Public Policy Writing That Matters

by David Chrisinger

Hone your public policy writing—and make a significant impact on the world.

Students and professionals across a variety of disciplines need to write public policy in a manner that inspires action and genuine change. You may have amazing ideas about how to improve the world, but if you aren’t able to communicate these ideas well, they simply won’t become reality. In Public Policy Writing That Matters, communications specialist David Chrisinger argues that public policy writing is most persuasive when it tells clear, concrete stories about people doing things. Combining helpful hints and cautionary tales with writing exercises and excerpts from sample policy documents, Chrisinger teaches readers to craft concise, story-driven pieces that exceed the stylistic requirements and limitations of traditional policy writing.

Too often, public policy writing is convoluted, opaque, and exclusive. Chrisinger, who teaches introductory policy writing courses around the country, offers a step-by-step guide for anyone interested in planning, organizing, developing, writing, and revising accessible public policy. From the most effective use of data visualization, the best way to write a sentence, and the ideal moment to add a compelling anecdote to advice on using facts to strengthen an argument, this little book, inspired by Strunk & White’s classic style guide, will allow anyone crafting public policy to make a bigger impact. Aimed at helping students and professionals overcome their default impulses to merely "explain," this book reveals proven, classroom-tested tips for writing sophisticated policy that is also easy to understand.

This practical, concise handbook will not only aid students throughout graduate school but will also remain a reference to consult throughout their professional careers. A vital tool for any policy writer or analyst, Public Policy Writing That Matters is a book for everyone passionate about using writing to effect real and lasting change.

Genres: Writing, Public Policy

136 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2017

About the author

David Chrisinger is the executive director of the Public Policy Writing Workshop at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and the director of writing seminars for The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit newsroom dedicated to reporting on the human impact of military service.

He is the author of several books, including "The Soldier's Truth: Ernie Pyle and the Story of World War II, "Stories Are What Save Us: A Survivor’s Guide to Writing about Trauma," and "Public Policy Writing That Matters," which in 2022 received the National Council of Teachers of English George Orwell Award.

Reviews

[Masha Bunina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first and second addition barely have anything in common! The second one is better, and I'm excited about the upcoming third one. Obviously, the book is for a very narrow field, but it does greatly what it was supposed to do: clear, coherent, well-structured, well-balanced, easy to apply. And I love David Chrisinger haha

[Zainab · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting David in Riyadh, I promptly delved into the book. It serves as an excellent guide for those intrigued by policy memo writing, eloquently outlining the process. It reinforces the idea that our focus should be on effecting change rather than merely aiming to impress. Good read!

[Ernesto · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lo leí para una clase en Harris sobre escribir. Es un libro útil con algunos buenos consejos para mejorar la escritura, especialmente en temas de análisis de políticas públicas.

[Joshua Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book for policy writing. Great for students as an introduction to writing good policy.

[Denise Sudbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Style guide in the last chapter is really helpful.

[Krista Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book for the policy section of an MPH class I teach, and I'm glad I did. Not only does it help when thinking about how to pitch a policy idea, but it's a great writing handbook in general. Excellent tips for clear and succinct writing that's useful for policy briefs (which my students had to write) as well as papers, reports, grant proposals, and any other non-creative work.