Review: Write Better

In Write Better: A Lifelong Editor on Craft, Art, and Spirituality (IVP, 2019), lifelong writer and editor Andrew T. Le Peau reveals the secrets of efficient writing. For Le Peau, writing itself does not get easier, but the process can become easier. He attends to three major areas: the craft of writing, the art of writing, and the spirituality of writing. Regarding the craft of writing, Le Peau describes the technical areas of good writing: crafting an opening, making a persuasive argument, rewriting well, and forming good titles and endings. In the art of writing, he moves to more abstract areas, such as creativity, tone, and metaphor. In his final section, which is his unique contribution, Le Peau discusses the spiritually formative aspects of writing. Writing about ourselves changes us, as it did Augustine, and self-doubt can be removed when we have the courage to be creative.

In this book, Le Peau ensures that writing does not remain a useless creative endeavor but spiritually forms us into the image of God. This necessary truth remains missing in most books on writing—even from a Christian perspective—which focus on how to be the best writer in order to be the most successful writer. Le Peau challenges writers to instead hone their craft to maximize their God-given gifts and realize their potential. His many appendices cover the practical matters of working with publishers, editors, and copyright, so he provides a well-rounded approach to writing. Nonetheless, the focus of his book climaxes in his discussion of the spiritually formative potential of writing. To this matter all writers (and readers) should attend.

A complimentary review copy was given in exchange for an honest review.

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