On Writing Well, 25th Anniversary: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

Amazon.com
Whether you write an occasional professional letter or a daily newspaper column, William Zinsser's On Writing Well should be required reading. Simplicity is Zinsser's mantra: he preaches a stripped-down writing style, strong and clear. He has no patience for excess (most use of adjectives and adverbs, he writes, just adds clutter) or tired phraseology (for instance, he'd like to outlaw all leads involving those "future archaeologists" most often found "stumbl[ing] upon the remains of our civilization"). He recommends that all writers of nonfiction read their work aloud (don't commit something to paper that you wouldn't actually say) and write under the assumption that "the reader knows nothing" (not to be confused with assuming the reader's an idiot). In addition to the chapters on the expected--usage, audience, interviews, leads--Zinsser also focuses on such trouble spots as science and technical writing, business writing, sports, and humor.


--New York Times
"On Writing Well belongs on any shelf of serious reference works for writers."


The New York Times
"Belongs on any shelf of serious reference works for writers, along with The Elements of Style."


From AudioFile
Zinsser's classic belongs on every writer's shelf. It's full of practical, no-frills advice on the basics of writing nonfiction: clarity, simplicity, brevity and humanity. Zinsser also offers unique observations: "An experienced writer learns how to crank up his confidence and self-esteem when he sits down to write." The author's easy-going delivery and warm voice are confidence-building, as well. The discussion is crystal clear and easy to follow as transitional statements carefully lead the listener from one section to the next. Most of all, the tape exudes Zinsser's generosity of spirit, which is sure to inspire any would-be writer. E.K.D. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


From Book News, Inc.
A classic guide to writing nonfiction. New material has been added to the chapters on interviewing, memoir, travel, science, sports, criticism, and humor. References are updated throughout, and new trends in nonfiction writing are addressed, such as the manipulation and fabrication of quotes and the self-aggrandizement of sportswriters at the expense of the sport. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.


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On Writing Well has been praised for its sound advice, its clarity and the warmth of its style. It is a book for everybody who wants to learn how to write or who needs to do some writing to get through the day, as almost everybody does in the age of e-mail and the Internet. Whether you want to write about people or places, science and technology, business, sports, the arts or about yourself in the increasingly popular memoir genre, On Writing Well offers you fundamental priciples as well as the insights of a distinguished writer and teacher. With more than a million copies sole, this volume has stood the test of time and remains a valuable resource for writers and would-be writers.


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