It is a very useful guide if you are working hard to make your way into writing and publishing. The book serves students but also journalists and writers at the beginning of their career. By far, one of the most important sections is dedicated to various word meanings and correct use of them, therefore, it makes it a good guidance for non-English writers as well.
Mini Style Guide also helps to achieve stylisitc consistency and to ponder various editing and publishing options, while preparing to introduce your manuscript to a variety of actors - editing houses, agents, editors, readers.

This is a great addition to a writer’s arsenal!

The Mini Style Guide contains a lot of information in a small book. It’s format consists of three sections: The essence of good writing; the technicalities of presenting a manuscript and explores possible publishing avenues.

This book is written in a concise and clear manner. It is not dry like some non-fiction books. It lays out the information and also attempts to help you understand the process of writing. For instance, when discussing non-fiction writing containing the usual categories such as plot, POV, character and dialogue, the author states “While technically invaluable – writing is a craft as well as an art – beware the implication that a novel can be dissected like a specimen on a laboratory table, and writing ‘learned’ by following a set of guidelines.” This is so refreshing to me. I have spent a lot of time trying to make my work fit into the normal categories and often lose the story trying to make it fit in a box.

There are many other tidbits of information to be found in this guide. It can be read from cover to cover or used as a reference tool. It is definitely something that should be found on all writers and editors desk.


I received an ARC from Black Quill Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.

I enjoyed this quick, useful guide that covers the fundamentals of good writing and the different ways your writing may appeal to publishers and agents. Also, good tips for self-publishing.

This book is billed as a mini guide, and it was that. This guide covers a lot of ground, and it's a handy quick reference to have around. It doesnt replace the Chicago Manual of Style, but it will complement it. I was both confused and amused by the section comparing American writing to British, there are regional differences within the US that could also qualify for this section! I appreciated the conversational tone of the author and the non-lecture style of her writing. I'm happy to recommend this Mini Guide to Style.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

(Review also posted on my Goodreads account!)

THANK THE DEITIES ABOVE FOR THIS BOOK!

Mini Style Guide: An Introduction to Good Writing and Manuscript Presentation truly lived up to its name. If you're a struggling writers, do pick up a copy of this book. If you're working in a writing world, do pick up a copy of this book. And I can't stress it enough. Although nearing the end it focuses for writers (what's with all inquiring letters and presentations), I reckon anyone mentioned above would benefit from reading it.

I know I am. And in the future, I might come back, rereading it again, and be enlightened again.

If you are looking for a clear and concise style manual that will refresh you on the trickier aspects of the English language, clear up any confusion you have over the muddier points of grammar once and for all, help you to stylistically present your manuscripts in the most professional manner, and offer you options on where and how to publish your finished pieces, don't hesitate to add Denise O'Hagan's Mini Style Guide to your writer's reference shelf!

Written by a seasoned publishing industry professional, Denise offers an easy-to-read, practical and inspiring alternative to weighty tomes like the Chicago Manual of Style!

The Mini Style Guide is a welcome resource for independent and self-published writers who need editorial advice before they publish their work.

HIghly recommended!