Category: Books on Writing Nonfiction. Books on writing nonfiction are a dime a dozen, but not all of them are created equal. In this review, we will take a closer look at some of the best books on writing nonfiction and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White is one of the most well-known and highly regarded books on writing nonfiction. It covers a wide range of topics, including grammar, style, and structure, as well as more specific issues related to nonfiction writing such as researching and organizing information. The book also includes numerous examples and exercises to help writers improve their craft. One of the strengths of this book is its timeless nature - it was first published in 1975 and remains relevant today. However, one potential weakness is that some of the examples and exercises may be outdated or no longer applicable to modern nonfiction writing. Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process by John McPhee is another highly regarded book on writing nonfiction. It focuses specifically on the drafting process, providing practical advice on how to approach each stage of the writing journey. The book includes numerous examples and exercises to help writers improve their skills. One strength of this book is its emphasis on the importance of revision - it stresses that even the best first drafts are rarely perfect and that multiple rounds of revisions are often necessary to produce a polished final product. However, one potential weakness is that the book may be too focused on the technical aspects of writing and not provide enough guidance on more creative issues such as finding inspiration or developing characters. The Art of Writing a Non-Fiction Book: An Easy Guide to Researching, Creating, Editing, and Self-Publishing Your First Book (Become a Writer Today 3) is a more recent addition to the world of nonfiction writing books. It aims to provide an easy-to-follow guide for aspiring writers who want to self-publish their first book. The book covers all aspects of the process, from researching and outlining to editing and marketing. One strength of this book is its practicality - it provides specific advice on how to approach each stage of the writing journey, including tips on using free or low-cost tools to help with research and self-publishing. However, one potential weakness is that the book may be too focused on the technical aspects of self-publishing and not provide enough guidance on more creative issues such as finding inspiration or developing a unique voice. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Nonfiction: Essential Information on Researching, Organizing, and Writing Narrative Nonfiction is another book that aims to provide an easy-to-follow guide for aspiring writers. It covers all aspects of nonfiction writing, from researching and outlining to editing and self-publishing. One strength of this book is its accessibility - it uses simple language and provides clear explanations of complex concepts. However, one potential weakness is that the book may be too focused on providing a general overview of nonfiction writing and not provide enough guidance on more specific issues such as developing characters or creating a compelling narrative arc. Teaching Evidence-Based Writing: Fiction: Texts and Lessons for Spot-On Writing About Reading by Corwin Literacy is a book that focuses specifically on teaching evidence-based writing in the context of fiction. It provides practical advice on how to incorporate research into fiction writing, as well as exercises and examples to help writers improve their skills. One strength of this book is its emphasis on the importance of using evidence to support claims - it stresses that even in a work of fiction, it's important to back up statements with facts and research. However, one potential weakness is that the book may be too focused on the technical aspects of writing fiction and not provide enough guidance on more creative issues such as finding inspiration or developing characters. On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King is a classic memoir about the craft of writing nonfiction. It covers a wide range of topics, including King's own experiences with writing and his thoughts on the process of creating fiction. The book includes numerous examples and exercises to help writers improve their skills. One strength of this book is its accessibility - it uses simple language and provides clear explanations of complex concepts. However, one potential weakness is that the book may be too focused on King's own experiences and not provide enough guidance for aspiring writers who want to write nonfiction in a different genre or style. Writing The Damn Book: How To Start, Write & Publish A Non-Fiction Book For Creative People Who Have A Hard Time Finishing Things by Noel Chandler is another book that aims to provide an easy-to-follow guide for aspiring writers who want to write nonfiction. It covers all aspects of the process, from researching and outlining to editing and self-publishing. One strength of this book is its practicality - it provides specific advice on how to approach each stage of the writing journey, including tips on using free or low-cost tools to help with research and self-publishing. However, one potential weakness is that the book may be too focused on providing a general overview of nonfiction writing and not provide enough guidance on more specific issues such as developing characters or creating a compelling narrative arc. The Scribe Method: The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book by David Garfinkel is a book that focuses specifically on the drafting process, providing practical advice on how to approach each stage of the writing journey. The book includes numerous examples and exercises to help writers improve their skills. One strength of this book is its emphasis on the importance of revision - it stresses that even the best first drafts are rarely perfect and that multiple rounds of revisions are often necessary to produce a polished final product. However, one potential weakness is that the book may be too focused on the technical aspects of writing and not provide enough guidance on more creative issues such as finding inspiration or developing characters. Start Writing Your Book Today: A Step-by-Step Plan to Write Your Nonfiction Book by David Moody is a book that aims to provide an easy-to-follow guide for aspiring writers who want to write nonfiction. It covers all aspects of the process, from researching and outlining to editing and self-publishing. One strength of this book is its practicality - it provides specific advice on how to approach each stage of the writing journey, including tips on using free or low-cost tools to help with research and self-publishing. However, one potential weakness is that the book may be too focused on providing a general overview of nonfiction writing and not provide enough guidance on more specific issues such as developing characters or creating a compelling narrative arc. From First Draft to Finished Manuscript by John W. Butterfield is another book that focuses specifically on the drafting process, providing practical advice on how to approach each stage of the writing journey. The book includes numerous examples and exercises to help writers improve their skills. One strength of this book is its emphasis on the importance of revision - it stresses that even the best first drafts are rarely perfect and that multiple rounds of revisions are often necessary to produce a polished final product. However, one potential weakness is that the book may be too focused on the technical aspects of writing and not provide enough guidance on more creative issues such as finding inspiration or developing characters. Touched by the Sun: My Friendship with Jackie is a memoir about the author's friendship with the famous athlete Jackie Robinson. It provides insights into the craft of writing nonfiction, including tips on researching and organizing information, as well as examples of how to create compelling characters and narrative arcs. One strength of this book is its accessibility - it uses simple language and provides clear explanations of complex concepts. However, one potential weakness is that the book may be too focused on the author's personal experiences and not provide enough guidance for aspiring writers who want to write nonfiction in a different genre or style. In conclusion, books on writing nonfiction are an essential resource for anyone looking to improve their craft.