Nicely Said: Writing for the Web with Style and Purpose

A down-to-earth guide to writing clear and friendly content

Whether you're new to web writing, or you're a professional writer looking to deepen your skills, this book is for you. You'll learn how to write web copy that addresses your readers' needs and supports your business goals.

Learn from real-world examples and interviews with people who put these ideas into action every day: Kristina Halvorson of Brain Traffic, Tiffani Jones Brown of Pinterest, Randy J. Hunt of Etsy, Gabrielle Blair of Design Mom, Mandy Brown of Editorially, Sarah Richards of GOV.UK, and more.

Topics include writing marketing copy, interface flows, blog posts, legal policies, and emails; developing behind-the-scenes documents like style guides, mission statements, and project briefs; finding your voice and adapting your tone for the situation; and building trust and fostering relationships with readers.

Praise for Nicely said

“Nicely Said is the best book I’ve read on the art and craft of writing. It’s clear, concise, timely, and compelling—in other words, exactly the kind of content the authors teach you to create.”
—Kristina Halvorson, coauthor of Content Strategy for the Web

“Writing is a skill that will hugely benefit anyone’s career, and luckily, it’s a skill that anyone can learn. Nicely Said is a wonderful guide to writing clearly and concisely for the audience you’re trying to reach. Whether you’re a professional or just getting started, you’ll find a ton to steal from here.”
—Austin Kleon, author of Steal Like An Artist and Show Your Work!

“The kind of book people in airports actually should read. Clear, smart, and useful.”
—David Carr, New York Times media columnist

“Nicole and Kate have written a user experience manual for words. Not only will Nicely Said make you a better writer, but more importantly, it’ll make your users better readers.”
—Craig Mod

“Between them, Kate and Nicole have written for many of the web’s most valuable and respected companies. Their commitment to clarity and kindness is the result of their experience, and it makes them extraordinary teachers.”
—Erin Kissane, author of The Elements of Content Strategy