It should be clear by now that if you want to write a scholarly book, you have to decide whether it's purely scholarly, a hybrid, or for a general audience because the writing style is very different for each of the categories. It is also likely that if you write scholarly books, you may do so in more than one of these genres. So it's probably a good idea to master the respective techniques used in all three types of scholarly books. With this in mind, here are a few exercises you might want to try.

EXERCISE 1

Select a subject with which you are very familiar if not an actual expert. Write down a set of facts and information in the form of a list or outline. No more than a page is necessary. With this material in hand, write as if you are conveying the information and ideas to scholars and authorities in the subject. Don't worry about any reference notes; just concentrate on the writing style.

EXERCISE 2

Using the same set of facts as in Exercise 1, write for an audience that would include both the experts and laypeople with an interest in the subject.

EXERCISE 3

Again, with the same set of facts, write for the general public.

Interview with Nancy Gambescia, PhD

Nancy Gambescia maintains a private practice specializing in relationship and sex therapy. In addition, she teaches and supervises psychotherapists in the assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunctions and couples therapy. Dr. Gambescia is an approved supervisor and clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and has coauthored four books: Erectile Dysfunction, Hypoactive Sexual Desire, Treating Infidelity, and Systemic Sex Therapy. Dr. Gambescia completed her clinical training at the Council for Relationships and received her doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania.

RDB: The subject matter of your books (sexual and relationship issues) lend themselves to a professional and scholarly readership as well as a general audience. What made you decide to write for the former group?

NG: To be honest, I was invited by a colleague to do some scholarly writing and I accepted without realizing the extent of my commitment. This invitation was based upon my clinical and teaching experience in the area of sexual intimacy. The books are intended for therapists; however, I often recommend them to clients. Everyone seems to relate to specific portions.

RDB: In writing your books, did you also try to make them accessible to a general readership or laypeople interested in the subject matter but who are not professionals in the field?

NG: Initially, I struggled to write in a comprehendible way. My editors helped me to write simply and clearly and now I am a true believer in making a concept palatable. Eventually, my goal was to write so that anyone could enjoy the books. Now after four books and ten articles, I am most proud of the works that my clients appreciate the most. One book in particular is Treating Infidelity.

RDB: You write as an authority in the field who is well credentialed. Do you still rely on research and other experts?

NG: Absolutely. The available research is the base of our treatment model that we call “Intersystemic.” It integrates many theoretical and empirical systems. Moreover, clinical experience provides examples of the application of our model.

RDB: How do you go about your research?

NG: Much of the literature in the field is familiar to us. We conduct literature reviews. We read, review, and generate ideas from the existing literature. Moreover, we discuss the topics that we want to cover. In each of our books, there is a section on empirical research.

RDB: How do you employ case studies? Do you present them in a formal way or a more anecdotal tone that would appeal to a general readership?

NG: I like to interject short case studies to illustrate a point. Typically they are from my clinical practice, using data to disguise individuals. Sometimes I use excerpts from e-mail communications with permission. Some authors use long case studies. I think these can be tedious, so I use small bursts of information to give life to a treatment modality or clinical illustration.

RDB: Do you think you might write for a general audience and if so, how would you see your writing style differ from the professional books you have written?

NG: I do not anticipate writing for a general audience although I would like to do this with the infidelity book. The problem with this sort of idea is that there are over 200 books in print on this topic the last time I looked. Also, clinical writing does not utilize the kind of creativity contained in general writing. I know I could never write a novel because I do not believe I am truly a talented writer. I could, however, consider writing about clinical topics, omitting the more esoteric empirical research and using more examples.

RDB: Any words of advice to someone who wants to write a professional or scholarly book?

NG: Yes. Have a coauthor! One is never alone with another person to discuss, debate, edit, embellish, etc. I think that writing alone might be too isolating for me. I communicate with my coauthor every day, discussing everything from our personal lives to clinical cases.