In this clearly written writer's manual, writer and teacher Susan Shapiro provides step-by-step instructions for writing several styles of non-fiction essay along with tips for getting them published. Based on a successful course she teaches (many of her students have been published after taking this course), each unit includes an assignment, clearly explained, examples of successful topics, suggestions for improving your writing, and essay examples, lots of essay examples! I'm a writer who hasn't been writing, and I plan to work my way through the assignments in this book to jumpstart my writing process. Who knows? Maybe I'll actually be a published writer as a result of following through with the lessons in this book.