How Writing Works: A field guide to effective writing

This is an engaging and practical introduction to the elements of grammar, sentence structure, and style that you need to write well across a range of academic, creative, and professional contexts, deftly combining practical strategies with scholarly principles.

The second edition includes updated material based on a longstanding commitment to writing and to best international practice. It includes advice on reading; language; grammar and style; structuring; designing; paragraphing; punctuation; workplace and academic documents; digital writing for social media; and revising, editing, and proofreading.

How Writing Works should be on the desk of everyone who needs to write: students, professionals in all fields, and creative writers. It is an essential handbook for working writers and writing workers in the contemporary writing-reliant workplace.

The accompanying companion website includes video interviews and presentations from leading grammarians including Professor David Crystal and Professor Geoff Pullum, in addition to online quizzes and activities to support readers’ learning.

Roslyn Petelin designed and initiated the award-winning Program in Writing, Editing, and Publishing at the University of Queensland, Australia, and developed the hugely successful international online course WRITE101X English Grammar and Style. She is co-author of The Professional Writing Guide and Professional Communication, and consults extensively to government and other organisations on writing, editing, and information design.