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On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
by
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
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Paperback, 30th Anniversary Edition, 336 pages
Published
April 5th 2016
by Harper Perennial
(first published 1976)
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Nevin Thompson
The book was written long, long, long before email. It is a book about clear written communication.
Flying Snow
As Kate has pointed out, Goodreads is owned by Amazon, who will most likely survive even if you buy or order the book from an independent bookshop :)
Community Reviews
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Start your review of On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
It’s always intimidating setting out to write a review of a book on writing. One feels naked, exposed—now you have to prove that you’ve learned something. Lucky for me, I am a creature with little shame, so I’ll let my prose all hang out.
After reading Pragmatism by the American philosopher William James, I’ve realized that some American qualities cut deep. We are a people who love action and despise abstract argument. We like to see efficiency and real-world results. We set ourselves a goal an ...more
After reading Pragmatism by the American philosopher William James, I’ve realized that some American qualities cut deep. We are a people who love action and despise abstract argument. We like to see efficiency and real-world results. We set ourselves a goal an ...more
Brilliant book!I definitely learned a lot of extremely useful advice from this book. I learned about the writing mistakes that I was making, and also how to enrich my own writing. Zinsser's tone and sense of humour made reading the book fun and interesting. This is the kind of book I would re-read every now and then for inspiration.
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How do you learn to write, really, other than by writing. But now and then, it's good to pause and think about the art of good writing, the craft. This famous little book can be the reflective pause that will help you be care-full, love-full, with your work. The book is not just more of the same old stuff you've always heard. The advice given by the author is creative and his examples of good writing are informative and insightful. And because good writing is always connected to the inner life a
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Zinsser's first few chapters talk solely about eliminating clutter and simplifying your work... yet his book is more than 300 pages of repetitive, hypocritical and lengthy sentences. This book could have been easily shortened to 50-100 pages. I was not a fan of his many examples (quite frankly, I skipped over most of them). Most of all, I wish Zinsser followed his own advice - simplify, and trust your material (don't feel the need to explain almost every single principle; we get it). The book, h
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This book may have a few valuable suggestions throughout, but it is difficult to reap Zinsser's lessons through his sexism and eurocentrism. He uses his own work (Haircurl) in the "Humor" chapter for no good reason because he really doesn't do anything with it except to show that it is funny. Unfortunately, it is not funny, and it is actually quite offensively mocking women. In "A Writer's Decisions" he describes a piece he wrote with thickly layered romanticism about a desert tribe that exotici
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A straightforward guide to writing solid nonfiction. William Zinsser offers sound advice, including how to eliminate clutter and ways to target your audience. He spans several genres within nonfiction, ranging from sports writing to travel articles to memoir. He incorporates several example passages from his favorite writers and from his own work.
On Writing Well provided tangible, quality writing tips. It did not excite me, though. Zinsser has a somewhat eurocentric perspective and his writing s ...more
On Writing Well provided tangible, quality writing tips. It did not excite me, though. Zinsser has a somewhat eurocentric perspective and his writing s ...more
May 18, 2007
Katelyn Beaty
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
person who wants to write all good
Shelves:
classics,
books-on-books
I always thought of the ability to write well as a gift more than a skill--kind of like hand-eye coordination, or rhythm. You either have it or you don't. It's not until I began working in the editorial world that I realized the writing which seems effortless is that which requires the most effort. Part of my training at this job required reading a quintessential work on nonfiction writing, William Zinsser's "On Writing Well" (30th Anniversary edition). I was warned that it's a slow burn--perhap
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I don't understand. This book is just the letters W—E—L—L written over and over again, for three hundred pages.
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No? How about this then: It's not well known that the author was taken aback by several critical reviews of this book. He insisted that these were not factually accurate, particularly those written by female reviewers. He responded by publishing a sequel titled, "On Writing Actually".
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One particular bit of writing advice resonates with me, in the chapter on reviewing the art ...more
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No? How about this then: It's not well known that the author was taken aback by several critical reviews of this book. He insisted that these were not factually accurate, particularly those written by female reviewers. He responded by publishing a sequel titled, "On Writing Actually".
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One particular bit of writing advice resonates with me, in the chapter on reviewing the art ...more
On Writing Well may primarily focus on non-fiction, but parts of it should be required reading for novelists, as well. Though, at first, Zinsser’s advice may seem anal–retentive and persnickety, it is great for keeping your work focused and making your sentences sharper.
The best part of On Writing Well focuses on“trimming the fat in the sentences you write. Zinsser provides a hand-edited page of his own On Writing Well manuscript as an example of how to cut down on useless words, and it is tru ...more
The best part of On Writing Well focuses on“trimming the fat in the sentences you write. Zinsser provides a hand-edited page of his own On Writing Well manuscript as an example of how to cut down on useless words, and it is tru ...more
A good book on writing non-fiction.
I would not recommend this to those who spend hours watching writing videos like moi.
If you still want to read it, hope it'll be more helpful to you. ...more
If you still want to read it, hope it'll be more helpful to you. ...more
Jan 25, 2008
Steven
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Anyone who wants to improve their writing.
One of the oldest ways to master a craft is through imitation and writing well is no different. Zinsser's book stands alongside Strunk & White's "Elements of Style" as one of the best guides on how to write clearly and effectively. The book's tone and style is much like a series of lectures from a professor who projects a sense of knowledge, warmth, and passion.
Zinsser illustrates many of his points through the use of personal anecdotes and examples culled from writers of different disciplines. ...more
Zinsser illustrates many of his points through the use of personal anecdotes and examples culled from writers of different disciplines. ...more
Writing a sufficiently well-written review for a well-written book about how to write well is a lot to write well.
So I'll write it well later. ...more
So I'll write it well later. ...more
On Writing Well provides advice on how to write non-fiction. It is logically organized into four sections: Principles, Methods, Forms, and Attitude. The first section covers the basics. It conveys tips on writing in a straight-forward uncluttered manner with emphasis on action verbs. The second focuses on organization, presentation, and structure. The third shows examples of different types of writing, such as travel, memoir, science, business, sports, arts, and humor. The last section explores
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I was a long time reading this - probably a year and half, all told. But as I neared the end, I didn’t want it to end - and that is something I’ve never said about any non-fiction book, and certainly never expected to say about a writing book. But the author’s voice is so lovely and conversational, and I learned so much so effortlessly. Hopefully I can I put some of it into practice, on the small writing projects I have! But even if I never intended to write a word, I’d always be glad I read thi
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A must read for those whose works relate to writing: students, teachers, businessmen, reporters, and of course, writers. Very useful tips along with very witty style. And above all, a man with high passion, virtue and responsibility with his job.
Returning to On Writing Well some years after the last read-through is like reconnecting with an old friend. This was one of the first books I read when I really started to learn how to write (which, I might mention, happened after I‘d completed a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, and a PhD; thank you, American higher education). William Zinsser’s clarity and winsomeness fueled my love of writing and editing, and looking at the book now, I’m almost startled to recognize how much of my edi
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In my opinion this book, compared to Elements of Style, is like being transported to an entirely different world in itself. No longer is some taut professor (sorry, Mr. White and Mr. Strunk! I still love you.) slapping a ruler against the board, directing you what verbs to use and which tenses sound best, what constitutes as good language compared to language that is gaudy and overrated, only putting the ruler down by the last few minutes of class to speak calmly with you; if White and Strunk tr
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Unpleasant truth: very few of us write well.
This book is a strong start when you cannot define good writing, but you think you can produce it. I’m sure it will humble you. The author shares the most common writing mistakes — I started seeing them everywhere. He focuses on what to avoid if you want people to read your non-fiction.
For me, the most important message of the book is this: keeping the reader’s attention is the hardest thing to do. University didin’t teach me that; my work has always ...more
This book is a strong start when you cannot define good writing, but you think you can produce it. I’m sure it will humble you. The author shares the most common writing mistakes — I started seeing them everywhere. He focuses on what to avoid if you want people to read your non-fiction.
For me, the most important message of the book is this: keeping the reader’s attention is the hardest thing to do. University didin’t teach me that; my work has always ...more
Write for you because otherwise what you write becomes impersonal. Write for the reader because otherwise what you write becomes parochial.
I'm already a writer, so I didn't buy this book to learn how to write. I bought it to become a better writer. Maybe it will make me a better writer.
I admit that I'm inspired to write about topics that I previously have not touched. How can I fault a book that inspires me?
On the other hand, I had expected more concrete advice on how to structure my writing; ho ...more
I'm already a writer, so I didn't buy this book to learn how to write. I bought it to become a better writer. Maybe it will make me a better writer.
I admit that I'm inspired to write about topics that I previously have not touched. How can I fault a book that inspires me?
On the other hand, I had expected more concrete advice on how to structure my writing; ho ...more
Really great practical advice on writing--be clear, be truthful, and don't get cocky. I should re-read this one again and again
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Why Zinsser Still Matters
Second only to The Elements of Style, this is the best book ever written for writers. In many ways, it's better than Strunk and White, which tends to focus on grammar and the actual mechanics of writing as opposed to how a writer should think and approach things. The book focuses on nonfiction, but many (if not most) of the principles apply equally to any style of writing. Even chapters on things like how to do an interview offer valuable insights into what you're lookin ...more
Second only to The Elements of Style, this is the best book ever written for writers. In many ways, it's better than Strunk and White, which tends to focus on grammar and the actual mechanics of writing as opposed to how a writer should think and approach things. The book focuses on nonfiction, but many (if not most) of the principles apply equally to any style of writing. Even chapters on things like how to do an interview offer valuable insights into what you're lookin ...more
Read the first two parts--
Witty, concise, and informative, the first two parts on "Principles" and "Methods" are brilliant. These parts, however, constitute 30% of the book. The rest of the book - that is, 70% - is uneven and can be skipped without missing out on anything important.
The only chapters I found worth reading are those on "Science and Technology," "Business Writing," and "Writing About Arts," all of which are in Part III. Other than these, none of the chapters say anything that hasn' ...more
Witty, concise, and informative, the first two parts on "Principles" and "Methods" are brilliant. These parts, however, constitute 30% of the book. The rest of the book - that is, 70% - is uneven and can be skipped without missing out on anything important.
The only chapters I found worth reading are those on "Science and Technology," "Business Writing," and "Writing About Arts," all of which are in Part III. Other than these, none of the chapters say anything that hasn' ...more
Aside from his advice about usage—which made me deeply grateful for the more rigorously empirical and linguistically accurate advice of Steven Pinker’s *Style*—this book was a delight. The advice was sage, drawing as it did from a multi-decade depth and breadth of experience both in writing and in teaching writing. The excerpts singled out for praise and analysis were excellent, paragons of prose. I will return to this book. It confirmed some of my most deeply held views about writing (especiall
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With Steve's review, I was reminded that I had read this years ago and it's in my "book closet" where I have all my writing reference books.
When did I read it? Well, I would have to think back and I can figure it out but it will take a while and I would rather be reading than go down that particular "memory lane."
Five stars indicates what I thought of this book and glad to know that it's contents are still valid today.
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When did I read it? Well, I would have to think back and I can figure it out but it will take a while and I would rather be reading than go down that particular "memory lane."
Five stars indicates what I thought of this book and glad to know that it's contents are still valid today.
...more
Classic seminal work on editing, phrasing and delivering a message.
Jun 27, 2012
Michael Spotts
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Writers trapped in jungles
Shelves:
non-fiction-writing-skills
Turning the last page of On Writing Well, by William Zinsser, I compulsively kissed the cover—an act of grateful reverence bestowed on few books in the Spotts library, effectively Knighthood in the realm of my reading. This distinction was earned by Zinsser’s incomparable usefulness to the Writer that Would Be. Many “accomplished authors” have assumed the task of sharpening our nibs, and showed themselves little more than grammarians, or seized the chance to flaunt their cloying style and terrib
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~3.5~
I am pretty impressed with myself that I finished this book in a week...But it was interesting and VERY helpful for writing future papers and even in my writing outside of school. I did find myself skipping over some paragraphs sometimes and just scanning (that is why I rated it lower). But overall, it was a good read. I think that I would've enjoyed it more if I didn't have to read it for school...but aren't we all like that? ...more
I am pretty impressed with myself that I finished this book in a week...But it was interesting and VERY helpful for writing future papers and even in my writing outside of school. I did find myself skipping over some paragraphs sometimes and just scanning (that is why I rated it lower). But overall, it was a good read. I think that I would've enjoyed it more if I didn't have to read it for school...but aren't we all like that? ...more
What can I say about Zinsser that hasn't already been said? I read my first version of this book in the eighties as a side-text for a university comp class. And this is the third edition I've read. The core material stays the same, but this edition includes writing clear, concise prose for electronic media and meetings in addition to the paper-writing skills I focused on at 18.
Five stars. A classic. Plus. ...more
Five stars. A classic. Plus. ...more
I first read On Writing Well years ago when I was assigned to co-teach a writing course for Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (TIP) the summer of 2000. I thought then, I was prepared to teach a bunch of highly intelligent teens about the elements in writing great nonfiction. It turned out, however, that I learned much more about the writing process thanks to Zinsser. The head instructor for the course had read the book and informed me that our classes would be doing so as well. On
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