Customer Reviews

Writer's Guide to Nonfiction (Writer's Compass (Perigee))

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Besides providing an overview of all aspects of nonfiction writing, A Writer's Guide to Nonfiction covers specific techniques for particular types of writing--such as memoir, self-help, travel--then breaks these categories into subcategories, and suggests the most likely organizing scheme for each. In another section, the book discusses the most important aspects of marketing, such as writing query letters, and provides examples. There are practical tips on every page of this straighforward guide. Every struggling writer needs a copy.

A Writer's Guide to Nonfiction: A clear, practical reference for all writers of...by Elizabeth Lyon is the most comprehensive guide to nonfiction writing I've ever consumed. Inside these covers you discover definitions for every type of nonfiction writing and practical advice on how to write every type of nonfiction.

A Writer's Guide to Nonfiction follows a North, South, East, and West directional guide. We start at North with "Getting Your Bearings." This section discusses organization of ideas and understanding your audience. South offers advice on how to correct problems in leads, organization, conclusions and style. To the East is marketing and walks the reader/writer through cover and query letters and proposals. Finally, in the West Ms. Lyon's shares her ideas on brainstorming and gaining perspective in your writing.

While all of these ideas have been discussed and dissected by countless authors, Ms. Lyon, in her straight forward, approachable writing style, makes sense of the world of nonfiction writing in the easiest and most understandable methods possible. Her clean, concise prose are themselves a model for nonfiction writers.

This is a great book for non-fiction writers, either novice or advanced. Lyons covers topics throughly, and with a confident voice. Too many writing books make big money promises with nothing but fluff to back it up - this book is what non-fiction writers really need to inspire and help them with their craft.

This is an excellent practical book for non-fiction writers. Even the advanced non-fiction writer should find new ways to focus and improve their work after reading this book.

This book is fairly straight forward, but the language style is not really for seasoned writers. It can be a bit fluffy. This is probably best for an undergrad writing course, or for someone who is somewhat new to these types of non-fiction genres. Might be better to check the library or a used bookstore for a copy rather than pay for a new one.