Overview

John McPhee’s Draft No. 4 distils decades of his writing experience into a rich exploration of the craft, reflecting his distinctive approach to nonfiction writing. Written as a guide for aspiring writers and professionals, each chapter covers an aspect of his approach, with examples from his New Yorker articles and various books. This is a great book of writing advice for academics looking to develop their style and writing identity.

Key takeaways

1. Drafting as a discovery process. Writing is a form of exploration, where the process reveals new insights that may not have been evident at the outset.
2. Structure as a guiding principle. A well-thought-out structure clarifies ideas and leads readers through complex material, particularly valuable in academic writing.
3. Iterative refinement. Multiple drafts are vital, refining the message and the language with each iteration to arrive at a more compelling end product.
4. Selective research application. Rather than overloading writing with details, focus on relevance and brevity, especially for interdisciplinary audiences.
5. Precision in language. Word choice should be deliberate, enhancing clarity and supporting the reader’s understanding.

Practical implications for academics

1. Allocate time for drafting and editing. Carve out focused time for drafting without editing, then return for thorough revisions. This process alleviates the pressure of immediate perfection.
2. Use visual aids for structure. Consider using diagrams or mind maps to structure articles, lectures, or presentations. Such visuals help maintain a clear trajectory and aid in managing complex topics.
3. Embrace peer feedback. Treat feedback from colleagues or peer reviewers as a constructive tool. Partnership with editors show that collaboration improves precision and readability.
4. Be intentional with language. In professional or academic settings, concise, precise language enhances the impact of writing.
5. Balance research depth with reader needs. Tailor content to the audience, emphasising essential points without overwhelming them with data. This approach makes material accessible, especially for non-specialists.

McPhee’s insights in Draft No. 4 offers practical writing advice for academics navigating the demands of professional writing. His advice encourages embracing structure, revision, and precise language to create clear, engaging, and impactful nonfiction.

McPhee, J. (2017). Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.