Every Aspiring Writer Should Read the Book WRITE BETTER by Andrew Le Peau

Every Writer Should Read the Book WRITE BETTER (by Andrew Le Peau)

I have a weekly book I read while I wait in line trying to get into the grocery story. A couple of weeks ago, that book was Andrew Le Peau’s Write Better (IVP, 2019). It is a guidebook for compelling writing (advice both for fiction and non-fiction) from a seasoned publishing editor. I think Le Peau has a lot to offer, especially to academic writers. We academics were taught how to collect research and how to write it up in an academic (=boring) manner. Basically, we were trained how to write dull, reference-like works. But we weren’t trained how to write for broader audiences; and we certainly were not taught how to pitch a book idea to a publisher!

There are lots of great insights on the craft of writing here, and numerous examples (good and bad). But I think where this book is really helpful for academics is in the appendixes on working with publishers and learning how to develop a voice and platform.

I wish I read this book ten years ago. Much of what Le Peau offers I have already learned in the “School of Hard Knocks.” But it was nice to have reminders all in one place. And I did gain insight from seeing the book publishing process from the publisher’s end.

This is $15 well spent!