| |  | Author: William Zinsser
Publisher: Harper & Row, Publishers
Category: Book
Buy Used: $1.61
New (3) Used (36) from $1.61
Avg. Customer Rating:  172 reviews
Sales Rank: 1441274
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 151
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.8
ISBN: 0060147989
EAN: 9780060147983
ASIN: 0060147989
Publication Date: 1976
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Some wear on book from reading, spine creases, wear on binding and pages, we guarantee all purchases and ship all items via USPS mail.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Excellent guide to beome a better writer May 19, 2008
Zinssers "On Writing Well" is an excellent guide to help you become a better writer, it certainly has helped me! Zinssers writing style is very casual and easy to read and this is the style he somewhat promotes in the rest of his book.
The book is made up of 4 different sections:
- Principles
- Methods
- Forms
- Attitudes
In the principles part, Zinsser lays down strong principles on well... getting the basics right. Similar advice as in e.g. Elements of Style. Word usage, removing clutter, style etc. In the second part he focuses more on the how to work. Making pieces flow and in the "bits of pieces" part he goes over constructs to use (could have been in the principles?)
The forms part goes over the various forms of nonfiction writing. Examples are writing about people, travel, sports etc. He gives (like in the rest of the book) excellent examples of what he means. All well written and very clear.
The last part, I enjoyed most, the attitudes talks about the different attitudes you, as an author, should or could have towards your writing. How to make sure you're writing becomes real quality and how you survive and enjoy the process of writing it!
On writing well is a must for every author, whether you are professional or see writing as a part of your job or do it as a hobby. The book is fun and easy to read. I enjoyed it and I'm sure, so will you.
 Truly and Exceptional Book for Writers!!! May 16, 2008
This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in writing and publishing to read and enjoy. I just love it! I started reading this book during a journalism class. I eventually left the class after reading this book. I learned more from the book than from the journalism teacher. Every story the teacher had a problem with, I had published in my original writing without changing one word. The editors of the newspapers publishing the stories also loved them. Additionally, the audience and readers of the articles are just elated and happy to read them.
This book has really opened my eyes regarding the writing process, teachers, and editors. I have learned how to fight back and win! I have also picked up some sound advice on enjoyment and confidence, and how to deal with tyranny and fear. This is truly an inspirational book. It is easy to read. The chapters are not long. There is humor in the pages, and I truly enjoyed the learning experience. I will cherish it and read it again from time to time. Thank you William Zinsser!
Other wonderful books to read are: Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body and Soul; A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose, and Thoughts for the Mind, Body and Soul; Everyday Miracles; and, The Language of Poetry Forms.
The New Classic May 12, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I like to call this The New Classic for Writing Style. It's clear, concise, sound advice for the non-fiction writer. Keep it simple; a book for anyone that writes. As an editor, I not only recommend it to all my authors (so I don't have to do as much work), but I consider it one of my valued resources.
Karen Reddick, author of Grammar Done Right!
The Mr. Chips of the writing class. April 18, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
If only I had Mr. Zinsser as a college professor, I might not have found the higher educational experience so dull and fruitless. Reading this book is like learning by osmosis, painless and very rewarding. What did I learn? I'm not sure. His teaching is so subtle that the instruction is almost subliminally absorbed. I'm sure I'll be using what Professor Zinsser taught me without even realizing it. And there are extra bonuses, too. Like dozens of terrific writing examples from such luminaries as E.B. White, H.L. Menken, James Baldwin, Will Bradbury, Robert Benchley, Garrison Keillor, and the author himself. And there are six pages of sources, so you can track these excerpts down and read them in their entirety. So much to read; so little time. Mr. Zinsser focuses on how to develop your voice/style, the importance of humor and simplicity. He discusses the various forms of non-fiction writing: travel articles, memoirs, sports, cultural reviews, science and technology, and biography. This is one class you won't be dozing off in. "I think a sentence is a fine thing to put a preposition at the end of." (Page 41)
This is a book I wish I had met sooner March 16, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
On day 1 of my first university English Class, I met a book called The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White. A slim volume, first published in 1917 it has prevented me from making many serious grammar and style errors. Zinsser first wrote his book in '76, just after I stopped taking English classes. This is a book I wish I had met sooner. It is superb. He covers many different styles of non fiction including travel, memoirs, sport and family history. His major lessons for me was how to find your own voice and that the writing is for yourself, no other. Very freeing book.
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