Free Your Inner Nonfiction Writer

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1.Write to Think and Learn

1. 1.1Writing Captures Words
2. 1.2Reset Your Writing Rules
3. 1.3Nonfiction Writers Write at Several Levels
4. 1.4Fear Paralyzes Writers
5. Writer’s Block is a Different Name for Fear
6. 1.5Manage Your Imposter Syndrome
7. 1.6Try Freewriting
8. 1.7Evolve Your Writing System
9. 1.8Practice Writing to Think and Learn

2.Write Fast to Write Well

1. 2.1Create Your Idea Bank and Fieldstones
2. What If You Forget to Write Down a Fieldstone?
3. 2.2Write What Interests You
4. 2.3Finish What You Start
5. 2.4Cycle for Clarity
6. 2.5See How to Write Fast and Well
7. Why Shouldn’t I Start with an Outline?
8. 2.6Write Clean to Maintain Momentum
9. When Should You Toss a Piece?
10. 2.7Practice Correct Spelling
11. 2.8Practice Writing Faster to Write Well

3.Write for Your Ideal Reader

1. 3.1Empathize with Your Readers
2. 3.2Write About What Matters
3. 3.3Organize with the Rule of Three
4. 3.4Hook The Reader with a Problem
5. 3.5Structure Your Piece with Logic
6. Experience Reports Follow Budrys’ Outline
7. 3.6End With a Reminder of the Start
8. 3.7Write In Any Order
9. 3.8Practice Writing for Your Ideal Reader

4.Edit Just Enough

1. 4.1Edit When You’re Still Interested
2. 4.2Maintain Your Author Voice
3. 4.3Edit as Little as Possible
4. What if You Invent Words or Phrases?
5. 4.4Review Your Logic
6. 4.5Maintain Your Author Voice
7. 4.6Add References
8. Keep Notes on Research References
9. 4.7Finalize Your Title
10. 4.8Practice Editing Just Enough

5.Choose the Feedback You Want

1. 5.1What Will Feedback Offer You?
2. 5.2Never Ask for Interim Feedback
3. 5.3When Feedback Makes Sense
4. 5.4Clarify the Value of Peer Review
5. 5.5Consider the Perfection Game
6. 5.6Use These Questions for Feedback
7. 5.7Offer Feedback with Empathy
8. 5.8Beware of Reviewer-Focused Feedback
9. 5.9Build Your Peer Community
10. 5.10Create a Writing Community
11. 5.11Practice Your Feedback Choices

6.Publish Your Work

1. 6.1You Own Your Writing
2. 6.2Your Employer Owns Your Writing
3. 6.3Write as Work for Hire
4. 6.4Write for Publishers Who Don’t Want Your Copyright
5. 6.5How to Work with a Professional Editor
6. 6.6Choose Your Publication Options
7. 6.7Recognize When Others Violate Your Copyright
8. 6.8Publish Widely
9. 6.9Practice Publishing Your Work

7.Help Yourself Succeed

1. 7.1Create Your Writing Environment
2. 7.2Count Your Words
3. 7.3Avoid Talking About Your Writing
4. 7.4Read Widely
5. 7.5Write With Others
6. 7.6Transform Your Perfection Rules
7. 7.7Watch for These Writing Traps
8. 7.8Last Words—For Now

Annotated Bibliography

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