Writers INC: A Student Handbook for Writing & Learning

by Dave Kemper

Book by Sebranek, Patrick, Meyer, Verne, Kemper, Dave

Genres: Reference, Writing, Nonfiction, Language, Textbooks, Education, Research

853 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1984

Reviews

[jacky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've used this book to help teach writing, but don't hand it out as a textbook. I've also used it through Sylvan.

What makes them excellent is that these books break down writing into simple parts and use a lot of examples. The way the pages are formated with bold, graphics, and such also make them easy to use and not as intimidating as say Warriener's. They contain both grammar and direction on different types of writing.

[Skinnypeterm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this writing handbook in high school as was required. Still a useful guide when I need to get back to the basics in my writing.

[Lady Saga · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend used this in high school as well as for her homeschooled child. I throw this book at my child every time we aren’t sure about something.

[Nhu Luong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was written mainly for high school students due to its content and format. It is well-organized, clear and easy to read. It supplements students' writing skills with outlines of a certain type of essay ( persuasive essay ,business letter, research paper, response to literature, etc. ). However, I find this book to be dull and not very specific. All the rubrics are almost the same for different types of essay. Therefore, I would recommend this book to a freshman or a sophomore because its content is rather general than focused.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plasticized cover of the ugly yellow old '89 version resists both Sprite and being hucked across the room in rage.

But keep it handy and you will never be confused by a gerand, present participle or proper apostrification of either its or it's. At least for the next 30 minutes...

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This resourceful book has helped me through high school and college. I'm hanging on to it after all these years because it's a great reference to go back to for information.

[Siobhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I offered this book for sale at a recent home school book sale. Thankfully, it didn't sell because I really enjoyed using this with one of my daughters, and I like having it as a continued resource for myself. I always thought the target audience for the book was jr. high as the book is so colorful and inviting, but it is full of helpful information for all ages. I think a listing of the topics covered will give the best overview of what is included in this handbook:

Section: The Process of Writing
Chapter Titles:
Understanding the Writing Process
Using the Writing Process
Basic Elements of Writing
The Art of Writing

Section: The Forms of Writing
Chapters:
Personal Writing
Creative Writing
Academic Writing
Responding to Literature
Research Writing
Workplace Writing

Section: The Tools of Writing
Chapters:
Searching for information
Reading Skills
Study Skills
Speaking, Thinking, and Viewing Skills

Section: Proofreader's Guide
Chapters:
Marking Punctuation
Checking Mechanics
Using the Right Word
Parts of Speach
Using the Language

Section: Student Amanac
Chapters:
Language
Science
Mathematics
Geography
Government
History

If I had the inclination to type out every subtopic in every chapter, you would get a much better idea as the topics covered are extensive and thorough. Thankfully, all of this information is provided in a clear, attractive format which is sprinkled throughout with humorous pictures, color, and many examples. I recommend this to every beginning writer and for anyone who likes having a good reference to guide them in improving their writing.

[Joe Noto · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very succinct textbook. I like it because of its succinctness, because it covers just about all types if writing for all media. You get a decent amount of information and guidance for each type. Each type of writing gets a section in the same layout as the other sections. The layout is set up to be actionsble and get the reader to get started and complete many types of writing.

The content in each section gives you plenty of ideas and topics to write about, which seemed to inspire more and more ideas in my brain at least.

I'm giving this a 3.3 because a lot of the book is geared to essay writing on school and because the last 50 or 75 pages are not needed. However, I still got a lot out reading this book.

[Alexei López · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really amazing!

When I saw this book for the first time I realised that a serious topic can be approached in the wittiest ways: by making it attractive to its audience; the concise explanations plus the artful presentation make it a must!!!

[Sydney Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when I was a kid!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

great writing resource- I recommend the entire series for writing intervention and support for secondary students- not just high school students.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie read y11 Jacob y12...krb 5/20/25

[Nhân · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most useful books on writing ever. There is so much practical and easy to understand information that I can apply immediately to improve my writing skill. Good for self-studying, even better for writing classes as a textbook. Definitely recommended.

[Runa · Rating 4 out of 5]

great reference for writers, required for many english classes

[David]

This was my writing guide/grammar book in high school, which I never actually used at the time. I think I actually stole this copy from the "newsroom" of the Pow Wow, my school newspaper.

[Ist 605]

Rather than being geared towards one field, Writers Inc. is a wonderful reference to turn to for any type of writing. I wish I would have known about this source in undergrad! -Corey

[Lucius]

Useful for writing back when I didn't have the Internet.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great english resource. I still use it, even though I bought it early in high school.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything to me in high school.

[Erika Nerdypants · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent handbook on writing skills. Very well organized so that you can find what you are looking for quickly, and the point form it uses was very user friendly.

[Shavonne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is good

[Karen Stoquert watson]

I have my original yellow Writers Inc book from 11th grade and still pull and still pull it out to use it. Bought our daughter this one for her to use.