What makes one sentence easy to read and another a slog that demands re-reading? Where do you put information you want readers to recall? What about details you need to reveal but want readers to forget? Drawing on cognitive neuroscience, psychology and psycholinguistics, this book provides a practical, how-to guide on how to write for your reader. It introduces the five 'Cs' of writing – clarity, continuity, coherence, concision, and cadence – and demonstrates how to use these to bring your writing to life. It also shows you how to do all this whilst also making the writing process speedier and more efficient. Brimming with examples, this humorous, surprisingly irreverent book provides writers with the tools they need to master everything from an email to a research project. If you believe good writers are simply born that way, Writing for the Reader's Brain will change your mind – and, quite possibly, your life.

‘Your readers will thank you for reading Writing for the Reader’s Brain. Dr. Douglas’ science-based approach will have you writing works that are understood and enjoyed.’

Nicholas Ellinger - Chief Brand Officer at Moore

‘This book shows you the truth about writing, and how it works systematically. The reader will learn new things about an age-old pursuit: how to be a better writer. I never thought a science-based guide to writing would help a fledging writer, but this approach is the panacea we need.’

Lybi Ma - Executive Editor, Psychology Today

‘Douglas’ advice has been crucial to refining my writing for research, international business, and grant writing. I consider her work invaluable in teaching writers to use clarity and concision in a world with an ever-shrinking attention span. Good writing opens doors!’

Kurt Shultz - Senior Director of Global Strategies, US Grains Council

‘The way most students are currently taught to research, write, and revise academic papers is a recipe for frustration. As an antidote, Douglas offers straightforward, evidence-based guidance to transform academic writing from an intimidating and meandering process to a clear-cut and efficient one. Her visionary wisdom about writing will help students replace anxiety with confidence, connect deeply with their research topics, and craft engaging and intelligent papers that they will be proud of.’

Erica Jorgensen - author of Strategic Content Design