Questions tagged [non-fiction]
Non-fiction is a form of prose writing that factually describes real events and people, sometimes offering additional commentary. This tag should be used for any questions relating to non-fiction, including non-fiction formatting and technique, non-fiction critiques, and the publishing of non-fiction.
266 questions
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Permission requirements from people in my memoir
I am writing a memoir about my abusive childhood. Do I need permission from everyone I write about? My abuser is deceased, but my brothers are part of the story and I don't know where one of them is ...
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Writing a newspaper article summary
First of all, I'd like to apologize in advance for my horrible English, but it's not my primary language and I still can't help but make some blunders.
I have been assigned to write a newspaper ...
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How does one involve people in writing non-fiction?
I haven't written anything serious in a while, but I would like to get back into writing non-fiction. In particular, I want to write about "big ideas" that interest me; however, I realize that ...
user153
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Is it possible my book could be taken off-line for sale if there is a cease and desist letter?
I have written a true story on my experience with some individuals and major corporations. The book has factual proof throughout story. I am afraid that they may get angry and send cease and desist ...
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Critique: Make excerpt more visual/flow better
I have this excerpt I'm not sure is fluid and visual enough:
Peter came out of the café rubbing his tummy. The chipmunk had a smile on the
face and seemed content.
Not too far behind him was ...
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Critique of this short text about inequality and contempt [closed]
I understand it is possible to ask for critiques here and ask that you guide me to adapt this question if needed.
Now, I feel the need every now and then to get a thought down on paper. However, I am ...
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How should I format a non fiction book with Scrivener?
I have written mainly novels in Scrivener, and am now thinking of writing a small non-fiction work (which I will self publish).
When writing a novel, you just keep typing til you reach the end, but ...
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3
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How can I express this fragment more clearly and concisely?
For the 'who is this application for' section of an application user guide, I have the following alternatives, I'm not happy with either one. How can I convey both elements more clearly and consisely?...
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My ex-husband's wife self-published a nonfiction book naming my kids in the story
My ex-husband's wife self-published a non fiction book and put my kids in the story as well. She did not change their names. Neither she nor my ex-husband told me about this or asked me (or the ...
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How are citations formatted in serious non-fiction (proposals)?
Just to be clear, I'm not talking about scholarly work of the sort that might be published by a university press. I'm talking about work by people like Goodwin, McCullough, or Larson. These kinds of ...
- 213
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Are TOC and appendix part of total word count for books?
Do table of contents, appendices, and chapter titles count toward the total word count for a book?
For example, if a book is 50,000 words, what is not included in the count? This is for a nonfiction ...
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3
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How can people doing technical, archane work be portrayed interestingly?
I'd like to write the biography of an important, underrated scientist who performed a really important experiment. He persevered for many years, became ill (and recovered) along the way, and ...
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How can I write anonymously (based on true experiences)?
I want to use an experience I had which is pretty unbelievable but true. The majority of the story will be completely true. It's not over yet so I want to use an ending which is NOT true yet works ...
- 131
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How short is "short monograph"?
I've seen several references to some "short monograph on subject X". But how short is that? Is there a standard length to use as a reference?
I realize that this depends on page size and font, so I ...
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What permissions do I need to write a non-fiction book based on personal interviews?
I am writing a non-fiction book based on recorded interviews with several people. I have recorded verbal consent to be interviewed for the book from each person. One of the interviewees has since ...
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What permissions do I need for nonfiction travelogue?
I am writing (and self publishing) a non-fiction travelogue about a cross country roadtrip. I have already obtained permission from the person I traveled with, and there are no other main characters ...
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Tools for exploring and analysing document structure?
I'm currently writing a thesis. Just the introduction is 25 pages/8000 words. The whole document will probably be 70 pages or so. With a document this large, and on such a complex topic, it can be ...
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How can I get my non-fiction book reviewed by professional reviewers?
I had my book reviewed by people who are interested in the topic of the book. Now I am interested in reviews by professional book reviewers. What is the appropriate way - directly approaching ...
- 253
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Should I use different pen names for different audiences (non-fiction)?
I am working on three separate works for three different audiences. All are non-fiction. One is for children ages eight to twelve, another is for teens ages fourteen to twenty, and the third is for ...
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When do I need to obtain permission to photograph and write about a business, work of art, or person?
I am preparing a book which will include lots of short passages, on a variety of subjects, many of which are related to a single area in a city. Each passage will also have a photograph, which I ...
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Software for instructional book
I saw this question on software for fiction writers. I'm wondering if there is software out there for non-fiction/instructional/research writing?
Seems like yWriter and Scrivener focus on organizing ...
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1
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Advice on choice of epigram
I am writing a paper on Internet censorship in China and was considering starting it with a thought provoking epigram to draw the reader.
The title of the paper in question is:
China's Internet ...
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1
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Where can I find exercises to help me develop fictional writing techniques useful in narrative nonfiction?
I usually write explanatory nonfiction, but now I am interested in something more narrative--think Erik Larson or Rebecca Skloot, for example. I write clearly, and understand basic ideas about ...
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How much should I reveal about my book idea to a publishing house representative?
I am a faculty member at a small liberal arts college and a colleague and I are working on a textbook that is still basically in outline stage. The idea is not completely novel but there are not a ...
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Paragraph flow, verb inversion and last sentence tone
The paragraph below is a conclusion for an essay. I have three problems with the paragraph that I would like to review with you.
This experience showed me that ignoring an interpersonal conflict ...
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Minimum (realistic) word count of non-fiction book
What is a reasonable estimate for the minimum length, in word count, for a non-fiction book? I'd guesstimate that non-fiction books "generally" (yes, this is very rough) run perhaps 150-450 pages, ...
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All persons fictitious - where to place it?
I've got an all persons fictitious disclaimer similar to the one mentioned at All persons fictitious disclaimer — ideas regarding modification? but where should I place it?
Bear in mind, this is a ...
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What to include in agreement with a Ghost Writer. .
I am exploring engaging a Ghost writer to partner with me on the development of a non-fiction (well, mostly) business book.
What are the critical elements of the agreement that need to be included?
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Citing speech and interviews in biographies
I am currently writing a biography of a band, and have a question regarding citing quotes, such as from interviews. Is it necessary to cite everything a person (for example a band member or manager) ...
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Do you need to get author's permission to quote him in a non-fiction book?
I have a non-fiction book idea that would frequently use quotes/reviews from a specific author. Would I need to get that author's permission to quote him/her, and to base the entire book on these ...
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Length of non-fiction article and what to do about it
I have been working on a non-fiction (mostly biographical) article that currently is about 9,000 words and I have perhaps 30% more to go, so perhaps the final article would be 12-14k words or so. I ...
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Is it good style to use Latin phrases in English scientific literature?
I don't know how much and deep actual school kids in the US get in touch with Latin. In Europe you can choose it in many high schools and the use of it is common in mainstream media. For some areas of ...
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Correct order for Thesis Front Matter
What is the correct order of the following pages comprising a doctoral thesis: Title, Abstract, Colophon, Copyright, Dedication, Preface, Acknowledgements, Table of Contents, List of Tables, List of ...
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Is there a typical structure for non-fiction popular science books? If so, what is it?
Is there an accepted or suggested structure for writing non-fiction (specifically, popular science) books?
As an example of the type of book I mean, there's Dan Ariely's Predictably Irrational: a ...
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3
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What makes for interesting travel writing/blogging?
I wanted to hear a few words about travel writing. What qualities make for the most engrossing stories, especially for readers who are just sort of gauging their interest? I've read a number of ...
user2228
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Does this convey that I recommend the anthology I'm reviewing?
Here's a snipped-up version of a review of an anthology I wrote a while back (full original review here). Most of the stories were pretty good, a few were superb, and there were a few poor ones. For ...
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Can I use "We" to refer to me and the reader?
I am writing my thesis and in many cases I want to take the reader through an example. For example:
Besides the advanced composition rules, it is also important to have a set of
basic rules to ...
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Is an overview clearer when outlined with bullet points, or when written in paragraphs?
I am writing a short piece for a technical audience. In essence I have three main points, each with sub-points. A few of the sub-points themselves have sub-points. I cannot help but find it clearer ...
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Which goes first: summary, background or justification?
I am trying to write a long expository piece and cannot figure out which information should come first. Here are three candidates:
A summary/abstract lists the main points, without necessarily ...
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Does this feel like natural English?
Although I'm pretty confident in my English, I'm not a native English speaker. I need to write a short introduction for a symposium; I'd like to know if you think this paragraph feels like 'natural' ...
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How do I avoid legal repercussions for writing a story based on events in my life?
How do I avoid legal repercussions for writing a story based on events in my life?
Mainly, I have experienced events that I would like to share with the world. These events are somewhat disturbing ...
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An alternative to saying 'users' when describing features
I'm creating some copy describing new web-app features for a number of different audiences (users, managers of sections of the site, owners of sub-sites which use our platform etc.).
I'm finding ...
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When *should* I use passive voice?
Is there ever a good time to use passive voice in nonfiction?
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Common words to avoid when writing formally
I am rather useless at writing formal English and sometimes find that I can come across informal with my choice of words. So I wondered what common words and phrases should be avoided when writing an ...
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What are effective ways of working with a nonfiction editor?
How do you defend the integrity of your work while maintaining a cooperative and friendly rapport? Specifically, how can one work with an editor who is perhaps a bit overzealous?
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Please help me polish this paragraph. [closed]
I'm learning English as a foreign language. In one of my writings, one paragraph goes:
But it's not saying we just indulge ourselves and turn into wild beasts. We train our brain hard so that we ...
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Is there a legitimate step by step guide to getting your book published?
I want to write on a computer topic which isn't covered by many existing books out there. What is the process of getting your book published?
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Does a technical writer need a technical background?
Does a technical writer need a technical background?
- 8,726
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725
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What are the key skills for a new technical writer?
For those that are just starting out, what are key skills they should have or learn to be a good technical writer?
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How long can I expect to wait between accepting an offer and signing?
I accepted an offer from a publisher recently on a non-fiction title. It's my first book and naturally I'm excited. My agent negotiated a good deal since which time the publisher has not been in touch....
user1464