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
11
votes
8
answers
4k
views
Good Outlining Solutions For OSX?
I write technical non-fiction and find that I cannot write well without first constructing a detailed (10-20 page) outline. Are there any good outlining solutions for OSX? Apps? Templates in Microsoft ...
- 491
7
votes
3
answers
403
views
Writing a math exercise book
I am in the process of compiling a collection of exercises in Linear Algebra, (freshman course).
This is mainly just a series of examples, with a short theoretical introduction to each chapter with a ...
43
votes
7
answers
4k
views
Writing first programming book
I was recently asked if I was interested in writing a book for a pretty reputable publisher, which of course I accepted. I am not a writer by trade, I am a software developer with some technical ...
6
votes
5
answers
578
views
Using uncommon abbreviations
Something which I see all the time in (popular) science writing is the use of abbreviations to indicate concepts. For (a made up) example:
So when we're dealing with Anachronistic Meta Mechanics (...
- 203
16
votes
5
answers
109k
views
Where can I find sales numbers for books?
I'm a writer, working on a non-fiction book proposal. Finding public, free sales numbers for comparable titles is nearly impossible. BookScan is a subscriber service run by Nielsen. "Above the ...
user1135
4
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Strunk and White vs "Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace" by Williams and Colomb
I'd like to improve my writing and have been considering getting either The Elements of Style by Strunk and White or Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace by Williams and Colomb. What are their ...
- 435
5
votes
2
answers
1k
views
How do I find good interview subjects?
I have an idea for a series of science articles, but I don't have a strong background in the particular field.
What's a good way to identify experts who I could interview to shore up the details and ...
- 422
2
votes
6
answers
596
views
Where are the best places to promote tech books?
Where would you recommend a new author of technical books (operating systems, programming, networking, etc) to go to in order to get help in promoting his work?
Are there any good reviewing services ...
6
votes
2
answers
396
views
How do you write a fiction or non-fiction query letter to an editor?
What do you put in the letter? What if you have no experience, or only very limited experience. Should you write about yourself in the third or first person when explaining your experience?
- 1,746
15
votes
5
answers
4k
views
How do you come up with non-fiction story ideas?
My biggest problem is that I'm often at a dearth of ideas. I can target a publication or radio show or whatnot once I've got it, but I'm just not good at coming up with them. Tips?
- 488
8
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Are composite characters in creative non-fiction okay?
I come from a journalism background and am very interested in the dying style of narrative journalism, or creative non-fiction. I was discussing a project with a potential editor and said I didn't ...
- 1,746
4
votes
1
answer
270
views
What is the process for publishing academic papers?
While studying in my first term as EPIR student I had to prepare several papers. I gave those to my family and friends, to read and comment upon. I was surprised when they advised me to publish them. ...
- 143
2
votes
2
answers
323
views
Essay writing contests
I can't seem to find any essay contests out there. Is there a list of essay contests somewhere? Does anyone have suggestions for contests?
16
votes
6
answers
1k
views
What are some ingredients of really engaging non-fiction?
Some of the best non-fiction writers, in terms of sales at least, seem to be able to write in a really engaging and easy to read style that makes their work hard to put down. For example, author/...
user153
31
votes
10
answers
1k
views
How can one make technical issues more accessible to a non-technical audience?
Most of what I write is non-fiction -- technical books, blog posts on open source topics, political stuff, etc. Lately, I find that some of the topics I am trying to present are much more technical ...
- 4,485
7
votes
2
answers
232
views
How can you submit your writings internationally?
I live in Argentina, and I've always wondered if (given the case of having something worthy) I'd be able to submit it to publishers in, for example, the USA. Of course the writing would be in English.
...
- 1,423