Publishing & Books : On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (On Writing Well)

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (On Writing Well)

EUR 7,89


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.

Even small doses will improve your writings... - Whow: Ever seen a printed jewel before?Even the part on simplicity is well worth the money.Make it simpler - cut it down. It ll still convey your message. And Zessneris so right about it...Zessner goes on as he begins: precise, interesting and with manyconvincing samples. Good read!

Can I rate a book at six stars? Seven? Eight? - This book is phenomenal. I write for a living and make it my business to read as much as I can about writing in order to refine my skills. This is the one book I return to again and again--particularly when I feel my writing getting stale. I recommend this to my students and fellow writers--even creative writers. It s a winner for anyone who wants to improve their writing.

It IS a classic.... - ....and fun to read, for Zinsser practices what he teaches others to do: write clearly and with vigor. Versatile and indispensable.

Every writer should read this... - When one of my professors handed back an essay he marked it all in red. It was then I knew I needed improve my writing style. My professor emphasized the importance of using the correct word in the correct situation, writing what is really meant, and getting rid of all useless word clutter. When I found this book on amazon.com, I was delighted, but I wasn t sure what to exactly expect. To my surprise, Zinsser emphasizes the exact same principles my Humanities professor did (yet they had never been emphasized in any prior class)! Zinsser gives extremely practical advice about writing, in a very flowing and interesting style. One important thing he stresses is that to write well, one has to *work at it*. I was used to sitting down and expecting the words just to flow. Now when I write, I take the time to use the principles Zinsser outlines. This is one of those books that I have highlighted nearly every line in. The whole book is very useful for the professional and novice writer. I don t think I would ever be without it. The interview section was particularly helpful when I needed to do one for a church newsletter. There should be something for everyone who wants to write about places, sports, science, business, or memoirs (there is a chapter on each). This book will be of particular help to me when I go to graduate school next year. Then I will especially need to be able to organize my thoughts and write in a clear and concise manner. Overall I cannot stop stressing how important this book has been in improving my writing style.

a valuable book - I am a reporter on a small town weekly and bought this book - along with several others - as a refresher course. I would recommend it to anyone who writes for a living, because Zinsser writes so well, teaches so well and gives such good examples. Although he s writing about assignments that people like me can only dream about, I have found that his guidance has stayed with me and is applicable to everyday newspaper work. I particularly liked his emphasis on avoiding abstractions in leads, and his willingness for journalism to be entertaining. Moreover, it s a very readable book. I will never forget the story about going to Timbuktoo.




On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (On Writing Well)