Scientific Writing Resources

Almost all of the books listed below are available from the Cornell Library and can be located or viewed online by following the links.

Scientific writing guidebooks:

• The Scientist's Guide to Writing: How to Write More Easily and Effectively throughout Your Scientific Career, by Stephen B. Heard Physical copy at Uris Library
• Houston, We Have a Narrative: Why Science Needs Story, by Randy Olson Physical copy at Mann Library
• Escape from the Ivory Tower: A Guide to Making Your Science Matter, by Nancy Baron Available online from Cornell Library
• Writing Science: How to Write Papers That Get Cited and Proposals That Get Funded, by Joshua Schimel Available online from Cornell Library
• Scientific Writing = Thinking in Words, by David R. Lindsay Not available from Cornell Library
• Science Research Writing: A Guide for Non-Native Speakers of English, by Hilary Glasman-Deal Available online from Cornell Library
• Scientists Must Speak, by D. Eric Walters and Gale C. Walters Physical copy at Mann Library
• Scientific English: A guide for scientists and other professionals, by Robert A. Day Physical copy at Mann Library

Guidebooks for academic writing and good writing in general:

• How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing, by Paul J. Silva Available online from Cornell Library
• They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein Physical copies at Olin, Mann, and ILR Libraries
• Writing from A to B: A Guide to Completing the Dissertation Phase of Doctoral Studies, by Keith Hjortshoj PDF download from Graduate School, free hard copy by e-mail request
• On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, by William Zinsser Physical copy at Olin Library
• The Elements of Style, by William Strunk and E. B. White (both Cornellians) Multiple editions at multiple libraries, and some editions available online. Current edition is 4th, which can be purchased very inexpensively.