Sitemap Every page on Taking Down Words, grouped by destination and section. There is also an XML sitemap for search engines. Categories Drafting Writing Drafts A Process Hub for Structuring Evidence Based Prose Editing and style Editing and Style A Hub for Ordering Editorial Passes on Nonfiction Prose Publishing and public argument Publishing and Public Argument: A Guide to Durable Principles Reading Reading Practice Hub for Critical Nonfiction Readers Research and evidence Research and Evidence Hub Prefer Primary Sources and Verification How do I choose what to read next? How to Choose What to Read Next with a Question Led Process How do I cut unnecessary words? How to Cut Unnecessary Words Without Flattening Your Voice How do I edit my own writing? How to Edit Your Own Writing With a Cooling Off Period How do I evaluate a source? How to Evaluate a Source With Authority Evidence Date and Purpose How do I fact-check an article? How to Fact-Check an Article with a Claim Inventory How do I finish a first draft? How to Finish a First Draft by Separating Drafting from Editing Decisions How do I make an argument without overstating it? How to Make an Argument Without Overstating It: Claim Strength How do I make sentences clearer? How to Make Sentences Clearer With Actors and Concrete Nouns How do I outline an article? How to Outline an Article Using Question Evidence and Sequence How do I pitch an article? How to Pitch an Article: Matching Publication, Angle, and Evidence How do I quote a source fairly? How to Quote a Source Fairly in Nonfiction Writing How do I read more critically? How to Read More Critically by Tracking Claims and Evidence How do I remember what I read? How to Remember What You Read with Retrieval and Notes How do I start a piece of writing? How to Start Writing Move from Purpose and Reader to a Provisional Claim How do I take useful research notes? How to Take Useful Research Notes for Evidence-Based Writing How do I write a clear introduction? How to Write a Clear Introduction That Matches Reader Need and Argument How do I write about politics responsibly? How to Write About Politics Responsibly: Sourcing and Uncertainty How should a book review work? How to Write a Book Review That Balances Description and Analysis How should writers correct mistakes? How Should Writers Correct Mistakes? Transparent Corrections and Trust Traditional publishing or self-publishing? Traditional Publishing or Self-Publishing: Comparing Control and Cost What is a primary source? What Is a Primary Source Depends on Your Research Question What is close reading? What Is Close Reading for Nonfiction Argument Analysis What is the difference between editing and proofreading? Editing vs Proofreading What Is the Real Difference What makes a strong paragraph? What Makes a Strong Paragraph Claim Evidence Development and Transition When should I use active or passive voice? When to Use Active or Passive Voice in Nonfiction Writing Guides Taking Down Words A Complete Guide to Reading and Writing with Integrity