What if one book could change how you see the world? Nonfiction offers that power, revealing truths about society, science, and storytelling that shape your understanding and sharpen your skills. Right now, nonfiction is more vital than ever as readers seek clarity amid complexity. Experts like Bill Gates and Satya Nadella turn to carefully curated nonfiction to stay informed and inspired, showing how these works can influence leaders and creators alike.
Take James Rebanks, who found his worldview transformed by Caste, a book illuminating hidden social hierarchies. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Shaw credits Write a Must-Read with reshaping his approach to nonfiction writing by emphasizing the reader's experience. These insights come from people deeply embedded in their fields, underscoring the value of expert recommendations.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and profound ideas, your nonfiction journey can be even more effective with personalized reading. Consider creating a personalized Nonfiction book tailored to your background, interests, and goals to build on these insights and accelerate your learning.
James Rebanks, author of English Pastoral and The Shepherd’s Life, brings a grounded perspective to nonfiction and highlights how this book reshaped his understanding of social divisions. Reflecting on its impact, he says, "Read this… it’s a brilliant book that will make you see the world differently." His recommendation carries weight given his deep engagement with social history and rural life. Additionally, Padma Lakshmi, known for hosting Top Chef and Taste The Nation, underscores the book’s critical insight into how American segregation influenced Nazi policies, emphasizing its broad historical relevance and urgent social message.
Isabel Wilkerson, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Humanities Medal, is the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller The Warmth of Other Suns, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction and was named to Time’s 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s and The New York Times Magazine’s list of the best nonfiction books of all time. She has taught at Princeton, Emory, and Boston Universities and has lectured at more than two hundred other colleges and universities across the United States and in Europe and Asia.
Isabel Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize winner and National Humanities Medal recipient, examines the hidden caste system shaping America’s social and political landscape. Through richly detailed narratives spanning Martin Luther King Jr. to everyday individuals, she reveals how caste underpins divisions beyond race or class, influencing power dynamics and cultural norms. Particularly striking is her exploration of eight pillars of caste systems, including stigma and divine will, and the surprising health impacts they impose. If you want to understand the unseen forces that silently dictate societal interactions and inequalities, this book offers a deep, nuanced lens, though it may challenge those seeking simple answers.
Jeffrey Shaw, a business coach and keynote speaker known for helping clients attract and retain ideal customers, highlights how this book shifted his approach to writing. After collaborating with AJ Harper on two books, he found that "Write a Must-Read encouraged me to do more of the most important thing: Get to know my reader even better." This reader-first philosophy is more than a concept; it's a detailed process that guides authors to craft nonfiction that truly resonates. Similarly, Mike Michalowicz, author of Profit First, praises the book for showing "the way" to write books people discuss and remember, emphasizing its honest and empowering nature. Their insights underscore how this book equips nonfiction writers to create works that not only inform but deeply connect with their audience.
“Even after having worked with AJ on two books, reading Write a Must-Read encouraged me to do more of the most important thing: Get to know my reader even better. Reader First isn’t just a philosophy. It’s a step-by-step process to write the must-read book your readers are waiting for you to write.”
AJ Harper is an editor and publishing strategist who helps authors write foundational books that enable them to build readership, grow their brand and make a significant impact on the world. As ghostwriter and as developmental editor, she has worked with newbies to New York Times bestselling authors with millions of books sold. AJ is writing partner to business author, Mike Michalowicz. Together they’ve written six books, including Profit First, The Pumpkin Plan, and their latest, Fix This Next. Through her Top Three Book Workshops and Retreats, AJ empowers authors with insider publishing knowledge and guides them through the book development, writing, and editing process. AJ lives with her wife and son in New York’s Lower Hudson Valley. Connect with her at ajharper.com.
Unlike most nonfiction books that focus solely on writing mechanics, AJ Harper challenges the conventional wisdom by centering the process around the reader's experience. She draws on nearly two decades of editing and ghostwriting for bestselling authors, revealing how putting the reader first transforms a book from a simple manuscript into a must-read that truly connects. You’ll learn specific frameworks for developing, organizing, and refining your content to build trust and engagement, such as the "Reader First" philosophy that guides every stage from concept to final edit. This book suits aspiring nonfiction authors who want to craft impactful books that resonate and endure, rather than just fill pages.
This custom AI book on nonfiction writing is created based on your background, skill level, and the specific areas you want to develop. By focusing on your unique goals, it guides you through the complexities of writing and publishing nonfiction in a way that suits your experience and interests. This personalized approach cuts through generic advice to deliver exactly what you need to sharpen your craft and achieve your nonfiction ambitions.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This tailored book on nonfiction writing explores personalized strategies designed to match your background and specific goals. It delves into effective writing techniques, publishing pathways, and the nuances of engaging nonfiction storytelling, all crafted to focus on your interests. By synthesizing broad expert knowledge into a narrative that aligns with your skills and objectives, this guide facilitates a deeper understanding of crafting impactful nonfiction. The tailored approach ensures you engage with content most relevant to your ambition, providing clarity on complex aspects such as narrative structure, audience connection, and self-publishing options. This personalized resource reveals how to navigate the nonfiction landscape with precision and confidence.
Kami Huyse, a recognized PR and social media strategist and CEO at Zoetica Media, highlights the book’s impact on marketing professionals. She enthusiastically noted on Twitter, "@MarketingProfs I love that your book is SOLD OUT 🔥🔥@MarketingProfs Cue 🎶 This Girl is On Fire," underscoring the book’s relevance and energy. Her endorsement reflects how this guide has energized marketers to elevate their content strategies with practical insights and engaging writing approaches.
Ann Handley is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author focused on helping businesses worldwide escape marketing mediocrity to ignite tangible results. Her work has appeared in Entrepreneur, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, Chicago Public Radio, and the Financial Times. IBM named her one of seven people shaping modern marketing. More than 50K people subscribe to her popular email newsletter. She is the world’s first Chief Content Officer, a principal at training and education company MarketingProfs, and a regular speaker at events globally. Ann is also a mom, dog person, and writer. Her favorite food is kale salad. But don’t hold that against her.
Drawing from her extensive marketing expertise and leadership as the world’s first Chief Content Officer, Ann Handley lays out a thorough approach to crafting content that connects and converts. You’ll find detailed guidance on everything from choosing words with empathy to mastering 19 specific types of marketing content, all grounded in practical examples and updated frameworks that reflect the content marketing landscape today. The book’s chapters on attracting and retaining customers through online communication offer concrete skills you'll apply whether writing emails, blogs, or social media posts. If you’re focused on improving your content’s credibility and impact without fluff, this book offers a realistic path forward. It suits marketers, writers, and business professionals looking to sharpen their writing craft within marketing contexts.
Michael Wallace, a bestselling author known for the Righteous series, appreciates this book’s deep dive into self-publishing. Despite his experience as an indie writer, he found fresh insights that reshaped his approach. "Even with my background as an indie writer, I picked up several valuable tips...this is simply the best book about the ebook revolution that I have read." For those navigating the evolving landscape of digital publishing, his endorsement highlights the practical value and up-to-date strategies captured here.
“Even with my background as an indie writer, I picked up several valuable tips...this is simply the best book about the ebook revolution that I have read.”
David Gaughran was born in Ireland but now lives in a quaint little fishing village in Portugal. He writes historical fiction and science fiction under another name, has helped thousands of authors publish their work through his workshops, blog, and writers' books - Let's Get Digital, Strangers to Superfans, BookBub Ads Expert, and Amazon Decoded. David has created giant marketing campaigns for some of the biggest self-publishers on the planet.
When David Gaughran discovered the complexities of self-publishing, he set out to demystify the process for aspiring authors. This book walks you through everything from crafting market-savvy manuscripts to mastering ebook assembly and optimizing your presence on platforms like Amazon. Chapters on pricing strategies and platform building offer concrete methods to increase your book’s visibility and sales potential. If you're an author ready to navigate the digital publishing landscape with clear, grounded guidance, this book lays out practical pathways without fluff.
The New York Times, a definitive voice in literary criticism, praises this anthology for its immersive quality that defies expectations of brevity. Their description of the collection as "like rolling down a sidewalk of lit windows" captures how these essays flash by yet leave lasting impressions, showing the power of compressed storytelling. Publisher's Weekly highlights its value for educators and essay enthusiasts alike, underscoring the book's role in teaching and appreciating flash nonfiction. Together, these perspectives reveal how this collection reshapes your understanding of what short nonfiction can achieve.
“The immersive effect of reading this anthology straight through is the opposite of a flash experience, and is also lovely, like rolling down a sidewalk of lit windows... the whole range of experience flashing by, leaving impressions as it passes.”
Zoë Bossiere is a doctoral candidate at Ohio University, with a dual concentration in creative writing and rhetoric and composition. She is managing editor of Brevity: A Journal of Concise Literary Nonfiction and a podcast host for the New Books Network's Literature channel, where she interviews authors about their debut books of nonfiction. Her writing has been published in Guernica, The Rumpus, North Dakota Quarterly, Essay Daily among other places. Dinty W. Moore is author of the memoirs Between Panic & Desire, and To Hell With It, the writing guides The Story Cure, Crafting the Personal Essay, and The Mindful Writer, among many other books. He has published essays and stories in Harper's, The New York Times Magazine, The Southern Review, The Georgia Review, Kenyon Review, Creative Nonfiction, and elsewhere. Moore is founding editor of Brevity, the journal of flash nonfiction. He teaches master classes and workshops across the United States as well as in Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and Mexico.
What if you could capture the essence of a life experience in just 750 words? Editors Zoë Bossiere and Dinty W. Moore demonstrate how flash nonfiction can distill complex emotions and stories into brief yet powerful essays. You gain exposure to a diverse range of formats like braided and hermit crab essays, with contributions from notable writers such as Roxane Gay and Jia Tolentino. This collection reveals how brevity challenges traditional storytelling, offering concentrated insights into grief, love, and identity. It's ideal if you're curious about concise literary nonfiction or looking to sharpen your writing with precision and impact.
This AI-created book on nonfiction writing is tailored to your specific goals and experience level. By sharing your background and areas of interest, you receive a book that focuses on the exact steps and skills you need to develop nonfiction projects successfully. This personalized approach helps you cut through the noise of generic advice, offering a clear, focused path to building your nonfiction skills and completing projects efficiently.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
2025·50-300 pages·Nonfiction, Nonfiction Writing, Project Planning, Research Techniques, Writing Discipline
This tailored book explores focused steps to accelerate nonfiction skill and project development over 30 days. It covers essential techniques for crafting compelling nonfiction, managing writing goals, and organizing research with clarity. The content is crafted to match your background and interests, ensuring targeted guidance that resonates with your personal learning journey. By concentrating on your specific goals, it reveals practical ways to build momentum and maintain consistent progress in nonfiction writing.
The personalized approach helps bridge expert knowledge with your unique needs, creating a clear, actionable pathway through complex writing challenges. This book empowers you to develop nonfiction projects efficiently while deepening your understanding of essential storytelling and research methods.
Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States and a notable figure in business and media, highlighted this book with the enthusiastic endorsement "Word is out that book is GREAT!" His perspective holds weight given his longstanding engagement with political and media landscapes. This recommendation reflects how the book challenges conventional narratives about the American press, a topic also echoed by Thomas P Kennedy Iii, a retired law enforcement officer, who shared the book alongside a personal note celebrating family ties. Such endorsements underline the book's resonance across diverse audiences concerned with media integrity and political discourse.
Mark R. Levin is a nationally syndicated talk radio host and president of Landmark Legal Foundation. He has also worked as an attorney in the private sector and as a top adviser and administrator to several members of President Reagan's cabinet. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book Liberty and Tyranny, as well as New York Times bestselling books Rescuing Sprite and Men in Black: How the Supreme Court Is Destroying America. Mark holds a B.A. from Temple University and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law.
2019·272 pages·Journalism, Nonfiction, Media Critique, Political Bias, Press History
After years as a legal adviser and radio host, Mark R. Levin turned his attention to the evolving landscape of American journalism. In this book, you’ll explore how the press shifted from a politically open allegiance to a so-called objective stance that, paradoxically, masks deep partisanship and self-censorship. Levin traces this transformation through historical chapters, explaining how bias by omission and propagandistic practices have eroded public trust. If you're interested in the intersection of media, politics, and history, this book offers a critical lens to understand current press dynamics.
Journal Of Electronic Publishing, a respected authority on digital publishing standards, highlights this manual as the definitive resource for Chicago style formatting and citation. They emphasize its enduring relevance despite expanding content, praising the online version for accessibility and community engagement. Their recommendation reflects how this edition addressed their need for up-to-date guidelines in a rapidly changing publishing environment. Meanwhile, The Boston Globe calls it a guiding light for American published writing, underscoring its broad influence and stature among nonfiction professionals.
“For those looking to learn or reference the Chicago formatting and citation styles, The Chicago Manual of Style will always be the go-to resource. Despite each new edition’s growth in length and changes in content, the volume remains the same: the definitive—and only—guide to Chicago style. Given the print volume’s size and weight, the online version, with its additional features—many of which are freely available—is a good alternative for both brief and dedicated users who want portable access to the manual or want to move beyond the content to engage with The Chicago Manual of Style community.”
by The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff··You?
About the Author
The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff is known for producing high-quality academic and reference works, including the Chicago Manual of Style, which has been a leading resource for writers, editors, and publishers for over a century.
After analyzing decades of publishing needs and digital transformation, The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff developed this seventeenth edition of The Chicago Manual of Style to address the evolving landscape of writing and citation. You learn how to navigate not only traditional grammar and punctuation but also the complexities of electronic sources, web accessibility, and metadata. Chapters expand on syntax and gender-neutral language, reflecting contemporary concerns while maintaining clarity in communication. If your work involves publishing, editing, or writing nonfiction, this manual equips you with up-to-date, precise guidelines to get the details right across formats.
Amanda Bennett, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and editor, knows firsthand how crucial storytelling is in journalism. She credits Jack Hart with teaching lessons on pacing, tension, and conflict that transformed how an entire industry connects with its audience. "Jack Hart is one of the country's foremost writing coaches. Generations of writers found their voices, found their stories," she says, highlighting how his approach remains vital in a digital world overwhelmed by noise. This book reshaped her understanding of narrative nonfiction and remains a touchstone for writers seeking clarity and impact.
“Jack Hart is one of the country's foremost writing coaches. Generations of writers found their voices, found their stories, found their heroes, heroines and villains in the news. Under his leadership the whole news industry learned a new way of connecting with its readers. I know I did. The lessons he teaches are about storytelling, structuring, pacing, tension and conflict. These lessons are perhaps even more important now in a digital age that sometimes forgets that—without a story to tell—words, videos, graphs, graphics, emails, alerts and news bulletins are just so much noise.”
Jack Hart is an author, writing coach, and former managing editor at the Oregonian. He has taught at six universities and served as the acting dean at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. Hart holds a University of Wisconsin doctorate in mass communication and has edited all or part of four Pulitzer winners and winners of every other major national feature-writing award. His books include The Information Empire, A Writer’s Coach, Storycraft, and the novel Skookum Summer.
Jack Hart, a seasoned writing coach and former managing editor at the Oregonian, distills decades of editorial expertise into this guide to narrative nonfiction. You’ll learn how to craft compelling stories by mastering elements like pacing, tension, and structure, drawing on examples from acclaimed writers such as David Grann and John McPhee. Hart also updates the conversation by exploring storytelling in podcasts and integrating recent brain research, making it relevant for today’s media landscape. This book suits journalists, nonfiction writers, and anyone eager to deepen their storytelling craft through concrete techniques and vivid case studies.
Bethany S. Mandel, known for her thoughtful cultural commentary and editorial work, found this memoir deeply moving, especially as a parent herself. She calls it "breathtaking and such a powerful advertisement for the joy of parenthood," highlighting how the book’s honest portrayal of life and death resonated profoundly during her own family experiences. This emotional connection underscores the memoir’s ability to bridge medical insight with personal vulnerability. Additionally, Luis Garicano, a European Parliament Vice President and economics professor, praises it as "the best I have read on death and illness," emphasizing the author's remarkable life and the narrative’s impact on understanding human mortality.
Paul Kalanithi was a neurosurgeon and writer. He held degrees in English literature, human biology, and history and philosophy of science and medicine from Stanford and Cambridge universities before graduating from Yale School of Medicine. He also received the American Academy of Neurological Surgery’s highest award for research. His reflections on doctoring and illness have been published in the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Paris Review Daily and in his New York Times number one bestselling book, When Breath Becomes Air. Kalanithi died in March 2015, aged 37. He is survived by his wife, Lucy, and their daughter, Elizabeth Acadia.
Paul Kalanithi's decade-long journey through medicine and literature culminates in this memoir that confronts mortality head-on. You’ll explore the delicate balance between a neurosurgeon's scientific rigor and a human life's fragility as Kalanithi wrestles with his own terminal diagnosis. The book offers profound insights into the meaning of life, identity, and legacy, especially in chapters detailing his transition from doctor to patient and his reflections on fatherhood. If you seek thoughtful contemplation on death and what makes life worth living, this memoir challenges you to face those questions directly but with a grounded, personal voice.
Zaid Jilani, known for his insightful analysis of politics and current affairs, praises this book as the definitive work on understanding human behavior, noting, "The best book about this is this one. The good news is, he's writing a follow up:" His recommendation carries weight given his deep engagement with social dynamics and political structures. This book challenged his views and enriched his understanding of why people act the way they do. Harvard professor Richard Wrangham also commends it as a bold and comprehensive synthesis of psychology and neurobiology, highlighting its accessibility despite the complex subject matter.
Robert M. Sapolsky is the author of several works of nonfiction, including A Primate's Memoir, The Trouble with Testosterone, and Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers. He is a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation genius grant. He lives in San Francisco.
Robert M. Sapolsky, a Stanford biology and neurology professor and MacArthur Fellow, explores human behavior through a biological lens in this extensive examination. You’ll gain insight into how brain mechanisms, hormones, and evolutionary pressures shape actions ranging from aggression to empathy. Sapolsky’s narrative interweaves neuroscience and anthropology, addressing complex issues like tribalism and competition with accessible explanations, such as his analysis of stress responses in chapters on hormonal effects. This book suits anyone interested in why people behave as they do, whether you’re a student of science, psychology, or just curious about human nature’s biological roots.
Isabel Hardman, Assistant Editor at The Spectator and Radio 4 presenter, praised this book as a "brilliant" and absorbing read, sharing how she was genuinely sad to finish it. Her endorsement reflects her deep engagement with nonfiction that combines historical depth and narrative drive. This book helped her appreciate the complex human and political dynamics behind Cold War espionage. Similarly, filmmaker Casey Neistat found it "absolutely fantastic," recommending it enthusiastically to those interested in spycraft, highlighting its thrilling storytelling and detailed insight.
Ben Macintyre is a writer-at-large for The Times of London and the bestselling author of A Spy Among Friends, Double Cross, Operation Mincemeat, Agent Zigzag, and Rogue Heroes, among other books. Macintyre has also written and presented BBC documentaries of his work.
Ben Macintyre, a seasoned journalist and bestselling author for The Times of London, draws on his deep knowledge of espionage history to explore the life of Oleg Gordievsky, a high-ranking Soviet spy who secretly worked for MI6. You’ll discover the intricate dynamics of Cold War intelligence, including Gordievsky's covert role in exposing KGB operations and the tense interplay between British and American agencies. The book details Gordievsky’s dramatic escape from Moscow, painting a vivid picture of spycraft’s psychological toll and geopolitical stakes. If you’re drawn to political intrigue or history with a narrative punch, this book offers a gripping, well-researched account that blends biography with thriller-like storytelling.
New York Times Bestseller
Named Best Book of the Year by The Economist
Shortlisted for Bailie Giffords Prize in Nonfiction
Daniel Summers, a pediatrician known for his engaging writing, praises this book as both informative and charming, highlighting its balance of clarity and wit. He credits it with refining his writing approach, making grammar and style accessible without dullness. His recommendation: "You won’t find a book that is as perfectly informative and charming in equal measure as this one." Fellow writer Yashar Ali succinctly notes, "Love this book," underscoring its broad appeal to anyone invested in clear prose.
“As I have never tired of telling people, it is an utter delight to read. You won’t find a book that is as perfectly informative and charming in equal measure as this one.” (from X)
Benjamin Dreyer is vice president, executive managing editor and copy chief, of Random House. He began his publishing career as a freelance proofreader and copy editor. In 1993, he became a production editor at Random House, overseeing books by writers including Michael Chabon, Edmund Morris, Suzan-Lori Parks, Michael Pollan, Peter Straub, and Calvin Trillin. He has copyedited books by authors including E. L. Doctorow, David Ebershoff, Frank Rich, and Elizabeth Strout, as well as Let Me Tell You, a volume of previously uncollected work by Shirley Jackson. A graduate of Northwestern University, he lives in New York City.
Benjamin Dreyer's decades as Random House's copy chief led to this guide, which balances strict grammar rules with a playful tone you'll appreciate. You'll learn nuanced punctuation tips, like when to embrace the semicolon or confidently split an infinitive, and why some common intensifiers sap your writing's strength. Chapters dissect spelling quirks and usage debates, offering insight into why "alright" sometimes passes muster. If you write emails, reports, or books, this book sharpens your prose without bogging you down in jargon or prescriptive mandates. It's a resource for anyone serious about clarity and style, though it may not satisfy those seeking rigid, textbook grammar.
New York Times Bestseller
Named Best Book of the Year by O: The Oprah Magazine
Regena Thomashauer, a New York Times best-selling author, speaks from experience when she calls Kelly Notaras's book an approachable and accessible guide that finally helps you get your book written. After facing the challenge of bringing her own vision to life, she found Notaras’s guidance indispensable, describing the book as that "best friend, cheerleader, and editor" all in one. Thomashauer credits this book with paving the way for her bestseller, highlighting how it demystifies the writing process without fluff. Similarly, Michelle Burford, a top collaborative writer, praises the book’s clear direction through narrative structure and writer’s block, calling it the guide to getting unstuck and sharing your masterpiece.
“Every author or author-to-be has a deep need: that best friend, that cheerleader, that space holder, that wordsmith, that editor, who jumps inside our vision and helps us set our most longed-for book on its feet. Kelly Notaras has written the most approachable, demystifying, and downright accessible book about writing that has ever been written, and, yes, your book will finally get written after you read hers. Case in point: she paved the way for me to write a New York Times bestseller!”
Kelly Notaras is the founder of kn literary arts, an editorial book studio specializing in self-help, personal growth, and spirituality. Kelly started her career working as an editor for HarperCollins, Penguin USA, and Hyperion Books. Most recently she was the VP and editorial director at Sounds True, a multimedia spirituality publishing company in Boulder, Colorado. Since starting kn literary arts, she has been honored to edit a wide variety of personal-growth books including New York Times bestseller The Tapping Solution by Nick Ortner, Pussy: A Reclamation by Regena Thomashauer, and Jump...and Your Life Will Appear by Nancy Levin.
Kelly Notaras's decades of editorial experience at major publishing houses shaped this guide to writing transformational nonfiction books. You’ll discover how to clarify your message, structure your narrative, and maintain momentum from first draft to publication, with chapters breaking down everything from overcoming writer’s block to navigating literary agents. This book suits aspiring authors wanting a realistic, supportive roadmap rather than hype, especially those with personal growth or healing stories to share. Notaras demystifies the publishing world while emphasizing the importance of your unique voice, making the process accessible without sugarcoating the challenges.
Booklist, known for its thorough and discerning book reviews, highlights Betsy Chasse’s extensive experience as a filmmaker, producer, and educator in nonfiction documentary filmmaking. They emphasize how Chasse’s realistic yet encouraging tone guides aspiring documentarians through every critical phase, from clarifying their motivations to mastering distribution strategies. "Seasoned filmmaker, producer, and educator Chasse wants aspiring documentarians to know exactly how demanding documentary filmmaking truly is," they note, underscoring the book’s ability to deepen respect for the genre’s complexity and help filmmakers approach their projects with confidence.
“Seasoned filmmaker, producer, and educator Chasse wants aspiring documentarians to know exactly how demanding documentary filmmaking truly is. A realist with a sense of humor, she is both stringent and encouraging as she covers every aspect of creating a successful production in The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class, beginning with the crucial questions of why the reader wants to make a nonfiction film. This bracing guide will inspire new respect for the challenges and complexity of an often underestimated genre.”
Betsy Chasse is an award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author, and educator. She is best known as the co-creator (writer, director, and producer) of the hit documentary What the Bleep Do We Know?! In her thirty-year career, she has produced, co-produced, or line-produced over forty feature films and documentaries, including Song of the New Earth, Pregnant in America, and The Empty Womb. Chasse has also been an instructor in documentary film at the New York Film Academy, as well as a guest lecturer at multiple universities and documentary programs around the world. She is a sought-after film and media consultant, specifically in the areas of fundraising, production, post-production, and distribution.
While working as a documentary filmmaker and educator, Betsy Chasse developed an approach that demystifies the complex journey from concept to distribution. You’ll learn practical aspects like assembling a production team, securing funding, mastering interviews, and navigating post-production challenges, grounded in over thirty years of industry experience. The book doesn’t shy away from the financial and logistical hurdles, offering realistic insights alongside encouragement, such as how to develop a business plan tailored for nonfiction films. If you’re seriously aiming to bring a documentary project to life and get it seen, this guide supports both newcomers and seasoned filmmakers with focused, actionable knowledge.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a leading philanthropist, highlighted how this book profoundly reshaped his understanding of poverty in America. He praised it as "beautifully written, thought-provoking, and unforgettable," noting it gave him better insight into the struggles of extreme poverty than any other work. This recommendation carries weight given Gates's extensive involvement in global health and social initiatives. Alongside him, Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, emphasized the book's powerful depiction of unequal opportunity in urban America, calling it a "remarkable study" that is essential to grasp the realities many face. Their endorsements frame this work as an influential narrative that challenges assumptions and informs social policy.
Co-Founder & Former CEO of Microsoft, Philanthropist
“This book gave me a better sense of what it is like to be very poor in this country than anything else I have read. It is beautifully written, thought-provoking, and unforgettable.”
Matthew Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University. He is the author of several books, including 'Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,' which won the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Circle Award, and Carnegie Medal.
Matthew Desmond, a Princeton sociology professor, explores the gripping intersection of poverty and housing in American cities by chronicling the experiences of eight Milwaukee families facing eviction. You gain a vivid understanding of how eviction perpetuates economic instability and its broader social consequences, with detailed narratives that reveal the human cost behind eviction statistics. The book thoroughly examines systemic issues through immersive storytelling and data analysis, including how landlords profit from the poor and the cascading effects on families’ lives. If you want to grasp the complexities of urban poverty beyond abstract theory, this book offers a clear-eyed, deeply researched perspective that challenges conventional views and informs social policy debates.
Laura Brown, PhD, has spent three decades teaching writing to both corporate leaders and college students, shaping her into a seasoned business writing coach. Her extensive experience culminates in this book, where she distills complex communication challenges into a practical seven-step method. Brown’s no-nonsense style and attention to the digital aspects of modern business writing make this guide particularly relevant for anyone looking to sharpen their professional writing skills.
Laura Brown, PhD, has taught writing to just about everyone—from corporate executives to college students—in her thirty years as a business writing coach. The author of The Only Business Writing Book You'll Ever Need and How to Write Anything: A Complete Guide, she lives in New York.
What started as Laura Brown's mission to simplify business communication has turned into a straightforward guide that helps you master writing at work. Drawing on her 30 years coaching executives and students, Brown presents a seven-step method that clarifies how to craft everything from persuasive proposals to concise emails. You'll find practical checklists and expert sidebars that break down self-editing, content creation, and overcoming writer’s block, making the writing process less daunting. This book suits anyone aiming to communicate more clearly in today's digital business environment, especially those juggling multiple forms like presentations and web copy.
Julie Broad, founder of Book Launchers and Amazon Overall #1 Best Selling Author, knows firsthand what it takes to succeed as a self-published nonfiction author. With previous titles and a popular YouTube channel, she guides you through writing, publishing, and marketing your nonfiction book to build your brand and career.
Julie Broad, founder of self-publishing services firm Book Launchers and Amazon Overall #1 Best Selling Author, knows what it takes to be a successful self-published author. Her previous titles include More than Cashflow and The New Brand You. Through Book Launchers and her popular YouTube channel, BookLaunchers.TV, she helps subject matter experts write, publish, and promote nonfiction books. A native of Canada, Julie currently resides in Los Angeles with her family.
Julie Broad, founder of Book Launchers and an Amazon Overall #1 Best Selling Author, draws from her extensive experience helping experts self-publish and market nonfiction books. This book reveals why many authors struggle to finish and sell their books, emphasizing that writing is just one piece of the puzzle. You learn how to craft engaging nonfiction that stands out, identify the key editors to hire, and master marketing tactics beyond Amazon to boost your professional influence. If you're aiming to elevate your brand and turn your book into a career asset, this guide offers practical insights without fluff.
Publisher's Weekly, a respected voice in literary criticism, highlights how this book delivers a "personal how-I-did-it of richer depth," emphasizing McPhee's wit and belief that writing should be enjoyable at times. Their endorsement carries weight for anyone serious about nonfiction craft. Alongside, Kirkus Reviews praises the collection as a master class, noting the sparkling prose and the author's decades of successful teaching at Princeton University, making it clear why McPhee remains influential. These perspectives reveal how McPhee’s essays deepen understanding of nonfiction writing beyond typical manuals.
“[Draft No. 4 is] not a general how-to-do-it manual but a personal how-I-did-it of richer depth—not bouillon cubes, but rich stock... McPhee lays it all out with the wit of one who believes that 'writing has to be fun at least once in a pale blue moon.'”
John McPhee was born in Princeton, New Jersey, and was educated at Princeton University and Cambridge University. His writing career began at Time magazine and led to his long association with The New Yorker, where he has been a staff writer since 1965. Also in 1965, he published his first book, A Sense of Where You Are, with Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and in the years since, he has written over 30 books, including Oranges (1967), Coming into the Country (1977), The Control of Nature (1989), The Founding Fish (2002), Uncommon Carriers (2007), and Silk Parachute (2011). Encounters with the Archdruid (1972) and The Curve of Binding Energy (1974) were nominated for National Book Awards in the category of science. McPhee received the Award in Literature from the Academy of Arts and Letters in 1977. In 1999, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Annals of the Former World. He lives in Princeton, New Jersey.
Drawing from his decades-long career at The New Yorker and extensive teaching at Princeton, John McPhee offers a close examination of how long-form nonfiction writing comes to life. You’ll encounter specific techniques for shaping narrative through arrangement, diction, and tone, with essays revealing how to coax hidden truths from sources and artfully employ flashbacks, as in his travel narrative about a bear encounter. McPhee’s reflections extend beyond mechanics, touching on the writer’s mindset and the persistent process of revision. This book suits you if you seek to deepen your nonfiction craft with nuanced insights rather than quick formulas.
Pulitzer Prize Winner
Award in Literature from Academy of Arts and Letters
Raul Pachecovega, a professor specializing in public policy and environmental politics, highlights this book as a singular guide on "writing as an art, science, and love of the words." His deep engagement with writing in academic and policy contexts gives weight to his praise. He notes how William Zinsser's approach merges technical clarity with a passion for language, a combination that transformed his own understanding of nonfiction craft. Meanwhile, The New York Times underscores the book's place among serious reference works for writers, confirming its enduring influence and respect in literary circles.
“William Zinsser is SPECTACULAR and if you need to read ONE book on "writing as an art, science, and love of the words", that's his "On Writing Well"” (from X)
William Zinsser, a writer, editor, and teacher, is a fourth-generation New Yorker, born in 1922. His 18 books, which range in subject from music to baseball to American travel, include several widely read books about writing. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, first published in 1976, has sold almost 1.5 million copies to three generations of writers, editors, journalists, teachers and students. Mr. Zinsser began his career in 1946 at the New York Herald Tribune, where he was a writer, editor, and critic. He teaches at the New School and at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
William Zinsser, a seasoned writer and teacher with a long career at the New York Herald Tribune, developed On Writing Well to address the everyday challenges of nonfiction writing. You learn how to craft clear, concise prose across diverse subjects—from memoirs to science—supported by practical principles rather than rigid rules. The book’s chapters cover essentials like simplicity, style, and the writer’s attitude, making it especially useful if you want to sharpen your writing voice or navigate the varied demands of nonfiction genres. It suits anyone who writes regularly, whether for work or personal projects, offering timeless insights without unnecessary jargon.
Martin Taylor, a Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist, recognizes Joseph Alexander's rare combination of deep musical expertise and advanced marketing acumen, praising his ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Taylor credits Alexander’s approach with revolutionizing how music education books can be marketed effectively. Similarly, David Penny, an Amazon bestselling author, emphasizes that Joseph's insights come from real achievements, not theory, highlighting lessons valuable to both fiction and nonfiction authors. These endorsements showcase how this guide transcends typical self-publishing advice to offer proven pathways to authorial success.
“Joseph Alexander has a deep understanding of the guitar and music education. He really knows how to communicate with music students and get the message across in a clear and concise way. Coupled with phenomenal marketing skills and vast knowledge and experience in publishing, he is a formidable force in music education”
Joseph Alexander has been a guitarist and expert music tutor for over 20 years. His tuition books are published in four languages and have sold over 1,000,000 copies to widespread critical acclaim. Currently Joseph is co-writing groundbreaking music methods with Martin Taylor, John Patitucci, Jens Larsen, Levi Clay, Ulf Wakenius, Mark Lettieri Les Wise and many more...
When Joseph Alexander first shared his self-publishing methods, he revealed a clear blueprint built from his own experience selling over 120 books and earning millions in royalties. This book guides you through each phase of creating and marketing your nonfiction work, from generating ideas to mastering Amazon advertising and building an email list. You’ll encounter detailed chapters on outsourcing tasks and crafting compelling blurbs that actually convert readers. If you're serious about turning writing into a sustainable income, this book lays out realistic strategies drawn from Alexander's unique journey.
Booklist, a respected authority in literary criticism, highlights how James LaRue's extensive experience as a public librarian and intellectual freedom advocate informs his examination of censorship. Their recommendation emphasizes the practical value of LaRue's insights for information professionals and community leaders alike. "LaRue's practical advice will be welcomed by information practitioners who work face-to-face with the public, and his thoughtful observations make this an excellent choice for professional-reading groups," they note, underscoring the book's relevance for anyone engaged in defending access to knowledge and free expression.
“LaRue's practical advice will be welcomed by information practitioners who work face-to-face with the public, and his thoughtful observations make this an excellent choice for professional-reading groups. This is a worthy addition to the intellectual-freedom canon.”
James LaRue has been a public library director for many years, as well as a weekly newspaper columnist and cable TV host. From January 2016 to November 2018, he was director of the Freedom to Read Foundation, and ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. He has written, spoken, and consulted extensively on intellectual freedom issues, leadership and organizational development, community engagement, and the future of libraries. He lives in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
2023·144 pages·Censorship, Nonfiction, Intellectual Freedom, Libraries, Public Policy
While working as a longtime public librarian and leader in intellectual freedom advocacy, James LaRue developed a nuanced perspective on censorship in America. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, he guides you through the escalating book banning trends and their broader impact on schools, libraries, and public discourse. You’ll gain insight into the cultural role libraries play and learn practical ways citizens can respond to censorship attempts, with specific chapters addressing historical parallels and seven actionable civic steps. This book suits anyone invested in free expression and the defense of democratic institutions, though those seeking a deep legal analysis might find it more introductory.
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Conclusion
This collection highlights nonfiction’s power to illuminate social structures, hone writing craft, and deepen understanding of human behavior and current affairs. If you grapple with complex social issues, start with Caste and Evicted to gain empathetic clarity. For writers eager to improve, pair Write a Must-Read with Storycraft for practical guidance and narrative mastery.
Those navigating publishing will find valuable strategies in Let's Get Digital and Self-Publish & Succeed, while Behave and When Breath Becomes Air offer profound perspectives on biology and mortality. For a rapid, tailored learning experience, you can create a personalized Nonfiction book that bridges general principles and your unique needs.
These 22 books represent a well-rounded foundation for anyone committed to nonfiction mastery. They can help you accelerate your knowledge journey, whether you aspire to write, understand society, or engage thoughtfully with the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with Caste for a powerful social lens or Write a Must-Read if you want to improve nonfiction writing. Both offer accessible entry points grounded in expert advice.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Nonfiction?
Not at all. Many, like Everybody Writes and Let's Get Digital, are designed for beginners and provide clear, practical guidance to build your skills confidently.
What's the best order to read these books?
Focus first on your goals. Writers might begin with Write a Must-Read and Storycraft, while those interested in social issues could start with Evicted and Unfreedom of the Press.
Should I start with the newest book or a classic?
Balance is key. Recent titles offer fresh perspectives, but classics like On Writing Well remain invaluable for timeless lessons. Choose based on your immediate needs.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can pick one that aligns with your interests, but exploring several will deepen your understanding. Each book offers unique insights that complement one another.
How can I apply these expert books to my specific interests and goals?
Great question! These books provide broad expertise, and you can enhance their value by creating a personalized Nonfiction book tailored to your background and objectives, bridging general wisdom with your unique path.
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