The subtitle of this book is:

200 Classic Mistakes and How to Avoid Them--A Misstep-by-Misstep Guide

Although much of the book is concerned with writing novels -- perhaps unsurprising given the title -- there is plenty of meat for the non-fiction author to chew on as well. In particular, the chapters on Words and phrases, Sentences and paragraphs, and the section on pitching (How not to sell a novel) are all worth studying.

For the fiction writer, this book is a definite must-read. The authors have clearly had a great deal of experience, and it shows. Bad writing comes in many forms, such as when the writer shows off how much research they've done as background. In my view, which I've had for many years, your knowledge of a subject ought to be obvious from the way you write, and even from what is not said: you don't have to lay it on with a trowel. Conversely, deciding not to bother with carrying out any research can lead to all sorts of howlers that would cause readers to throw the book across the room, Dorothy Parker-style.

This could all be very depressing, but the authors have a great sense of humour. Take, for example, their litmus test of whether you know the meaning of a word. Ask yourself: do I know the meaning of this word? If the answer is "No", then you do not know it.

Marvellous!

Definitely one to read, keep and refer to, the only downside being the odd use of the f-word.

Here's the (Amazon affiliate link): How not to sell a novel