Birchard had eight strategies he had been using for teaching better writing, and he then researched psychological and neurological studies to justify them. That's not quite how science works, though—how do we know if there aren't better strategies that the author didn't pursue? The scientific studies quickly become tiresome, too. There are simply too many of them, making it difficult to focus on the actual writing strategies. Too bad, because the tips are actually helpful!

This is an easy to navigate compilation of helpful and practical writing tips. Whether you are a student, a blogger or need to write well for your profession, this book is useful. The eight strategies covered in this book are steeped in science yet are simple and impactful. That’s the beauty of this book. It’s scientific, practical, and insightful, all the while being easy to read.

This book is what I'd say makes a good guide to writing, and it's got practical tips on how to write better and create an impact on both the reader and writer. Each chapter explores the eight strategies on how to write better.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

This is a very practical book and useful for any of us who are into writing, be it any kind. Bill covers all kinds of writers in the book. I found what he suggests to work for me in my academic research writing as well. Each chapter is clearly a tip - such as 'Simple, Specific, Surprising, Stirring, Seductive and so on.' Each of the chapters is replete with examples from different sources to help push his point.

I loved small tips such as "People normally assume the simpler explanation is the better one.' and that 'People do not like long sentences and words.' 'Surprise can and should serve as a strategy when you communicate.' Creating anticipation in the reader: Prime, withhold and deliver! Get readers on a hook and tease them with tidbits and then finally deliver on that seduction!

He shares incredible experiments which help us understand how our writing can impact readers - for eg and experiment showed that readers were not just reading the words, but actually predicting them before reading them! Experiments about insights and relation to pleasure and rewards in the mind of the reader..

A book I am sure anyone interested in communications will find useful!

This reference book for writers is a quick read and a nice compilation of information about the emotional impact that word usage can have on a reader. I like the reminder that each word, when aptly used, can have power and meaning . . . the ability to stir the soul.

I experienced an early copy of this book and I hope that there will be another thorough editing pass for some formatting, spacing, and phrasing issues that remain before publication. These lingering issues distracted me from enjoying the overall message. I normally get really jazzed and inspired by this type of nonfiction science-based content . . . I think perhaps my expectations were just a bit too high this time.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of Writing for Impact for my unbiased evaluation. 3 stars

This book wasn't exactly what I expected. When I see titles like this, I expect/am hoping to get some tangible advice or resources for reference but this book didn't have any of that. I skimmed quite a bit of the book as well.