Book Description
The Concise Rules of APA Style offers essential writing and formatting standards for students, teachers, researchers, and clinicians in the social and behavioral sciences. This easy-to-use pocket guide, compiled from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, provides complete guidance on the rules of style that are critical for clear communication. Readers will learn how to avoid the grammatical errors most commonly reported by journal editors; how to choose the appropriate format for statistics, figures, and tables; how to credit sources and avoid charges of plagiarism; and how to construct a reference list through a wide variety of examples and sources.
How does the Concise Rules differ from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association? The Publication Manual remains the best source for broad background information about scientific publishing. It provides guidance on designing research, identifying the parts of a scholarly article, understanding the process of journal publication, and submitting articles for publication. The Concise Rules, by comparison, targets only those rules writers need for choosing the best words and format for their articles. It offers a comprehensive list of essential writing standards in a convenient, easily retrievable format.
In addition to guidance on grammar points that have challenged writers in the social sciences, the Concise Rules provides suggestions for reducing bias in language; reviews the mechanics of style for punctuation, spelling, capitalization, abbreviation, italicization, headings, and quotations; examines the preferred use of numbers as well as standards for metrication and statistics; provides guidance for the construction and formatting of tables, figures, and appendixes; and offers clear examples and models for referencing ideas and constructing error-free reference lists.
Available in a light-weight, spiral-bound format, the Concise Rules will travel easily from home to school to office.
Customer Reviews:
Concise Rules of APA Style.......2007-10-13
This is an essential book if you're preparing papers that must follow APA style. It's official from APA, so you can count on the content. More detailed than a quick guide. The spiral binding makes it easy to use. If my 'easy way' guide doesn't have the answer, this concise guide does. Wouldn't be without it. Why didn't my uni profs tell me about this cheaper resource??? (The full-length guide costs about twice as much, if I remember correctly.)
book review.......2007-09-23
This book is a little confusing. Never arrived when ordered first. I had to reorder this item which finally arrived two months late.
Stefplans.......2007-05-12
I thought this would be a more helpful book than the APA Publication Manual, but I was wrong. This small volume does not cover enough items that I need to write a graduate level paper. I suggest purchasing only the Publication Manual.
APA guidlines review.......2007-05-11
good reference for research papers, only wished it had better examples easier to locate instead of having to read every chapter to search for format.
Great Reference.......2007-03-22
This book is a great reference for the college student that is trying to figure out the APA Referencing Rules.
Book Description
The second edition of this successful guide to writing for graduate-and undergraduate-students has been modified to include updates and replacements of older data sets; an increased range of disciplines with tasks such as nursing, marketing, and art history; discussions of discourse analysis; a broader discussion of e-mail use that includes current e-mail practices.
Like its predecessor, this edition of Academic Writing for Graduate Students
" explains understanding the intended audience, the purpose of the paper, and academic genres.
" includes the use of task-based methodology, analytic group discussion, and genre consciousness-raising.
" shows how to write summaries and critiques.
" features "language focus" sections that address linguistic elements as they affect the wider rhetorical objectives.
" helps students position themselves as junior scholars in their academic communities.
The Commentary has also been revised and is available.
Customer Reviews:
academic writing for graduate studies.......2007-01-30
This book is a great tool for both experienced and novice writers in college matters. It introduces basic information about sentence structure, style, tone and other features you need to consider when writing a scholar papers. It also provides lots of practice to reinforce the concepts introduced and put them into practice.
Book Description
All-in-One is all you need! This authoritative reference offers complete coverage of all material on all three Crystal Reports Certified Professional exams, including content for each of the three electives. You’ll find exam objectives at the beginning of each chapter, helpful exam tips, and end-of-chapter practice questions. The bonus CD-ROM contains a testing engine with questions found only on the CD. This comprehensive guide not only helps you pass the challenging CRCP exam, but will also serve as an invaluable on-the-job reference.
Customer Reviews:
A Must Have Book for Crystal Developers.......2007-07-25
If you are a Crystal Reports Developer, this book is a must have. Not only is it a great teaching resource, but it also make an awesome reference. It's loaded with thought provoking questions and exercises. I've currently got five Crystal books on my bookshelf here at work. The ONLY one I refer to is this one. This book is also outstanding for someone new to Crystal, as long as you have some IT background. If you are completely new to programming/reporting, this book will be very useful to you eventually, but it's not a good book for your level.
CRCP Exam Guide.......2007-01-23
I highly recommend this book! If you are writing Crystal Reports this book is a MUST HAVE even if you are not interested in getting your CRCP certification. I have been using Crystal Reports for 5 years and have read several Crystal Report reference manuals. This one is by far the best!!!
All you need to be CRCP Certified.......2005-03-30
This textbook contains everything the reader will need to gain Crystal Reports Certified Professional (CRCP) certification.
I used the textbook to take all three exams, and passed them all within twelve weeks. The only other source of information I used was the on-line documentation provided with the product (and I used that as a secondary reference only). Note that I did not take any education courses from Business Objects or third-party providers--this book was my sole information source, and it guided me to high scores on all three exams. I also became a much better Crystal Reports developer in the process.
The writing is exceptionally clear and free of all the techno-babble that clutters up so many other texts. This book is clear, easy to read, and structured perfectly. Not only that, but the examples are exceptional and applicable.
In addition to guiding the reader through the certification material, the text will thereafter continue to serve as a valuable reference for Crystal development.
Highly recommended--this is the Crystal Reports book that nobody should be without.
NOTE: Now that Business Objects has revised their CRCP examinations you might be wondering if this text would still be useful. The unqualified answer is YES. The two exams for XI are nearly identical to the three exams for version 10, except all of the Business Views components have been removed.
For XI certification, you still use this text. Just i) skip the Business Views parts (skip chapters 27, 28, 29)--as that software component has been dropped; ii) focus on the SQL components elective (chapter 22); and iii) skim the other elective sections (chapters 23, 24)--as there are no longer elective test tracks. Do this and you will still find this text the definitive preparation material for the CRCP exams.
If you are preparing for the CRCP, you need this book........2005-03-21
The CRCP exams for version 10 Crystal Reports are difficult without taking instructor led courses. This book gives detailed information that is critical when preparing for these exams.
Exam Study Tool and On-The-Job Reference.......2005-03-10
Just in case you're not aware, Crystal Reports is a graphically oriented program designed to produce reports filled with data that comes out of a database, comes from a specialized type of server called OLAP, or from data that is calculated internally. It was one of the first such packages and was usually used in conjunction with big powerful databases such as Oracle or SQL Server that didn't have sophisticated reporting structures built into the database.
This book is oriented to guiding the reader through passing the CRCP exam. As such, it's orientation is less formal and descriptive and more oriented to the practical aspects of what's on the test. It includes a CD with a simulated set of examinations (you take three tests) to give you the look and feel of the test and help identify any areas where you need more knowledge.
The design of the book is such that it will be useful in passing the test and still of value as a reference book to the Crystal Reports user.
Book Description
This new edition of the acclaimed step-by-step guide encompasses all aspects of typescript preparation from first to final draft, including efficient use of word processing, electronic database literature services, the Internet, and email. The authors provide sensible advice on inclusive word choices and communication for writers and readers of different first languages. Abundant examples, practical tips, and self-help exercises draw on extensive experience with actual typescripts. In addition, a detailed index and numerous references make information easy to find. Applicable to a variety of scientific writing contexts, Successful Scientific Writing is a powerful tool for improving individual skills, as well as an eminently suitable text for classes or seminars on scientific writing.
Customer Reviews:
Great for scientific papers.......2007-04-12
Found it useful for writing my class papers it gives you a way to organize your thoughts before writing them!
Scientific Writing - A difficult task made easier.......2003-11-21
"Successful Scientific Writing" is a well written, user friendly and sometimes humorous guide to effective scientific writing. Even the wire, lay open binding is user friendly. The text is up to date, well organized and provides guidance on effective use of computers and software in the entire scientific endeavor. Of course the primary strength is in helping the reader through the writing and publication of the scientist's efforts. This concise work would be especially appropriate as a text in scientific writing classes. The exercises provided would be great student assignments. Additionally the exercises are fun and enhance points made in the text. Matthews, et al have given us a guide that is appropriate for advanced writers as well. Virtually every page has gems of wisdom or insights that will enhance the end result of scientific communication. This book may be especially helpful for those that are "stuck" in trying to get started writing or have complete "writers block". After reading and using this book, readers will likely be thankful that the authors have so adeptly conveyed their wisdom and vast experience in helping others to write with greater clarity and brevity.
Good, but could be better.......2003-07-08
Our lab used this book for a study group on effective scientific writing. We are located in Korea, so with the exception of the instructor and I, all participants were not native speakers of English. As a result, this review is from the viewpoint of foreign students. It is based on chapter reviews written by the members of our lab after finishing the book.
The book is just what it claims to be, a step-by-step approach to writing a scientific manuscript intended for publication. The first chapter helpfully furnishes a checklist (Table 1.3) for preparing a research paper. The chapter is actually a summary of the rest of the book so a reader already in the process of writing can easily find which chapter they wish to skip to via Table 1.3.
In the subsequent chapters, the authors provide good advice accompanied by helpful tables, examples and exercises, although the figure chapter could have used more tips on actually preparing the figures. Examples of poorly prepared and corrected figures would be a useful study aid. One student suggested that the second chapter on computer use was not particularly informative for graduate-level students. Regarding the chapter on grammar (chapter 6), another student pointed out that in some scientific articles, ungrammatical sentences are not corrected in order to effectively deliver the point.
The overall use of informal expressions and phrases seemed intended to make the text livelier for English-speaking students, but was confusing for several participants with English as a second language. We would like to suggest that the authors take their own advice and refrain from using slang and jargon. Several of us liked Appendix 2 and thought it was a good read for those unfamiliar with the practice of journal editors.
Apparently the authors had intended to attract those who had not already submitted a manuscript to read their book, but Successful Scientific Writing contains many helpful pointers for published scientists and journal editors, as well.
Watch what you eat!.......2000-03-06
Words can hardly express the beauty and cleverness of "Successful Scientific Writing" by Matthews, Bowen and Matthews as a step-by-step guide on how to write scientific reports for publication in English. I am using this book for a course that I teach on scientific writing at the Postgraduate School of Health Sciences at Aarhus University in Denmark, and I find it to be perfect! Before this book was published, there was none that dealt so well and so entertainingly with so many aspects of what it actually takes to prepare a manuscript for publication in a scientific journal. Many young (and old) scientists are good thinkers, but they are often poor writers! Thus, although they may have been able to design and carry out an experiment, they often lack the ability to express what they have done clearly and concisely. This book is for them! The first few chapters provide mainly words of encouragement for getting the writing process underway. There are also remarkable bits of advice, such as the notion of avoiding certan snacks that could derail ones momentum. In my view, the crux of the book appears in chapters 5, 6 and 7 in which extraordinarily lucid and practical instructions and exercises are presented for improving one's ability to write scientifically. There are also tips on how to optimize word-processing so that the manuscript submitted to the editor of a journal is most likely to be accepted for publication. Perhaps some old-timers in Science can do without this book, but they should nevertheless have a copy of it on hand for their students.
well written and worthwhile.......1999-11-09
it is unfortunate the authors did not review the most recent scientific style and format conventions of the council of biology editors(accepted internationally) that were published in 1994. had they done so, they would not have made a number of the errors that show up scattered about in the text. i use parts of this text , especially the exercises, in a course i teach on scientific writing and have to make the corrections as we go along
Book Description
This practical handbook is the ideal writing style guide for all reporters, writers, editors, and English and journalism students. It covers all the essentials of good news writing, according to the styles and guidelines set forth by the Associated Press -- with lively examples from today's newspapers. This authoritative guide includes:
Professional advice about crafting a good feature story
In-depth reviews of important principles in news writing
Expert guidance on writing concise, informative copy, source citations, and more.
Clear and instructive discussions of specialized styles.
Customer Reviews:
Needs a Re-write!.......2007-10-23
I couldn't believe my eyes! Wouldn't you expect this writing guide to be grammatically correct, at the very least? It isn't. Something else it isn't is quickly accessible. You have to read through the sarcasm, and then see a "corrected" version of a poorly written example. Unfortunately, that version needs work, too. Usually, I keep every book I buy, or give them to friends or charities, but this one went into the trash. Yikes!
This author is the epitome of witty.......2005-03-28
Even if you're not interested in journalism - if all that you're looking for is a fun read - then pick up this book. He takes examples of good work and explains why it's good, as well as poor work and points out the deficiencies in a way this is both entertaining and enlightening. I don't agree with all of his opinions, but I very much enjoyed the book nonetheless.
Good Resource.......2004-12-09
As a college journalism minor, I found a lot of information in this book.
When the author makes the case for using "said" to attribute quotes, it does make writing the quotes into the story much easier. However, I don't like using the same word over and over again, but that's a personal thing. I do like how it makes it easier to decide how to give credit for a quote though, less guess work on the part of the writer.
The "Mixed Metaphor" section of the book was great for evaluating my personal writing.
The examples in the book are pretty good articles. I really liked "Churubusco's All Round Nice Guy". I read the story and thought that it was a little reminiscent of Anna Quindlan's style of writing, especially in her piece "Homeless".
Had I not needed this book for my journalism class, I most likely would not have bought it. However, I think that it is a good resource for those who write.
How to avoid an attack of The Elongated Yellow Fruit.......2004-05-26
"The Associated Press Guide to News Writing" makes more points in 136 pages than do most writing books four times the size. One would expect no less from a master news editor like Rene Chappon. The formula Cappon follows is to write a very brief explanation of a problem; an example of the problem; a sentence dissecting the example; a rewriting of the problem sentence; and a summary of the topic. The result is almost always memorable. Consider this typical section on The Elegant Variation (capitalized words below are italicized in the original):
***
Writers who believe that the repetition of plain words within shouting distance of each other is crude take off on synonym safaris.... It's all the more grotesque as there are few true synonyms and the author may introduce misfits:
"The mayor's task force was asked to meet with the owners of the STRUCTURES, discuss whether they wanted their BUILDINGS preserved, and recommend ways to adapt older EDIFICES to new use."
STRUCTURES could be anything and EDIFICES is too grandiose; the story concerns commercial and apartment buildings. If the author didn't want to repeat BUILDINGS, a pronoun was the way out:
"...to meet with the owners of the buildings, discuss whether they wanted THEM preserved, and recommend ways to adapt the older ones to new uses."
The same craving for daintiness will convert elephants to PACHYDERMS, dogs to CANINES, cats to FELINES, tigers to STRIPED PREDATORS and cars to VEHICLES. Petroleum becomes BLACK GOLD, snow becomes WHITE POWDER (a justly forgotten poet once called it "God's dandruff"), a banana turns into THE ELONGATED YELLOW FRUIT.
***
The benefit of this style is that Cappon's admonitions pop up unasked whenever we commit one of the sins he identifies. I find that "elongated yellow fruit" frequently superimposes itself on my more tortured prose.
An exceptional guide to newswriting.......2004-01-21
AP Guide to Newswriting would have to be the most informative and thorough book on newswriting I have come across. It is clear and concise and deserves a prominent position on every journalists bookshelf. With the excellent price tag why hesitate?
Now, if only I could get all newswriters' to follow Cappon's example. Thanks Cappon for keeping it short and sweet!
Book Description
IDIOT-PROOF SHORTHAND AND SPEEDWRITING
You might be confused after reading: "Idiot-Proof Shorthand and Speedwriting". Is that made for stupid people? Not at all! Our system is so unique and easy that anybody can master it. Check out our audio demo at EASYSCRIPT.COM (click on `Audio Demo'). EasyScript/ComputerScript books are the first place to turn to when you're new to speedwriting and shorthand. Even if you've studied this subject and wish to continue using some your abbreviating techniques, EasyScript can be a great addition to combine it with your existing method. In other words t, EasyScript books are intended for individuals who are:
• Intelligent. They know that they need to learn how take fast and accurate notes quickly but don't want to waste time with other speedwriting and shorthand books.
• Frustrated. They have tried to do master shorthand or speedwriting but found them too complicated.
• Confused. They're simply mystified by failing to grasp the subject. Are you intimidated and confused by shorthand? Do you find that traditional shorthand and speedwriting books are overloaded with symbols to memorize and you'll never use them? If you know what you need to do — but just don't know how to do it — then EasyScript/ ComputerScript is for you.
EasyScript/ComputerScript books are written for those intimidated and hard-working folks who know they're not dumb, but find that the complexities of shorthand and speedwriting make them lose motivation. EasyScript/ ComputerScript is the proven method for anyone who needs to take fast notes and accurate at meetings, on the phone and in school.
Customer Reviews:
This book is an easy way to learn speedwriting!.......1999-11-19
I needed to be able to take dictation at 80 wpm, in a very short amount of time, to pass an exam to keep my job. Never having taken a shorthand course & not being able to find a place to learn shorthand, I came across this book. I was amazed at how easy it was - this book takes you step by step through the process of learning the rules of speedwriting, as well as giving you practice sessions to build up your speed. It's a skill that you can use for more than taking dictation - just for writing yourself quick notes. The book is simple to understand & gets right to the point - without it, I would have lost my job!
I'm thrilled with EasyScript !!!.......1999-04-24
I'm thrilled with EasyScript. I found it very, very useful and proved I can grasp speedwriting. I had a job interview and the manager dictated a letter to me at 80wpm. It's unbelievable I got most of the text right!!!
Book Description
This book is essential for anyone who needs to write clear, concise letters, memos, reports, proposals or other business documents. A complete self-study program in a handy workbook format, it provides the same practical techniques and strategies Advanced Communication Designs instructors have taught to business and professional people since 1980. PROFESSIONAL WRITING SKILLS includes techniques for getting started, conveying the main point clearly, selecting and organizing information, using the right tone, using active, jargon-free language, and eliminating unnecessary words. Filled with practice exercises with immediate feedback, the book can be used for self-study or as the text for a class.
Customer Reviews:
Value-Add Resource.......2004-11-10
I manage a training and development "University" for a large corporation and have, over the years, purchased many different types of training resources including on-line classes, workshops, tutorials, and self-paced training manuals. I think that self-paced manuals work best because they save money, time, and get the best results. Instead of flying a trainer (or my employees) all over the country to meet together, they can work on the manual at their own desks. Also, instead of pulling our employees away from their clients or potential clients,they can work on a self-paced manual when they have some down time. In terms of results, I have found that when people complete a manual like this, they are more invested in their own learning and tend to retain more of what they have learned for longer. I have seen many other self-paced training manuals but have recommended this one because I think that the format is very user-friendly.
Writing Skills Matter.......2004-11-10
I am a scientific consultant and most of my work involves precise medical writing. It is essential that I display outstanding professional writing skills at all times. I focus on organizing and presenting information in a clear and consice manner. I am delighted with this professional writing skills book because it is an outstanding guide to improving written (and verbal) communication skills. Since I am continually trying to improve my written presentations, this book serves as an important learning and resource guide.
A Trained Thought.......2003-07-14
Professional Writing Skills is a step-by-step self-paced training program to improve business and professional writing skills. It trains you to organize your unclear thoughts and to arrange information in logical units. It guides you to develop your thoughts into a writing plan, and to compose a clear and effective writing plan. The book has numerous exercises. Let that not scare you! Only when you solve the exercises will you realize the common errors that you commit in business and professional writing.
Janis Fisher Chan and Diane Lutovich have trained people in business and professional writing skills. They are an integral part of Advanced Communication Designs, Inc., a training company that specializes in customized training courses in business and technical writing. They have also authored, "Grammar for Grownups", "Writing Performance Documentation", and "How to Write Reports and Proposals".
Business writing is unique by its content, style and purpose. It may include letters and reports to the clients, memos to the employees, request for information, product descriptions and so on. The authors warn, "Errors in grammar, or spelling conveys negative image of the company." Imagine the devastating effects of an incomplete report, misunderstood memo, or confusing information?
The book is neatly divided into six lessons. Each lesson begins with an introduction, an objective and what you need section. The core of each lesson discusses errors in professional writing by quoting a few examples. The authors provide easy to understand and implement guidelines to improve quality of professional writing. At the end of each lesson, extensive practice exercises and writing assignments are furnished.
The first training lesson educates you about effects of unclear communication caused due to ignoring the needs and interests of the audience. You need to decide whether you want to influence or inform the audience. The authors advise, "One of the most important steps you can take to increase the chances of readers getting your message is to look at what you're writing from the reader's point of view." A key sentence that expresses your most important message should be incorporated.
The next lesson teaches you to select the information and to organize them logically. Prepare a list of facts and ideas to accomplish the purpose for writing, and group them into key points. A summary sentence for each key point should be written effectively. The lesson also includes guidelines for composing clear and effective email messages.
In the third lesson, the authors guide you to write the first draft. Reviewing and revising your writing plan to overcome inconsistencies, and eliminating unnecessary information are discussed. An effective opening, simple and direct language always attracts the audience. Above all, writing becomes more readable when thoughts are connected.
The fourth lesson emphasizes on using language that communicates clearly and accurately. Pompous words and phrases, and jargons do not impress the audience. Hence, there is a need to use plain English. The authors opine, "The more precise and specific your language, the more information you give to readers and the easier it is for them to understand your message."
Further, the fifth lesson discusses the need to eliminate unnecessary words that slows down reading, and makes writing tedious and boring. The last lesson speaks about the importance of using correct sentence structures, punctuations and grammar. The authors suggest, "As a general rule, keep the average length of your sentences to 17-24 words, with only one or two thoughts per sentence. If you are using technical or unusual terms, drop the count to 15-18 words." Usually, a long sentence is difficult to comprehend.
Communication is a two-way channel. The receiver should receive and understand the message conveyed. It is important to write to suit needs and interests of the audience. The language for communication should be direct, jargon-free, plain and simple. It is also necessary to be able to organize tangled thoughts into clear logical units. On completing the book, I realized that I had improved my professional writing skills.
I recommend you work out the practice exercises and writing assignments at the end of each lesson. It reflects your weaknesses and highlights your strengths in business or professional writing. It increases your confidence in developing and writing any document - business or casual, formal or informal. Remember the saying, "Practice makes you perfect."
In all, this self-paced training program was fun!
A Trained Thought.......2003-07-14
Professional Writing Skills is a step-by-step self-paced training program to improve business and professional writing skills. It trains you to organize your unclear thoughts and to arrange information in logical units. It guides you to develop your thoughts into a writing plan, and to compose a clear and effective writing plan. The book has numerous exercises. Let that not scare you! Only when you solve the exercises will you realize the common errors that you commit in business and professional writing.
Janis Fisher Chan and Diane Lutovich have trained people in business and professional writing skills. They are an integral part of Advanced Communication Designs, Inc., a training company that specializes in customized training courses in business and technical writing. They have also authored, "Grammar for Grownups", "Writing Performance Documentation", and "How to Write Reports and Proposals".
Business writing is unique by its content, style and purpose. It may include letters and reports to the clients, memos to the employees, request for information, product descriptions and so on. The authors warn, "Errors in grammar, or spelling conveys negative image of the company." Imagine the devastating effects of an incomplete report, misunderstood memo, or confusing information?
The book is neatly divided into six lessons. Each lesson begins with an introduction, an objective and what you need section. The core of each lesson discusses errors in professional writing by quoting a few examples. The authors provide easy to understand and implement guidelines to improve quality of professional writing. At the end of each lesson, extensive practice exercises and writing assignments are furnished.
The first training lesson educates you about effects of unclear communication caused due to ignoring the needs and interests of the audience. You need to decide whether you want to influence or inform the audience. The authors advise, "One of the most important steps you can take to increase the chances of readers getting your message is to look at what you're writing from the reader's point of view." A key sentence that expresses your most important message should be incorporated.
The next lesson teaches you to select the information and to organize them logically. Prepare a list of facts and ideas to accomplish the purpose for writing, and group them into key points. A summary sentence for each key point should be written effectively. The lesson also includes guidelines for composing clear and effective email messages.
In the third lesson, the authors guide you to write the first draft. Reviewing and revising your writing plan to overcome inconsistencies, and eliminating unnecessary information are discussed. An effective opening, simple and direct language always attracts the audience. Above all, writing becomes more readable when thoughts are connected.
The fourth lesson emphasizes on using language that communicates clearly and accurately. Pompous words and phrases, and jargons do not impress the audience. Hence, there is a need to use plain English. The authors opine, "The more precise and specific your language, the more information you give to readers and the easier it is for them to understand your message."
Further, the fifth lesson discusses the need to eliminate unnecessary words that slows down reading, and makes writing tedious and boring. The last lesson speaks about the importance of using correct sentence structures, punctuations and grammar. The authors suggest, "As a general rule, keep the average length of your sentences to 17-24 words, with only one or two thoughts per sentence. If you are using technical or unusual terms, drop the count to 15-18 words." Usually, a long sentence is difficult to comprehend.
Communication is a two-way channel. The receiver should receive and understand the message conveyed. It is important to write to suit needs and interests of the audience. The language for communication should be direct, jargon-free, plain and simple. It is also necessary to be able to organize tangled thoughts into clear logical units. On completing the book, I realized that I had improved my professional writing skills.
I recommend you work out the practice exercises and writing assignments at the end of each lesson. It reflects your weaknesses and highlights your strengths in business or professional writing. It increases your confidence in developing and writing any document - business or casual, formal or informal. Remember the saying, "Practice makes you perfect."
In all, this self-paced training program was fun!
great tool.......2002-08-13
I found this book to be extremely helpful to me when I started my career in public relations. Reading Guerrilla PR Wired in conjunction to this book really gave me all the tools I needed. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in an industry where writing is a key component.
Book Description
As any successful freelancer well knows, writing for hire is a business with opportunities for earning a great living, if one knows the tricks of the trade. This thorough guide, produced by the foremost organization of nonfiction freelancers in the United States, presents those trade secrets. The chapters, each written by a successful free-lancer, include: -Planning a Writing Business -Seven Secrets of a Successful Magazine Query -Research: Finding the Right Stuff -Going Full-Time -And more. An invaluable final chapter collects 'Tips from the Pros'-lessons learned the hard way. This essential reference is a must-have for anyone in the nonfiction writing business, as well as for those longing to give it a try.
Customer Reviews:
Indispensable.......2006-11-10
If you are a freelance journalist/writer, this book is a must have. The writing and advice is top-notch.
A must have for your library.
Useful collection of essays for the freelance writer.......2006-05-28
Instead of just setting down a list of dos and don'ts, the ASJA guide presents a series of how-to essays by published authors that include how to work through the different aspects and challenges of freelance writing. This format allows for experience to provide guidance. I like to read about success stories and examples of what worked and what didn't work. I have used it many times to figure out different aspects of our freelance writing business.
Learn from Expert Nonfiction Writers.......2006-04-24
If you take the information in this book and study each chapter, it's like going to a high quality professional writers conference. You can learn about a variety of areas of nonfiction writing from veteran much-published writers.
If you can only get one how-to book on nonfiction writing, get this one.
Start Here.......2006-02-25
If you are like me, that is, if you were just starting out as a freelance writer, then this book is a great place to start. I have to admit, that much of the material actually scared me away from freelancing. I love to write, but it sounds like there are too many legal matters, contracts, copyrights, etc. to enjoy the profession. Maybe an agent would help? The book seems to cover almost every angle, things to avoid, ways to succeed, how to get started...
Informative, Thorough and a Must Read for Aspiring Freelancers .......2006-02-23
This book has exceeded my expectations. Usually when purchasing an anthology you get crumbs of information, but rarely enough to actually develop and execute a plan. I'm grateful for this guide! Not only does it break down 26 crucial areas of a freelance business in only 360 pages, it is written by those who've tasted many years of success. The experts don't sugarcoat, or offer false hope ... they are very realistic in their approach. The book also provides countless resources to help one research articles, locate experts and writing markets, make contacts, contracts, submit photos and so much more. After reading this book, I am well on my way to building an at-home business that works!
Books:
- Critical Infrastructure: Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
- Crystal Reports 10 For Dummies
- Crystal Reports Professional Results
- Damn Good Resume Guide: A Crash Course in Resume Writing (Damn Good Resume Guide)
- Developing & Administering a Child CareCenter
- Entrepreneur's Notebook: Practical Advice for Starting a New Business Venture
- Entrepreneur's Notebook: Practical Advice for Starting a New Business Venture
- Error Control Coding, Second Edition
- Essentials of Business Communication
- Essentials of Business Communication
Books Index
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- Cost Accounting
- Innocent in Death
- Desert Hawk, revised edition
- Repeated Financial Decisions: An Experimental Analysis
- A Critical Bibliography of Adam Smith
- A Field Guide to Western Mushrooms
General
| Mental Health
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fifth Edition
APA: The Easy Way!
Mastering APA Style: Student's Workbook and Training Guide Fifth Edition
The Clinical Documentation Sourcebook: The Complete Paperwork Resource for Your Mental Health Practice
Readings on the Development of Children
