On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

Additional On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction Information

Based on a course William Zinsser taught at Yale and his long experience as a writer, editor and teacher, On Writing Well has been praised by journalists, teachers, writers, students, and grateful users since its publication in 1976.

Read by Zinsser with warmth, humor, and encouragement, On Writing Well shows how to apply the author's four principles of writing: Clarity; Simplicity; Brevity; and Humanity. He stresses the importance of reading your writing aloud to hear how it sounds and illustrates the difference between good and bad nouns, and good and bad verbs. Specific examples are given throughout the recording that show how writing can be improved.

What Customers Say About On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction:

The book is all-around superb. I know that my review will not do this book justice. I will, however, try to capture some main ideas. It not only discusses the process of writing from inspiration to mechanics. Its a must read for everyone, not just writers.

He writes as if his work is better than yours could ever be, and therefor deserving of your total fascination. Brilliant writers don't write books on how to write. So here's the problem. Unfortunately, it's not -- in his section on improving sentences I saw a dozen ways his sentences could be improved. Which means you end up getting advice on how to be a good writer from writers who aren't very good. This would be OK if they had some humility, but Zinsser doesn't. If you really need help writing, I'm sure the book will be useful. I just wish the author dropped the arrogance.

. but I read this book and loved it. I'm almost 40 and I realized most what they taught us in school was NONSENSE. But thanks to Zinsser I can start, and end, my sentences with but.

I need not add my voice to the many who have found this book of such great value that they have forced publication of edition after edition (now up to 30); their action speaks loud and clear. My small voice simply adds to their chorus. This is one great book.

I recieved this item in a timely matter. I got what I expected and would be happy to do business with the seller again.