Good Writing: 36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences

by Neal Allen, Anne Lamott

36 ways to improve your writing

Two writers show you how to turn a worthy sentence into a memorable one. Starting where The Elements of Style leaves off, Good Writing can improve your book, your essay, your memo, your blog post, speech, or script. These essential rules for persuasive language work on any type of writing, and anyone can learn them quickly.

Each rule is accompanied by examples and a lively pair of essays, the first by Neal Allen, who developed the list of tips over the course of his journalism and corporate careers; the second by his wife, Anne Lamott, acclaimed author of Bird by Bird and nineteen other nonfiction works and novels. The authors don’t always agree on the specifics, but they are passionate about making better sentences.

As Neal writes, “These rules economize, favor the plainspoken and the specific, keep the reader’s attention sharp, and in other ways show respect for the audience’s time and desire for novelty.”

Some rules are Use strong verbs. Remove the boring stuff. Twist clichés. Some are more Draw on all five senses. Give your sentence a finale. Along the way, Good Writing addresses practicalities such as finishing projects despite challenges, trusting editors, and knowing when to break the rules to serve your story.

Whether you're a novice writer or a seasoned author, this entertaining guide will revolutionize your approach to crafting sentences.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2026

Reviews

[Nicolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC through a Goodreads Giveaway — thank you to the authors and publisher! I’m a Communications professor who also teaches writing courses, which probably makes me an ideal audience for this book.
While it didn’t feel groundbreaking, the book is accessible and full of practical advice that anyone can apply to write more engaging sentences. I especially enjoyed the banter-like format between the authors.
My one note to future readers: since the book isn’t very long, I’d normally read it in one sitting. However, this one is a bit wordy and list-heavy to fully enjoy that way. Just know you will probably get more out of it if you plan to pick it up over a few weeks rather than all at once. I found it worked better to read a couple rules a day over a longer period of time rather than trying to power through it.
If you take even a couple of valuable insights from it, you’ll be better off after reading, and that’s why I read in the first place! 4/5 stars ✍🏼

[Susan Sepples · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this back and forth between two smart and funny authors who just happen to be late in life partners. Heard Anne Lamott (whose books I gobble up) on the radio and went right to Shermans and got my name on a list for when it went on sale. Read it tonight-- about a three hour read beginning to end-- gobbled it! I did write all over it-- writing my own "dental draft" now-- and my own my own "in house" editor is helping; now I am going go sharpen my verbs and metaphors, delete unnecessary words and believe in it enough to find an agent.

[David Earl Woodbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

#51 Books Read in 2026
“Good Writing: 36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences”
by Neal Allen & Anne Lamott 2026
Audible
Started 3.18 26 - Finished 3.19 .26
(#9 read in March)

Now I must re-read "Bird by Bird".
I was so sad when I was finished.
I'm so thankful I found this great book.

[Connie]

#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on writing I have read, slim but filled with simple, practical advice.