Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies

I've read several books about editing and style, and this is one that stands high above the rest as the most awful book I've read of any subject. The tone is so condescending that I was struggling to finish this - only the fact that I'd thrown my hard earned money on this rubbish kept me reading.

A lot of the advise is actually sound and the writer knows his stuff, no doubt about it. But he's so full of himself that he comes across as an overbearing ego-maniac. He only approves of literature novels (so if you're writing anything else be warned that you will be put down at every page of this book) and he thinks the novels he's penned are the examples of perfection. There are pages and pages of excerpts of his novels which are not in any way helpful. All other books of this type manage to bring the point across with way shorter examples and do it by presenting a wide variety of novels.

Far better book is Elizabeth Lyons Manuscript Makeover. You will get every single advise that's in this book plus tons of others which this book completely misses.

The tone of the writer prevented me to actually gain any real benefit of his (so called) advise - so I was torturing myself for nothing. At the end of the book I just wanted to throw it across the room or preferably set on fire.

If you enjoy being critiqued and talked down to go ahead and get this book. However if you're interested in getting some helpful advise and support on how to make your novel a better one, skip this book. There are dozens of other books that don't leave a bitter taste in your mouth and won't ruin your day.

I really wish Amazon had zero stars option in the reviews.

I learned more from reading Stein on Writing than in any college class. Stein gives excellent examples. If you are serious about honing your craft, don't leave this book out of your resource library. I'm a recent graduate of Long Ridge Writers Group, but I learned more from reading this book than I did from the actual online class. Even if you take writing classes, the book is a useful resource tool to supplement any class, a must read for any serious writer.

Barbara J. Robinson
Author/Educator/Freelance Writer
http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com/

If forced to keep only one book about the craft, Sol Stein's On Writing would win--no question. I own over twenty books that teach technique, and I thought there's nothing more to learn ... until I started reading this work. Mr. Stein's On Writing will get you closer to best-seller.

After finishing, I realized all the books prior stole pieces from it. They focused on one subject and expanded it. But none could come close to Sol Stein's words.

None.

Two books should sit on your shelf if you write: Elements of Style and Sol Stein On Writing. If you buy only one book on writing in your efforts to become a published writer, buy this one. It will help make that leap forward.

Wolfe

I am so glad my agent recommended this book. Beginning and more advanced writers will each find valuable tips. Stein's section on dialogue is great! Editing and revising no longer seem insurmountable problems. I wish I had read this when I first started writing ten years ago.

"Stein on Writing" has been my companion for some time now. And what a great time! It's totally boosted my ability to look upon my own writing. Before I purchased "Stein on Writing" things were going round in circles; I kept working the way I've always done. But after reading the book - and using it reguarly - I feel like a rocket loaded with premium fuel! I'm high on the fumes from the fuel and energy is running through my veins. And what is it, Sol Stein does so brilliantly? Well first of all he keeps everything easy. Making writing an everyday normality. Then - when it get's tougher - he makes the hardship of the next steps in writing a novel seem like sheer fun. And before You know, you're through. Through reading his book. And through writing your magnificent work of your own!

With best regards - Preben Ch. Dahl, Denmark