Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process by John McPhee

John McPhee is one of the most respected writers in American literature. He is known for his essays, works of nonfiction and books of memoirs, including the Pulitzer Prize–winning The Control of Nature. He is also an accomplished master of storytelling, and his book Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process, is an absolute must-read for aspiring authors.

In Draft No. 4, McPhee draws on decades of experience to examine the different stages involved in constructing a piece of writing successfully. He shares in-depth insight into the practice of writing, offering practical tips and techniques that apply to all types of writing.

Throughout the book, McPhee emphasizes the importance of going through multiple drafts before submitting a manuscript. He explains that through carefully crafting and revising each draft, the writer is able to reach the best possible version of their work. McPhee states, "Good writing is all about revision, the process of going over your work again and again, refining it until you’ve achieved the highest level of clarity and accuracy you possibly can. You won’t get that sense of perfection until you’ve gone through several drafts." He also explains how isolating oneself from distraction before beginning the editing process is often essential, noting that submitting your work for feedback can be immensely helpful as well.

McPhee goes on to explain the importance of research and facts in becoming a better writer. He states that successful writers put in the time to collect accurate facts to inform their writing. While the process necessitates both research and hard work, it can pay off greatly. McPhee advises, “In the end, a writer’s commitment to thorough, reliable research is what separates good writing from bad.”

McPhee also discusses the role of language in writing, emphasizing that the words and phrasing a writer uses can significantly impact the effectiveness of their writing. He emphasizes that words carry meaning and that writers ought to think carefully about the language they choose in order to evoke a particular response in the reader. Drawing upon the works of other authors, McPhee suggests imitating different styles in order to expand one’s own writing vocabulary.

Throughout Draft No. 4, McPhee outlines essential techniques for crafting a successful piece of writing. He encourages readers to think critically about their work and to never be too hard on themselves as they revise, indicating that perseverance and patience pay off in the end. McPhee’s advice will not only help prospective authors improve their writing but will also benefit those hoping to gain a better understanding of the nuances of the writing process.

Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process is an invaluable resource for any student, writer or reader hoping to gain insight into the craft of writing. McPhee shares invaluable wisdom from decades of experience in the field, presenting his knowledge in a clear and accessible way. Through this book, aspiring authors can gain a better understanding of the elements that go into constructing a successful piece of writing and have the tools they will need to start creating wonderful work of their own.