Write to the Point [Paperback]

Bill Stott (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0231075499 | ISBN-13: 978-0231075497 | Publication Date: April 15, 1991 0

Write to the Point is the best available guide to effective writing of non-fiction. "Have something to say, and say what you mean to say as simply as you can." Those are Bill Stott's most important points, and for all those readers who know that this simple advice may be difficult to follow, he offers encouragement on such topics as: how to find something to say; the basics of organization, how to avoid sexist language; how much is enough; plagiarism; and basic grammar.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Super-enriched how-to book... designed to get the beginner or the pro... past the struggles of writing to the rewards of sharing something useful.

(Christian Science Monitor )

The year's best book for encouraging the beginning, or the intimidated, writer.

(The New York Times Magazine William Safire )

Product Details

• Paperback: 226 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (April 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231075499
• ISBN-13: 978-0231075497
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #377,283 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book On Nonfiction Writing, July 27, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Write to the Point (Paperback)

This is an excellent book. I would rate this as the best book on nonfiction writing. Bill Stott encourages you to break and bend the rules and tells you why you should start a sentence with "and" or "but." His writing flows perfectly and you can practically read it right through like a regular book. If you need suggestions on how to improve your writing slgihtly or a lot, this book is for you!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book explained how to improve my writing, July 18, 2005

By 

Applied Sociologist - See all my reviews

This review is from: Write to the Point (Paperback)

I had a Ph.D., needed to publish, thought I was a 'good writer' but in fact my writing was obtuse, rambled, unfocused and ineffective. A supervisor gave me this book. Within two years my writing was getting easily accepted for trade and academic publishing alike. Writing is now something I consider one of my strengths. I recommend this book to staff and students.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Writing Guide for Novice Scholars, February 23, 2008

By 

Antoinette Kohlman (Lincoln, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Write to the Point (Paperback)

I am a PhD student. This book was recommended by an instructor who cared about making me a better scholar. Stott's writing advice is crisp, clear, and actionable. After I implemented his recommendations, my assignments were consistently noted for their quality of expression. My writing is judged on what I say (content), not how I say it (style). I will always struggle with my writing. In spite of that fact, I now have a book that guides and encourages me with practical, effective advice. I wish I'd had this book earlier in my academic career!