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Writing Well

Master the craft of clear, compelling, and effective writing

The First Principle

Good writing is clear thinking made visible. If you can't write it clearly, you haven't thought it through.

Essential Books on Writing

Classic Guide

On Writing Well

William Zinsser

The classic guide to writing nonfiction. Clarity, simplicity, brevity, and humanity. Every writer needs this.

About the Book →
Style Bible

The Elements of Style

Strunk & White

"Omit needless words." The timeless guide to clear, concise writing. Small book, huge impact.

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Memoir & Craft

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

Part memoir, part masterclass. King's toolbox approach to writing and the daily discipline required.

Book Info →
Storytelling

Bird by Bird

Anne Lamott

Instructions on writing and life. How to overcome perfectionism and just get words on the page.

Author Site →
Persuasion

Made to Stick

Chip & Dan Heath

Why some ideas survive and others die. The SUCCESs framework for memorable writing.

Book Site →
Modern Classic

Several Short Sentences About Writing

Verlyn Klinkenborg

Unconventional wisdom about writing. Each sentence is a lesson. Breaks every rule beautifully.

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Online Writing & Copywriting

Web Writing

Don't Make Me Think

Steve Krug

Writing for the web is different. How to write scannable, actionable web content.

Author's Site →
Copywriting Course

Copy School by CopyHackers

Joanna Wiebe

The science of conversion copywriting. Write words that sell without being salesy.

CopyHackers →
Microcopy

Microcopy: The Complete Guide

Kinneret Yifrah

The tiny words that make a huge difference. Error messages, CTAs, tooltips that don't suck.

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Email Writing

Really Good Emails

Curated collection of excellent email copy. See what works and why.

Browse Emails →

Technical & Business Writing

Documentation

Docs for Developers

Write the Docs Community

How to write technical documentation that developers will actually read and use.

Community → Book →
Business Writing

HBR Guide to Better Business Writing

Harvard Business Review

Clear business communication. Emails, proposals, reports that get results.

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Academic Writing

They Say / I Say

Graff & Birkenstein

The moves that matter in academic writing. Templates for entering scholarly conversations.

Book Info →

Writing Tools & Resources

Writing App

Hemingway Editor

Makes your writing bold and clear. Highlights complex sentences and common errors.

Use Editor →
Style Guide

Google Developer Style Guide

Excellent public style guide for technical writing. Clear guidelines and examples.

View Guide →
Grammar Reference

Grammar Girl

Mignon Fogarty

Quick and dirty tips for better writing. Grammar explained simply.

Tips Archive →
Writing Practice

750 Words

Private online journal. Write 750 words daily. Build the habit.

Start Writing →

Essays & Articles About Writing

Classic Essay

Politics and the English Language

George Orwell

How unclear writing enables unclear thinking. Essential reading on writing with precision.

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Writing Advice

Paul Graham Essays

Essays on writing, thinking, and startups. "Write Like You Talk" and more gems.

Essay Archive → Write Like You Talk →
Writing Philosophy

Draft No. 4

John McPhee

On the writing process from a New Yorker legend. Structure, revision, and craft.

Original Essay →
Zinsser's Four Principles

1. Clarity: Be clear. If the reader is lost, it's your fault.

2. Simplicity: Strip every sentence to its cleanest components.

3. Brevity: Say what you need to say and get out.

4. Humanity: Write like a human being, not a corporation.