book is good to get an overall idea of the scientific writing. However, it lacks more specific and usable strategies, advices and tips for the scientific writing process.
For general writing strategies I would reccomend "Writing FAST" by Jeff Bollow. It helped me a lot in writing my PhD thesis in EE.

A Call for Elegance
Montgomery's guide deals primarily with higher level issues in science writing, at least in the first sections. However, he does follow his own advice in going from the general to the specific when he discusses particular forms of science writing, the use of graphics, and oral presentations. Montgomery has useful things to say at every turn, but I found the core strength of the book to be how he solidly and clearly gets across the idea that "true elegance in science resides in simplicity and restraint." Much of the higher level discussion deals with writing well (proficient functional communication) versus writing very well (creatively, within the constraint of restraint). Montgomery stresses the importance of reading well to writing well, and gives suggestions on how to become a better critical reader. Be forewarned: this guide does not deal with grammar, syntax or style.

I read this book because I am an applied mathematician who needs to communicate results to biologists. While writing mathematics is not explicitly covered in this book, and there are major difference between scientific writing and mathematics writing, I do believe the major tenets of this guide will be useful to applied mathematicians of most any stripe.

Helpful reference book
In the realm of scientific research, technical writing skills are necessary for effective communication of ideas and results.This book is not the typical "how-to" guide to technical writing and grammar for the novice.Instead, it is a practicalbook packed with useful insights from an experienced scientific writer.The numerous examples of writing styles and graphics are clear and well-illustrated.Each chapter addresses important concepts in fundamental areas, such as proposal preparation, manuscript revision, and oral presentation. This is the sort of book to buy and keep as a reference as the need arises.

Somewhat helpful but incomplete
After reading a review in New Scientist magazine I got excited about this book as I am currently writing Ph.D. thesis. I did not get exactly what I expected.
The book gives a good overview of the different types of writing a scientist is expected to do and gives high level advice on each area. But that's pretty much all the books seems to do.It's as if you were to sit down with someone with a lot of writing experience and they gave you some high level advice.
What the book lacks is specific advice and tips on what works. At many points it feels too vague. While it has examples where the author improves a piece of writing, the examples often fail to give you ideas on how to improve your own writing.
That said, I did get a couple of ideas from the book for my writing, but I felt it took some work to extract them from the book which at times just felt like a rambling commentary.
My recommendation is that it's not a book worth having in a personal bookcase, but it may be worth borrowing it from a library. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (20)

A handbook for writers
Paula LaRocque knows how to deliver instruction, and she does it in such a way that it's fun. Her book isn't just a grammar coach, it's a writer's handbook. It's easy to read, easy to understand, and filled with a truckload of useful information. Anybody wishing to polish their prose needs to read it.

Kindle formatting issues
The book may have great content (as all the 5 star reviews would indicate), but the formatting for the Amazon kindle makes it very tough to comprehend.The book needs a good technician to go through and make sure that all of the example text is indented, bolded, or otherwise set out from the normal (author's) text of the book.As it is, you'll be reading along and suddenly it seems the author is talking about something totally non-sequitur. It then takes a moment to realize that oh, this is some other example text she will be analyzing. It is quite jarring.When the author starts quoting sections of the example text, things get particularly mystifying as it appears that sections of text are just randomly repeating themselves.

If you are interested in the Kindle version, be sure to download the sample first to make sure you know what you are getting into.I hate to give only a 3 star review to something that would appear to be pretty good, but the product I obtained was the kindle edition, and that is what I am reviewing.Amazon really needs to segregate reviews by edition in some cases.

Absolutly the BEST book on writing!
If there was an award for the best book on how to be a better writer, this one wins hands down. Paula LaRoque has created The Most Valuable Writers Guide I've ever read. It's straight to the point and delightful to read. Whether you are just learning the craft, or you are ready to write the next best seller, first you need to read this book. It's a gold mine.

The Book on Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well by Paula LaRocque
An excellent resource for any writer who is seeking growth. Wonderfully written, it is a great tool to refer to again and again.

have yet to read
i have yet to read the book.same problem i have with writing...oh well..will have to buy a book on not being a procrastinator. ... Read more

Product Description
This book outlines chapter-by-chapter the steps involved inwriting a thesis and proposal.The Introduction and chapterson Methods, Results, and Discussion sections outline the essential content ofeach section of the thesis. A concluding chapter on style offers practical tipson how to organize, explain, and produce forceful writing. The book presentsseven major groupings of statistical analyses, with complete illustrations. Italso demonstrates appropriate wording and statistical essentials and offersadvice on what not to include. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent Information
This book will help you in many aspects on your thesis writing.

EXCELLANT
This is the Best reference manual for anyone writing a thesis. I used only this book in writing my Master Thesis.

sharon the bear
Why do you recommend that your students buy so many how to books and what college are you affiliated to? The one the teddy bears have their picnic at?

Excellent reference for design, development, and writing!
As someone who works privately with students, helping them with theses, I highly recommend this book.When students call me in regard to assistance with their thesis, I recommend that they buy this book and use it as areference.As the title states, this book addresses students' concernsabout design, development, and writing, as well as presentation.Inaddition, it does an excellent job of walking students through the processof writing a thesis.It is a practical and easy to use guide.

Indespensible book for Seniors and Graduate Students
This is an EXCELLANT reference manual for anyone writing a senior project,a master's thesis, or a doctoral dissertation. The book is easy to read andoffers step-by-step advice on how to pick a research topic, how to writeyour proposal, introduction, methods section, results, and discussion.Examples are included for each phase and the author even gives advice onwhat NOT to write, and how to avoid common mistakes. This is indispensable. ... Read more

Product Description
This brief, updated practical guide to writing papers in humanities courses provides readers –and writers– with guidance in analyzing and interpreting works of art, literature, and music. KEY TOPICS The first half of the book covers general issues in writing about the humanities disciplines, including how to respond to, interpret, and evaluate different types of artworks. The second half focuses more specifically on writing in literature and the arts as well as the particulars of writing with, and documenting, sources. For individuals seeking strategies for reading in, and writing about, each of the humanities disciplines. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

What I expected
I found the book to be basically what I expected. The reviews and summaries are accurate. It's not a difficult read.

Excellent practical step by step guide for beginners
This writing guide gives such nice concrete suggestions for writing exercises of all sorts for those who really need structure to get them started. Each section discusses different approaches to writing about art - from literature, painting, music, dance - and movies, finishing up with very specific directions for beginning paragraphs through essays. ... Read more

Product Description
Most writing is done under pressure.An executive has to produce a three-page position paper by tomorrow at nine. A department head suddenly has to write a one-page action memo by noon.A graduate student has a twenty-page research paper due in a week.Yet, while most students and professionals write under pressure--with limited time, limited space, and a supervisor or instructor to please--few approach the task systematically.

In Writing Under Pressure, Sanford Kaye, a renowned expert on the subject, presents a system he calls the Quick Writing Process (QWP) that focuses on real-world writing tasks and demonstrates how to produce the clearest, most honest, most powerful work possible under the constraints of time and space.A writing instructor with twenty-five years' experience teaching students and professionals in business and government, Kaye tells writers how to budget their time and how to use this time efficiently.

Exploring particular writing situations in which QWP can be applied to make the most of what the writer knows, Kaye discusses the process of taking exams, focusing on how instructors select questions and evaluate essays.He also considers writing in business and government, featuring an insightful analysis of a memo written by Colonel Oliver North.This memo highlights one of the most important issues writers in business and government face: whether to write the truth as they see it or simply what their bosses want to hear.Presenting a wealth of such examples, Kaye reveals how to break through stifling organizational codes in order to write memos and position papers that count.

While most guides to writing ignore the constraints of time and space, Writing Under Pressure tackles these problems head on, making it an essential reference for students, business professionals, government officials, or anyone else faced with a difficult writing assignment that has to be done now. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

An attempt to create a formula for writing


I can understand Sanford Kaye's objective: provide a program that take the angst out of having to write in high pressure environments, such as a test or presentation at the office. That the author is an academic and his target is primarily students skews this work in a direction it shouldn't really go - and Kaye's sallies into the politics of his day doesn't help matters.

Kaye drops nuggets like "Your goal is a process which allows you to write efficiently and confidently for a reader whom you have placed in an appropriate relationship to your words, and whose questions you have anticipated within the planned structure of your essay, memo, or exam." I can think of a half-dozen ways to express Kaye's meaning in an understandable form, not swaddled with academic window dressing that chokes the meaning out of words. "Conscious, careful selection, whether the representation is a word, symbol, or underlying metaphor, is crucial to both power and clarity in prose." Muddled way of suggesting that you understand the language and choose your words carefully.

Statements like this make up the bulk of this book. The advice is good, but not exceptional. The writing style is dry and dull. The excursions into the politics of the day back then are meaningless to contemporary readers as they were probably at the time.

For the writer who reacts adversely to time pressure, there are many other more generalized books on writing which do the job better.

Jerry

The "Extra" Art History Textbook: A Writing Manual Roundup
"Art history textbooks are dry, encyclopedic, and non-controversial. They include every work of art except our favorites. We hear these complaints often, but nonetheless we use them. One way to spice up a course is to add extra readings. Some extras are practical references, such as writing manuals. Others cover theory or support specific assignments. This is the first in a series of posts on extra textbooks."

"For students struggling to finish well-structured essays during exams I recommend Sanford Kaye'sWriting under Pressure: The Quick Writing Process. It discusses the writing and grading of essay exams from both a student's and an instructor's viewpoint, which is insightful to both."

Excerpt from my blog entry The "Extra" Art History Textbook: A Writing Manual Roundup: http://arthistoriansatwork.blogspot.com/2008/12/extra-art-history-textbook-writing.html

Quick and complete.
More than a how to write fast manual this book addresses the process of writing from start to finish. The steps are laid out in an easy to follow fashion with gems like "talent is the result of consistent practice" dispensed along the way.The author advocates a structured thought process without falling into the programmatic do's and don'ts of the ordinary writing text.In summary, great for a new writer or rusty writer looking for a writing framework to make the process easier.If you already have an efficient writing stlye then not needed, for the rest of us, great book.

A great reference book - you will refer to it many times!!!
I've had this book since the first paperback edition came out in 1990, and have referred to it many times over the years.The material is well layed out, easy to read and more importantly, easy to apply!You definitely won't regret buying this book!

This is the Writing book you want on your shelf
When I first got into college, I had absolutely no idea how to
write. I had written papers in high school, yet it had always been an agonizing process. As a result, I dreaded every paper assignment, and put off writing until the last minute. Then, one day, in the midst of such procrastination, I discovered this book on the library's shelf.

Shelved between two books on grammar, this book looked like another long-winded treatise on sentence construction. Yet after opening the book, I was pleasantly surprised.

Sanford Kaye's book, Writing Under Pressure, puts forth an interesting, well thought out strategy for writing papers.Through a case study, and then specific applications, he outlines his strategy in a clear, easily understandable way that is immediately applicable.Yet this is not this book's main strength. Kaye clearly loves writing, and he communicates this in a way that makes the reader feel the same way. Now, this is the book I turn to whenever I feel overwhelmed by a writing task. So if you are looking for a book on writing, or even if you are not, you cannot do better than Sanford Kaye's Writing Under Pressure. ... Read more

Product Description

This book is for any clinician who wants to write. It is for the physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who sees patients and also wants to contribute to the medical literature. It is for the assistant professor aspiring to promotion and the clinician in private practice seeking the personal enrichment that writing can bring. Loaded with practical advice and real-world examples, this text will benefit readers who are new to medical writing and those who have authored a few articles or chapters and want to improve their abilities.

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book, must have for researcher clinicians
I found this book very helpful and fun to read. It gives you a structured approach to medical writing and includes very useful tips. It is a must have for rsidents and interns who are involved in research projects and expected to write up or at least participate in writing a study manuscript. This book gives you a short cut over the time and effort you may spend until you learn some basic writing skills. I highly recommend it.

Excellent book, must read!!
If you are a clinician and want to write articles for journals but don't have a clue as to how to start, your quest for guidance stops here! Reading this book is like someone sitting beside you and gently telling you what to do next. It contains chapters on writing all different kinds of articles: reporting original research, systematic reviews, clinical reviews, case reports, etc. Also, it goes into writing style and mistakes to avoid. Definitely a must read for the newcomer to medical writing! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

It's not JUST for technical writing
I'm a writer and I've read plenty (twenty?) books on writing, and this is the best. The title makes it seem more limiting than it is. Yes, the examples given in the book have to do with changing light bulbs and wiring circuits and whatnot, but the points made--about clarity, order, rhythm, and word choice--apply to every kind of writing you can think of, poetry included.
I strongly recommend this book to anybody interested in honing their skills, or even for going from bad to good.
It's a work book. It requires you to write your responses, then check for accuracy. I think the whole book takes under 20 hours to complete, and it's 20 hours well spent.
Even at new prices, it's a bargain. If you buy it used, ask the seller if it has been marked up (answers filled in) by the previous owner. Better to pay close to a hundred bucks for a fresh one than to spend ten or less for one you can't use. You could spend two hours erasing pencil answers, but...your time's got to be worth something, no?

The Best Book You'll Ever Buy for Clear Technical Writing
I bought my copy brand new ten years ago at the price of $26.95. I thought it was a high price to pay at the time, but after going through the exercises and improving my understanding of how to edit my work it was well worth the amount. I've referred to its guide lines quite often in my work as a technical writer and instructional designer. It is one of the best books to teach someone about minimilist writing. So if you have doubts about the high price, it is well worth the expense. I'm just glad I bought mine when I did.

Excellent book for teaching writing and editing
I've taught classes for writers and editors, and I've never seen so many good examples for improving writing. Brogan collects hundreds of examples that show how to simplify and clarify, usually by cutting superfluous words or by replacing ambiguous phrasing with something more specific. He shows writers how to write and editors how to edit. Furthermore, he doesn't ban the use of passive voice. What more can I ask of a book?

The used copy I purchased through Amazon (from Jabez Books) is in excellent condition. I first discovered [local store] book at [local area], where a tattered and marked-up copy sells for [money]. My copy cost [money]!

Great Book, Great Big Price
My first serious contact with technical editing (in particular, line-by-line editing of text) was through this very useful book. Its insights served me well for 20 years. It is probably used in college courses, where such high prices are common, but that doesn't excuse the excessively high price.

Easy to follow; Loaded with examples
This book is nicely laid out and easy to follow. I like the fact that there are a lot of examples given. This book covers all the issues most important the Tech Writers, such as, writing in an active voice, writing concisely, and proper punctuation.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was its exorbitant price. Seventy-eight dollars is a little excessive for a book with only 213 pages and written back in 1973! Fortunately, I was able to buy this book at a more reasonable price through Amazon Marketplace. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Writing Creative Nonfiction: Fiction Techniques for Crafting Great Nonfiction
Although I ordered three like books at the same time, after reading, highlighting and re-reading Theodore A. Rees Cheney's book, I tossed the other two aside, unread. Cheney's book is a complete primer, replete with numerous published examples of the techniques he presents in each and every lesson/chapter. Cheney's "Writing Creative Nonfiction: - -" while steadfastly keeping the distinction between fact and fiction clearly in mind, this guide teaches how to borrow from the art of fiction writing to enhance readability while sticking to the truth. A great text book for beginners, and a valuable reminder for published writers of creative nonfiction.Leland J. Shackelton ... Read more