Writing to Be Understood: What Works and Why

Anne Janzer

Aug 2018 · Cuesta Park Consulting

About this eBook

Have you ever wondered what makes your favorite nonfiction books so compelling, understandable, or enjoyable to read? They connect with you, as a reader. This book will help you recognize and apply the methods of your favorite writers to your own work. 

Writing To Be Understood is the thinking writer's guide to effective nonfiction writing techniques, such as: 

- Using analogies effectively to illustrate unseen concepts 

- Appealing to the reader's innate curiosity

- Balancing humility with credibility 

For each topic, the book combines insights from cognitive science with advice from writers and expert practitioners in fields of psychology, technology, economics, medicine, policy, and more. 

Whether you're an expert trying to communicate with a mainstream audience or a nonfiction writer hoping to reach more people, Writing to be Understood will help you expand the impact of your words. 

Gold medal winner, 2019 Independent Publisher Book Awards

Ratings and reviews

I really loved Anne's treatment of the subject matter. I was an easy read, but as I got into the book, I slowed down because I became so aware of writing in ways I didn't know before. I noticed she practices what she preaches in her writing. Choosing to interview other writers was a stupendous idea and I found it more engaging. I have a terminal case of the Curse of Knowledge and I'm trying to get myself out of it for multiple reasons; one of which is for the web. I write differently for the website than I do for the blog. Her tips are good for my blog and expository articles I post on the blog. My YouTube channel may be beyond hope. Lastly, I generated 5 pages of notes to help me to understand important points, concepts, and help me retain what I read. My memory isn't what it once was. :-( Next up: Which one of Anne's books is going to be next? J. Larry Bloodworth Draper, Utah