If you are a writer and more so if you are a Christian writer, this book is a must-read, must-keep, must-take-notes kind of book.

Who better to learn the craft and art of writing and the business of publishing from than someone who has been in the writing, editing and publishing business for decades.

Though I am not a book writer, I learned a lot of useful tips, and will go through the book one more time to take notes. After all, everyone writes in one form or another at work or at play – even if only for text messages!

The part on the spirituality of writing touching on calling, voice, authority, stewarding will be particularly relevant and enlightening for Christians.

I admire authors who dare write on how to write better. The book itself has to be so well written! After having read this book, I can say that Andrew T. Le Peau practices what he preaches and he has written an excellent book that I read and enjoyed while learning a lot!

I really liked this cover because it shows how writing is... a series of errors, defects, and things to correct or send to the trash can. I really like to read books about writing, I just can´t stop. I think writing is an art and when you mix it with truth awesome things can happen. This book is helpful if you read, edit, translate or write. I think it is useful for anyone because everyone writes, texts, blogs, messages. It was very interesting to me that the author always writes fiction and this was his first nonfiction writing, what a challenge.

I loved this book so much that I had to buy a paper copy of the book. It encouraged me to keep writing with practical tips on how to improve your writing. I guess the result of the review was I bought the book for myself and it is one that I would recommend to others who want to improve their writing.

In six years of writing online, I've learned dozens of tricks. This book reveals most of them. Full of examples and industry experience, grab your highlighter and take notes. A great handbook.

Write Better A Lifelong Editor on Craft, Art, and Spirituality by Andrew T.Le

Peau is a book born for and with a necessity: divulging the lessons learned by mr. Le Peau during these past 40 years of writing, teaching to other Christian writers: the best modality for a good approach in Christian non-fiction and the best way of writing it.
Le Peau confesses that when he was little he didn't love to read at all, but he must thanks his two siblings and teachers if he became an avid reader as well.
The book is divided in Three Parts: the first one, the art of crafting will immerse the potential christian writer of non-fiction in the art of creation of a book. The second part involves The Art of Writing while the Third One The Spirituality of Writing.

It's a quick reading, but plenty of suggestions, tips, quotes about writers of fiction for let you give you an idea of what, other famous writers of the past or present thinks about writing. I loved the test for thinking divergently but also all that advice in grade to create a new shape of creativity in the daily stressing life of a writer.
I found reassuring the chapter about grammar and how to use it, like also how to use a good metaphor to give a more powerful structure at the lines.
Most important adds Andrew is to find "your own distinct way of writing."
Why this? Because sometimes searching to imitate a famous writer doesn't pay and it's better to search for your own writing-style. Let's remember that the way of writing represents also a sparkle of our personality and character. Why hiding it putting a mask?
A chapter I guess you'll find intriguing as I did, is the one of autobiography.
"We write. People choose to listen to us, follow us, maybe even pay money to support us, to hear us speak, or to buy our books. They give us the gift of the measure of authority in their lives. That is a trust we need to handle with care" adds the author.

Written with simplicity and with the idea of being helpful to everyone, I suggest this book to everyone and in particular of course to all that potential writers still confused about what to write, how to write, where publishing etc.

I thank NetGalley for this ebook.

Andrew LePeau brings thirty years of wisdom garnered from working in the publishing industry to aspiring writers. Better yet, he targets Christian writer who desire to write well and also struggle with questions of calling.

He divides the book into three sections that cover the craft of writing, the art of writing, and the spirituality of writing. For LePeau, craft includes finding the right opening, knowing your audience, and creating the best structure for the message.

LePeau warns Christian writers to take care to persuade with honesty, and to be “…truthful about contrary viewpoints.” In other words, we should guard against seeing and reporting on the world from only our point of view. When writers forget to include other viewpoints, they fail to persuade with honesty. As Christians writing in an often-polarized world, this advice rings especially valuable.

I especially appreciated LePeau’s clear directions on using ethos, logos, and pathos in our writing—terms I’ve heard but never really understood until reading his book. Write Better includes helpful chapters on writing persuasively, crafting dramatic non-fiction, and using proper grammar.

The second section, dedicated to the art of writing, covers ideas for maintaining a creative edge, advice on using metaphors and similies, and the best explanation of tone and voice that I’ve ever read. He includes advice I wish more writers would follow: “Avoid passive voice.”

As an English teacher, passive-laden prose irks me beyond measure. I’ve spent 30 years trying to wean my students from peppering their prose with forms of the verb ‘to be.’ Reading someone else’s passive writing induces a swift, involuntary grab for my purple correcting pen.

For Christian writers (or aspiring writers), the third section provides affirmation, caution, and wisdom about discovering one’s calling and submitting to spiritual authority.

This book deserves a prominent place on every Christian writer’s shelf. While it doesn’t take long to read it cover to cover, it merits further study. The appendix holds valuable information about publishing (what every Christian writer secretly aspires to), agents, and platform.

This should be required reading for all writers. It's informative, practical, helpful and interesting. I'm confident I'll return to it several times in the future and will recommend it to many people.

Write Better had some ideas I disliked or disagreed with. Le Peau even appeared to contradict himself on a couple of points. But it’s definitely a book worth reading, because the good far outweighs the less good.

I found three main faults with the book. First, Le Peau points out the importance of a great introduction as a way of engaging the reader, but I found his introduction somewhat boring. Second, he discloses that parts of this book have been taken from his blog, then goes on to caution the reader against sharing too much of their book online. Hmm.

Finally, I think the structure of the book doesn’t entirely work—he talks about the craft of writing, the art of writing, the spirituality of writing, then has five not-quite-related appendicies. Parts of the book read more like a collection of related blog posts rather than a planned book. The content is great. It’s just that it doesn’t always hang together as an overall whole.

But don’t let that analysis leave you thinking this book is an automatic pass. There is a lot of good information in Write Better, and it certainly got me thinking. And that’s the point.

We need to think, and being faced with ideas we disagree with forces us to think in a way reading the agreeable books doesn’t. Let’s consider my least favourite thought-provoking idea:

If we want to keep our thinking sharp, we need to exercise. Yes, I know. Exercise is anathema to many writers. But Karen Posta, president of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology says vigorous physical exercise is the only activity known to trigger the birth of new neurons. To be in top shape mentally, we have to be in shape physically.

Yes, it makes sense. It doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Le Peau covers how to make our message memorable using techniques like alliteration, analogy, metaphor, and even cliche. He reminds us to use subtle repetition to make our point stick (a technique often used to encourage us to believe lies), and to use stories. Yes, those points all came from the writing section, which I found the strongest. But Le Peau also makes some pertinent observations about author platform:

We don’t seek to build a platform for ourselves but for our message—so it can be heard.
On that basis, if we’re sharing the message God has given us, then building a platform is God-serving, not self-serving.

Le Peau believes it best if authors have spent two to five years building a platform before sending in their first proposal. Sure, he’s talking as a career employee in a traditional Christian publishing house, but the same guidance surely holds true for self-published authors.

There is a lot more good in Write Better than bad. As such, it’s an excellent book for Christian nonfiction writers … which is most of us, as even fiction writers write nonfiction blog posts.

Thanks to IVP Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

There are many nuggets of wisdom in this book. It is definitely a great reference for those of us who are looking to improve our writing skills.

He refers to both fiction and non-fiction writing, drawing examples from each in order to clarify for the reader his meaning. As I am a marketing professional his focus on identifying the audience resonated with me, he considers it of utmost importance to know who we are writing for!

His outline of the messy process was most reassuring, it seems this is intrinsic to the business of writing. I love the truth that so many experts epitomise, in that the author asks us to know the rules, even if then we go ahead and break them! (I think there may be many school teachers who will struggle with this approach).

I recommend it while acknowledging that it will require I refer back to the various aspects as there is just too much to keep in one’s head in one reading.

With thanks to NetGalley, Intervarsity Press and the author for my free copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

“If the opening sentences of what you write are just right, they can be a balm to readers and a joy to you.” - From Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau

Andrew T. Le Peau sets out in Write Better to share his wisdom and experience gained through years of writing and editing. He creates an extensive book which offers inspiration and guidance whilst also being a reference.

The first section focuses on the art of writing. The power of the written word is highlighted. This section resonated with me and echoed much of what I’ve learnt in marketing storytelling.

“While opening with a strong, compelling story is always a good option, be sure the story is consistent with your main point as well as your target audience.” - From Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau

The second section, the craft of writing, is extensive. It feels less like a section to be read straight through, but rather, a reference to be drawn on as one tackles different writing challenges. Andrew explores all the elements of writing, such as grammar, metaphor, tone, and then all the difficulties such as writer’s block. He offers careful analysis and practical suggestions for both.

“Grammar has one—and only one—purpose: to facilitate clear, effective, powerful, artful communication.” - From Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau

To each element, Andrew adds his well-researched opinion giving one benefit of his vast experience.

“But the more we know, the harder it can be to communicate that effectively.” - From Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau

The last section focuses on the spiritual element of writing, writing as a calling. Christianity is in each section and used as a guide for decision making. In this section though, it is put centre stage. Andrew discusses discerning one’s calling, the challenge of Christian writing and how to handle the rejection and success quoting supporting Biblical examples. Ultimately, he reminds us of the goal of writing, to answer God’s call and bring Him glory.

“When readers remember the miniature stories we’ve created with our metaphors, the advantage is clear. They are more likely to be convinced of the information or perspective we offer.” - From Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau

Whilst being Christian-centric, the guidance is applicable to any style of writing, Christian or not, fiction, non-fiction, prose or poetry. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated the clarity offered by Andrew. I found it a little long-winded in sections and probably shouldn’t have tried to tackle section two in one fell swoop! I recommend it to all who are looking for a guide and reference to improve their writing or as a starting point to understanding the call to write. There are several useful appendices. It’s a four out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.

This is an excellent book full of helpful advice on writing. It is divided into three sections: the craft of writing, the art of writing, and the spirituality of writing, and it covers a variety of topics: creating good titles, opening lines and endings, overcoming writer's block, using metaphors well, understanding how our writing and our spiritual lives interact with one another. There are also appendices covering practical advice on topics such as building a platform, working with editors and agents, and whether or not to self-publish.
It is obviously the advice of someone who is highly experienced, and it is written in an easy-to-read style full of helpful examples and anecdotes. I'm sure I will be referring back to the wisdom in this book at many points in the future, and I'd recommend it to anyone who would like to grow as a writer.

I get nervous writing reviews for books about writing. This one is no exception. Le Peau has followed his calling of giving glory to God through words. This could be considered his answer to God’s gift. God’s gift to him has resulted in his gift to us. He teaches us so much through this one book that one could say it’s his body of work in one succinct set of pages. This deserves a spot on every Christian writer’s bookshelf.

# *Write Better*, by Andrew T. Le Peau
Andrew Le Peau is surely qualified to write a book on writing better: he has been an editor at IVP for forty years. But I hope I’m qualified to say that (most of) the book, though fine, didn’t scratch where I personally itch. His advice for the first two thirds of the book is fairly standard, his examples as well. If you’ve never read such a book, Le Peau will serve you well. If you need to hear, “Reading widely and learning from experienced, educated authorities can be invaluable,” Le Peau will tell you. If you need to hear, “The advantage\[s] of presenting the strongest case against our viewpoint,” Le Peau will tell you. If you need to take time to define your audience, he will tell you to do it. If you need to be told to rewrite, same. If you need to be told that the “rules” of grammar don’t come from heaven but are instead human tools, check. If you need to be told that a good title is essential to your books success, ditto. (I’m being a little hard on him: the titling section was useful: he did a good job breaking down common contemporary titling practice.)

I nearly gave up on this book during those first two sections, because—what am I supposed to say?—I kind of already knew what he was going to say. I’m a writer and an editor, jobs I’ve been doing for my entire adult life. I guess I should be relieved that I received no revelations.

## Why I’m glad I didn’t give up
But I’m glad I didn’t give up on *Writing Better*, because the third section, spiritual meta-reflections on the writing life, were full of genuine wisdom for me. Le Peau actually really nailed me: I had a little success with my “first” book, and dealing with the paralysis that comes from praise has been a noticeable internal challenge. My book, to my total and grateful shock, got endorsements from major heroes of mine. It was like LeBron James praising the basketball skills of the second-string point guard at Claremont Elementary. I have many times felt like quitting while I’m ahead. Why stick my neck out again when I have that nice bed of laurels over there to rest on? With my royalty checks, I can take my whole family out to Five Guys Burgers and Fries every six months. Now, where’s a horse and a sunset?

Le Peau had the right advice for me, and though I “already knew” this, too, I still needed to hear it and found it truly edifying. He told me that if I love my neighbor and love the truth and am humble before the God who gave me whatever writing gifts and opportunities I have, then I will write again.

Le Peau also offered some simple, helpful advice for how to handle criticism. This was aproPeau (cue Jim Gaffigan’s high-pitched self-mockery voice: *Why did he type that?*):

> Social media is generally not a good place to try to resolve criticism. Again, people are going to say what they are going to say. You had your say. Let them have theirs. If you have a personal relationship with someone who has said something especially problematic, handle it personally if possible, away from the often-distorting glare of the internet. (224)

Bam. Do that. I’m going to.

Le Peau also told me something I’ve never heard and never even thought of: make sure I have a literary executor named in my will. Just one, so my kids don’t have to make a difficult mutual decision over the book manuscript that facilitated so many family nights at Five Guys. I owe him for that wisdom.

He also gave a publisher’s view of the current state of book publishing, and a Christian view of how to build a platform without sinning against a Lord who told us not to take the seats of honor at feasts. Good stuff.

He also offered advice for how to remain tethered helpfully to authority, lest you discover that your fame or platform has pulled you away from sound doctrine. I hope I never need his wisdom, but I’m glad I have it.

Oh, and I liked this quote a lot: “Both fiction and nonfiction can speak truth—and both can lie” (3).

## In sum
And so can book reviews. So I hope I’m telling you the truth: this is a good book that needs to find the readers for which it is meant. I was (⅓) and wasn’t (⅔) it.

Sometimes I’m a clinical reader, or I pretend to be one. Really, though, I’m an emotional reader. I have ups and downs with books. The first portions of the book were, yeah, kind of flat for me. I was at two stars—just for me personally (I still recommend the whole book for newbies). But the last portion of the book was full of wisdom and a truly Christian spirit. That section pulled me up to three stars total, and not dwarf stars but like medium-sized ones.

New and aspiring Christian writers: pick this book up. Work by God’s grace to get to the point where its counsel feels old hat, because it offers wise, practical, Christian advice on how to *Write Better*.

\*\*\*

Mark Ward, PhD (Bob Jones Seminary), is an Academic Editor at Lexham Press, a division of Faithlife, makers of Logos Bible Software. His most recent book, endorsed by LeBron James, is [*Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible*].

If you read any non-fiction from Christian publishers, you are most likely familiar with InterVarsity Press (IVP). If that is the case, you have also unknowingly benefited from Andrew Le Peau's talents. Andrew Le Peau has distilled his years of working with and advising writers at IVP into his newest book Write Better: A Lifelong Editor on Craft, Art, and Spirituality.

As the sub-title suggests, Le Peau divides his book into three parts. In Part 1: The Craft of Writing, Le Peau tackles 10 topics which even the most experienced writers struggle with such as opening sentences, writer's block, and re-writing. I found Le Peau's chapters on "The Character of Persuasion" and "The Craft of Persuasion" particularly useful. In these chapters, he addresses topics related to research, finding reliable sources, and bias in sources as well as how to write persuasively. As I teach how to research, I found this section quite useful and will be referencing it frequently.

Moving to Part 2: The Art of Writing, Le Peau emphasizes that all writing needs to be creative writing in order to present content in a new way that will connect with your audience. He then proceeds to discuss tone, metaphor, and other topics. I quite enjoyed his admonition that it's OK to break the "rules" particularly when it serves your purpose.

Part 3: The Spirituality of Writing sets Writing Better apart from all of the other books about writing. Le Peau emphasizes that writing is a spiritual act and can be a ministry. He particularly cautions that those who write and publish in any format are looked up to by others and given authority. This authority must be handled carefully--especially so when dealing with spiritual matters. Le Peau also skillfully addresses the important questions of promoting your work as a writer.

Le Peau concludes this marvelous book with numerous appendices. These 5 appendices include words of wisdom from his years of editing experience regarding topics such as coauthors, copyright, and self-publishing. I will admit that given Le Peau's long history in publishing his comments about self-publishing were a bit surprising but made sense. Le Peau has also posted additional resources online that can be downloaded as well.

Anyone who writes in any capacity or who desires to write should add Write Better to their bookshelf. While focusing on non-fiction writing, many of Le Peau's suggestions apply to fiction as well. While reading the book straight through is wonderful, Write Better will be most useful as a frequently referenced text to work on specific aspects of writing. Writing groups may find it useful to work through each chapter in a workshop setting. Writing teachers will find Le Peau's work a useful resource as a textbook or minimally as a resource in preparing lessons on these topics. His downloadable instructor resource Questions and Exercises for Students and Others is most useful.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Write Better via NetGalley from InterVarsity Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A very useful book that talks about various aspects of writing including the mechanics of writing well, the art of writing, and the spirituality of writing. He reminds us of the true purpose of our writing and offers advice on how to successfully navigate publishing and potential success or failure. Very encouraging and helpful information.

Write Better by Andrew T LePeau is so much more than just a craft book. Oh, it’s definitely a craft book. Unlike other books about writing, reading just a few sentences of this book quickly taught me what my own novel is missing. This book has a wealth of information for new and experienced writers. But it goes far beyond the mechanics of writing to the substance below, to the purpose behind it all. I highly recommend this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Le Peau offers writers a distillation of wisdom gleaned from decades of editorial experience. After reading his book, I felt as though I'd attended a writer's conference--all within the comfort of my home, at a pace I controlled. The breadth of topics and the infusion of examples offers something for every writing level. It is definitely a book that one must read slowly--and repeatedly--to reap the full benefit.

As the subtitle hints at, the book is divided into three main parts. The Craft of Writing will guide writers through the topics of opening, audience, structure, writer's block, rewriting, and creating titles. The Art of Writing explores creativity, rule-breaking, and metaphors. Finally, the Spirituality of Writing discusses the call to write, finding one's voice and some principles to guide Chrisian authors.

But that's not all, Le Peau also offers appendices that cover:
~Platform
~Editors & Agents
~Self-Publishing
~Legal Considerations (copyright, wills)

Readers will come away with tips for what to write, how to write, who to write for and what to do if your writing fails (or if it succeeds!). Write Better offers a comprehensive look at writing from creation to publication and puts a wealth of wisdom at the fingertips of writers of any skill level.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Write Better from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.

Le Peau's advice gives me courage to stay the course and keep writing. His book answers all of the questions an aspiring author would ever think to ask. If you are considering writing for a Christian audience, you are in luck as Le Peau takes all of the guesswork out of previously mystifying experiences of defining your audience, breaking through writer's block, and facing the fact that there are no certified grammar police. Writers of all experience levels will find encouraging practical advice on the craft of writing.

As a fiction writer, and part time blogger. I enjoyed the tips and anecdotes in this book. I've already applied some of the suggestions to my blog. I have found I am getting more hits on those blogs since applying these tips.

I love the slightly humorous tone Andrew uses to explain each section (rule seems too harsh).

Thank you NetGalley for the review copy. I definitely need a physical copy of this one asap.

I’m not big on reading nonfiction, even if it is writing advice. But, as a writer, I need to add some tools to my writerly toolbox, and while I prefer reading blog posts, sometimes I just have to bite the bullet and pick up a book.
And picking up this one was definitely a good choice. While Write Better is written for those who write non-fiction, there are many aspects adressed that could work for fiction as well. Le Paeu’s writing voice is engaging and entertaining, so you won’t ever be bored reading this one.
I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to write non-fiction, as well as add some new tools to their writerly toolbox.