§ 49. Habitually gauge your own readerly likes and dislikes, as well as those of other readers.

Exercises

Basic

Interview two law professors who don't teach legal writing. Ask about their likes and dislikes in their on-the-job reading. Ask them to put aside what they do in their own writing and to focus exclusively on their readerly likes and dislikes. Prepare a composite similar to the one listed in this section. If you're part of a writing group or class, bring a copy for each colleague.

Intermediate

Interview three practicing lawyers who have been members of the bar for at least ten years. Ask about their likes and dislikes in their on-the-job reading. Ask them to put aside what they do in their own writing and to focus exclusively on their readerly likes and dislikes. Prepare a composite similar to the one listed in this section. If you're part of a writing group or class, bring a copy for each colleague.

Advanced

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