Average customer rating:
- Great Book
- Great Graduation Gift
- How to say it
- Great Reference Book
- The best so far
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How to Say It: Choice Words, Phrases, Sentences, and Paragraphs for Every Situation, Revised Edition
Rosalie Maggio
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0735202346
Release Date: 2001-08-28 |
Book Description
The best-selling How to Say It® is now better than ever. The second edition of this one-of-a-kind book has been updated with ten new chapters-that's fifty chapters in all-offering readers even more material for quickly and effortlessly constructing original, effective letters.
How to Say It® provides short lists of what to say, and sometimes more importantly, what not to say when writing business or personal letters. It begins with examples of why and when certain letters are appropriate, tips on writing the letter, and advice for special situations. It then offers sample words and phases for each type of correspondence, as well as examples of sentences and paragraphs that are best suited for the task. Finally, it provides full sample letters giving readers a sense of what to look for in the final product. Includes appendices offering tips on etiquette, formatting, and grammar.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2007-09-19
This is a pretty good book. It focuses on writings though. If you would like to have a book that speaks on communication in general, then I would suggest "How to Use Power Phrases" by Meryl Runion or optimally both books. The examples in "Power Phrases" are verbal examples, but can be used in both situations. "How to say it" should be titled "How to put it in writing"
Great Graduation Gift.......2007-06-22
I believe the ability to write a thoughtful and effective letter is an important skill to have, and one that many younger people today are not developing due to all of our electronic communications. I got this for a graduation gift and it has truly helped me become better at writing good letters for my new "adult" life, from thank you letters to job correspondence and more.
How to say it.......2007-05-12
This is a must have for anyone who writes, talks, or otherwise communicates with other people. I use it all the time for writing letters.
Great Reference Book.......2007-02-02
I draw a blank sometimes on what to say and when to say it. That's why I bought to book - to fill in the blanks !! Love it ! More than I expected.
The best so far.......2006-07-14
A lot has been written already about this book, so I would like to concentrate on one major feature of this manual.
I have several books about letter writing and this is the one I most often use and whoever I showed this book to wanted to buy it. Books of this kind fall into two broad categories: 1. short explanations and a lot of sample letters. 2. long explanations and a reasonable amount of sample letters. This book, however, shows that something more can be done. I usually have the problem with the first category that some authors tend to empty their Document folders from the work computers into a book and write some clever remarks as an introduction to them. Rosalie Maggio's book introduces methodology into the editing process: she gives you useful advice and also warning what not to do, but after that the topics are built up from word level gradually through phrases, sentences, paragraphs until you get to the actual sample letters. This way, you get much more useful material than you could get only with sample letters.
Product Description
This invaluable resource is a collection of over 350 sample letters and models, plus excerpts, teasers, and opening lines that will deliver thousands of dollars of contributions for your organization. Use the models "as is" or adapt them easily to your own purposes. Either way, theyll help your requests jump out of the multitude of requests that flood the mail, get them read, and - most importantly - get a response. Youll find letters for every kind of fund-raising effort. In addition, this book provides ingenious "hooks" that will help get your envelope opened; pointers for writing strong opening copy, plus tips on asking for the right gift amount; structuring your fund-raising request; designing your direct mail packing; producing cost-effect mailings, testing, and much more!
Customer Reviews:
Great Reference .......2006-04-27
I found this book to be a great overview with lots of examples. It's been shared around our office over and over again!
Jam Packed with Samples.......2005-05-14
In addition to advice on how to write successful fundraising letters, this book contains hundreds of models, samples, and excerpts of actual letters. One section covers letters soliciting volunteer help. (summary by South TX Library System)
This book has 378 pages, so chances are very good that you will find a sample letter close to what you need. Inexperienced letter writers tend to be too wordy and turn off their potential funders. I really recommend that people pay close attention to the advice in this book.
The most frequently borrowed fund raising book I own.......2001-04-25
Chapter 15, Obtaining Substantial Financial Support with the Foundation and Corporate Request Letter, is the most dog-eared chapter of my copy. Government and non-profit colleagues whose core job and expertise is not in the area of fund raising, love this book.
moderately helpful.......2000-07-14
My pleasure in the book was minimized when I came to the sections on telemarketing, etc. . . not what I expected. The portions of the book that were helpful, were A-1.
Extremely useful shelf-reference for fund-raisers.......1999-11-18
Not only does this book offer real-life examples of letters for every conceivable fund-raising campaign and situation, it explains the structure of successful fund-raising letters. I refer to it frequently. 5 stars I reserve for anything written by Mal Warwick, who is in a class by himself. But 4 stars means I found Mr. Kuniholm's book well worth the money, repeatedly useful, practical, educational and wise.
Book Description
From persuasive memos to complaint letters, sales letters to executive summaries -- this exceedingly useful guide helps the business worker write clearly and in an appropriate format, style and tone. Numerous examples show how to overcome writer's block, organize messages for maximum impact, achieve an easy-to-read style, find an efficient writing system and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Go to book.......2006-11-03
I bought several similar reference books at the time of this purchase. Effective Business Writing is my go-to book, my first choice, and usually all I need.
Great reference book - - timely, too!.......1999-04-22
This is a well-written, carefully organized book that belongs on desks across America! Topics covered include organizing before writing, overcoming writer's block, suiting letters to complex situations, and using grammar and punctuation properly. If I had to provide one criticism, it would only be that the book is too short! As a reader, I didn't tire of the useful sample letters and would have happily read more and more. A great reference for the tentative writer and a good refresher for seasoned writers, as well.
Book Description
Showing someone you care begins with
Finding
the
Right Words
Here you'll find:
• More than three dozen ways to say "Happy Birthday"
• Welcoming words for new family members...even pets
• Thoughtful condolences for personalizing sympathy cards
• Congratulatory wishes for weddings and anniversaries
• Helpful hints to simplify card-sending
• A monthly calendar for birthdays and anniversaries
...and more, in this book of indispensable phrases for all occasions. You'll never be at a loss for words again!
Customer Reviews:
Excellent.......2007-01-25
I was given this book as a gift, and have purchased several to give as gifts myself. I keep this book with my notecards and reference it each time I am writing a special note. It is especially helpful when writing to someone in a difficult situation. The book is well-organized and succinct -- unlike other options in this category. I highly recommend this book.
Just Perfect.......2007-01-04
I purchased this for my daughter-in-law, who loves to make personal greeting cards. This little guidebook contains of variety of subjects with many choices for "just the perfect message". Worth the price.
Finding the Right Words: Perfect Phrases to Personalize Your Greeting Cards.......2006-03-01
This book is a treasure - very useful for 'just the right touch'.
Really not "the right words".......2005-10-23
This book was not what I was looking for. It is just a collection of greetings that you would find in cards. They really don't mean much. I was looking for something more unique.
Finding the Right Words: Perfect Phrases.......2005-08-08
A fabulous mind jogger. I'm handed cards and asked to scribe brief notes regarding births, losses, promotions, illness, recovery, and the whole range of ups and downs. This book is great for starting the creative juices going and suggesting a phrase or quote that helps me express my feelings. You will NOT regret the purchase.
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
Do you dread writing notes to say 'Thank you,' 'I'm sorry,' or 'Congratulations'? When's the last time you mailed a note to a far-away friend, just to catch up? What should you write to a grieving friend, or a colleague upon hearing of his or her divorce? As our lives get more and more hectic, the old-fashioned art of personal correspondence is vanishing. In this upbeat, wise, and witty guide, journalist and lifestyle expert Sandra Lamb offers a wealth of advice, inspiration, and examples for anyone who wants to add flair, voice, and plain old fun to their letters and notes-as well as anyone who wants to know the etiquette of when and what to write. Using colorful examples and practical advice, the book covers thank yous, congratulations, engagements and weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, births and adoptions, love notes, illness and accidents, divorce, condolences, regrets, apologies, and forgiveness. This delightful, indispensable guide is the perfect book for anyone who wants to rekindle the joy of putting pen to paper.
Customer Reviews:
review.......2005-09-26
book was exactly as ordered and came in a timely manner. i would use this seller again.
Terrific Tool for Any Desk.......2005-01-10
Personal Notes: How to Write from the Heart for Any Occasion by Sandra E. Lambhad thought many times of writing a book on how to write personal notes, a nearly lost social art-form; however, I'm glad I never got around to it because I could not have written the book nearly so insightfully as Sandra. She combines the "how to's" of polite and pertinent note writing with wisdom of the spirit and heart of both the sender and receiver of the notes. Not only does she guide you in how to write notes, she also guides you in the psychology and empathy required to write from your heart. You'll learn how to put yourself in another's shoes in order to know how and when to reach out witrh a note. A very helpful and knowledgeable book for every home, a great tool for teachers and parents, and important skills for business and interpersonal relationships. This would be an excellent graduation or wedding shower gift. Personal Notes is really worth having
Heartfelt Solace.......2004-04-28
Using the easy steps the author outlines in this lovely book, I was able to offer solace to a friend who'd just lost her job; and to another who'd just lost her partner of many years; and to still another who'd just learned she was receiving a reward she'd worked for for many years. It wasn't that I was "borrowing" the author's words; she helped me get immediately in touch with my own. And, I've never felt I expressed myself better and in a way that was more helpful to another soul!
Back to Civility.......2004-04-19
How refreshing to see such wonderful notes for all sorts of special occasions. I especially love Lamb's suggestions for ways to build traditions, and her ideas for enriching our lives by creating warm and loving bonds with family and friends. Here, too, is the best advice I've ever seen on real ways to repair relationships that have been fractured by harsh words and resulting grudges. Buy it, and embrace it, and cultivate a return to civility!
Book Description
A fully revised edition of Florence Isaacs’s bestselling classic, Just a Note to Say . . . offers over 150 new sample notes and ideas to help you write warm, meaningful messages that let people know how much they matter.
For a decade, Just a Note to Say . . . has been an unparalleled resource for choosing the perfect words to express sentiments on any occasion. Brief yet meaningful notes at times of celebration, transition, and sadness are more appreciated than ever. Now, etiquette expert Florence Isaacs updates this bestselling classic with more than 150 new ideas, inspirations, and sample notes to help you stay in touch with friends and family. This fully revised edition confirms that you needn’t write a lot to say a lot, offering practical advice to help you articulate your thoughts and let people know how much they matter.
Isaacs explores the significance of occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings to help you recognize the recipient’s personal connection to an event. A cornucopia of holidays and rites of passage such as First Communion, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, La Quinceañera, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Ramadan are also featured, along with tips to inspire warm notes for these occasions. Isaacs also offers new, thoughtful suggestions for writing during sensitive times such as illness, the death of a loved one, and divorce. Plus, a brand-new chapter on the etiquette of using e-mail tells you when it’s appropriate to share your good wishes electronically.
Whether you’re writing an encouraging get-well message or a congratulatory e-mail on a promotion, a sympathy card or an eloquent thank-you note, Just a Note to Say . . . helps you speak from the heart.
Customer Reviews:
Not so great.......2007-06-08
I wanted less ideas and more actual words to write in cards. If I have to think it up myself, why do I need a book? I'm already thinking it up myself now. I wanted something more like lists of choices of things to say in cards for each occasion. This book gives a few for each occasion. Not enough, in my opinion.
Nice book to have on hand........2007-01-05
Very cute book with good advice for writing notes.
For Sincere Expressions In Writing Those Notes........2005-11-28
Written by a past president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, there is a new (updated and expanded) volume of this little book informing us on the importance of sending personal notes and giving ideas of how to go about it. "There are certain general guidelines which apply to every occasion." The right words are readily accessible if you know how to find them.
"Good notes are gestures to celebrate, commemorate, and nuture relationships between people. They're about connecting and communicating and saying "I care." Quotations can be used to make a significant statement for the send, but it's important to choose those which suits the occasion or person and reflects you as well. "It's not what you say; it's how you say it." Limit advice. Give it only of it means something and represents wisdom gleaned from your own experience.
"When you write...there is an enormous sense of satisfaction. You feel 'when I write, I speak a whole different language...it's as if a poetic part of me seems to spill out." You don't have to write a lot to say a lot. This communications etiquette expert includes forms to use for sympathy notes, celebrations (consider the occasion) and notes just to say "You touched my life."
We're all human and make mistakes. "A quick, sincere apology can soothe hurt feelings, heal a rift, and strengthen your relationship." Apology is a good device to free the person who offers it, but it must be accepted by the person you may have offended. "It's best to apologize in person, on the phone, or in a note in the mail. But...e-mail is okay." It removes the awkwardness of apologizing, acts as a "buffer" and allows the writer to say exactly what is neeeded without interruption."
Florence Isaacs gives proper protocol for e-mail and the occasions when it is accepted. She has also written BUSINESS NOTES: PERSONAL NOTES THAT BUILD PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES, and HERE'S TO YOU (TOAST OR TRIBUTE), 2002. The 2005 edition of this handbook has just been made available. If you need a bit of help saying the right thing at the right time, check this one out.
90% How To and only 10% samples.......2004-10-14
Although the sample notes were very good, they could have incorporated many more samples instead of the How To's and Scenario Set-ups necessitating the Notes.
oodles of concise, eloquent examples.......2003-04-20
At first I thought this might be too simplistic a guide to social and personal notes, then I found myself getting choked up in the chapter on "Writing Notes for Difficult Moments." The author is straightforward, friendly, and sensible, and she blends sensitivity with emotion in just the right mix, facing illness, AIDS, cancer, and impending death with clarity and compassion. She also gives snappy suggestions for graduation, holiday, and congratulatory notes, and devotes additional attention to writing to children and teenagers. The book gives such heartfelt, meaningful examples of short notes that if you keep a copy on your writing desk you need never be at a loss for words again.
Book Description
This is a handy, quick-reference guide that gives you what you need to write virtually any kind of business letter, including sample letters you can adapt and use right now. A must for any business office, home office or home, this newly updated classic has been a best-seller since it was introduced in 1991. It's packed with the most concrete information, useful techniques, and practical tips available. This fourth edition also includes a CD-ROM with ready-to-use templates for all of the sample letters included within the text. This book can help you, or any member of your office staff cut the time spent letter writing in half, and get the "right" word or phrase or the correct format immediately. Includes letters for: sales and promotion, customer relations, collections, letters to the media, letters of condolence and goodwill and many, many more. These effective letters can be copied, modified, and customized to fit your requirements.
Customer Reviews:
Ideal letter writing!!!!!.......2006-08-27
I love this book. It has helped write letters in difficult situations. Highly recommend.
Dear Sir or Madam - This is a good book........2004-06-21
Just the ticket a quick template and short tips.
When they talk about busy people they are serious. This book is not full of chapter upon chapter of what to do. Rather it is templates for almost all occasions with marginal notes expaling what to add and why.
A Great Timesaver !
For virtually any kind of business venture.......2002-08-08
From sales and goodwill letters to collections letters and those covering employment, this revised and updated fourth edition of Business Letters For Busy People which provides templates and samples which can be quickly adapted to suit virtually any kind of business venture. The accompanying CD-ROM contains the templates for all of the samples in the text, further reducing the time needed to quickly locate and utilize a professional-sounding letter.
A Great Resource For Anyone Who Writes Business Letters.......2001-08-22
Jim Dugger has done a great job writing a book for us pragmatic business people who want to write the most appropriate letter in style and structure) for any given situation but don't want to spend hours learning how. I'm an Entrepreneur, work fast paced hours and sometimes take on multiple tasks in my company. This leads me to have to write sales letters, customer relations letters, internal memos, etc. To do this I need to be flexible in my communication with various people and this book helps me do just that. I keep this book handy on my shelf, and so far I haven't been disapointed. It will provide you with two primary things: quick advice for writing letters in professional situations and over two hundred business letter formats for easy reference. The book is organized in such a way that you can easily flip through it, find the type of letter you want to write, and find the best format to follow with a breakdown of each part of the letter and what it's function should be, as well as some general information about that specific type of letter and a visual representation of the letter itself. The over two hundred letters cover almost any type of letter you will have to write as a business person. I would have given the book 4.5 stars if it was possible, but I chose not to give it five stars because I would expect a book on business letters in today's day and age to now include at least some information on e-mail letters, or letters written in the context of e-commerce. I think that if the author came out with an equivalent book for writing e-mails or business letters for people in e-commerce situations, or perhaps made an addition to this book, it would provide important additional resources to the average user given the popularity of new internet technologies. Otherwise the book is excellent, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a quick reference and guide to writing business letters!
Amazon.com
And you thought writing your novel was difficult! Now you have to wade your way through query letters, synopses, outlines, agents, cover letters, proposals, and, with any luck, editors and publishers. There is an etiquette to gaining representation for your novel, and you'd be a fool not to follow it after all the hard work you've put in. Stellar agents are not exactly twiddling their thumbs waiting for the phone to ring or the mail to bring in the next batch of writers' queries; one wrong sentence or mistimed phone call (but you wouldn't really wake a sleeping agent, would you?) can foil your chances completely. Blythe Camenson and Marshall J. Cook, authors and teachers both, have enlisted published writers (Elmore Leonard, Dick Francis, Stephen King), agents, and editors to help them teach us everything there is to know about turning that manuscript into a published novel. "Getting your novel published," they warn, "will take the same sort of creative problem solving, the same determination and persistence, the same refusal to quit that you brought to writing the book." True. Except this time, you have their help. What qualifications should you include in your query letter? How do you portray a whole novel in a one-page synopsis? How long should you expect to wait for a response? Camenson and Cook cover it all. The keyword to success here is professionalism, and, if you follow the advice put forth in this book, you'll learn how to be a professional in this business, from the very first query to the "firing the agent who isn't working out" missive. --Jane Steinberg
Book Description
The only guide of its kind created just for fiction writers. Drawing upon the insights of experienced authors, editors and agents, it provides writers with crucial information needed to get published in today's rapidly-changing fiction industry.
Using examples from real novel proposals, this guide illustrates all the do's and don't of pitching a manuscript, including how to:
-target the right publishers
-find a great agent
-network and make important industry contacts
-send a query letter that gets attention
-avoid editors' and agents' "Top 10 submission pet peeves"
-master the elements of a strong synopsis and killer cover letter
Customer Reviews:
Great for any aspiring writer.......2007-06-14
Any writer hoping to publish a manuscript should add this book to their shelf of tools. In an easy to read step-by-step manner, it explains the publishing process and covers the gammit of promotional tools you'll need to write in order to sell your writing. It gives examples of successful queries and synopsises of various lengths. It also covers the pitch if you plan to attend writer's conferences. Very helpful!
The world of the author, with laughter instead of tears.......2007-05-20
This book is wonderful. It made me laugh instead of cry. As a beginner in the publishing world, we often feel frustrated and discouraged. Blythe and Cook make jokes about silly things beginner writers do, turning the whole breaking-the-ice game into laughter. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and even though I am still back at the same place with query letters and the rest, at least now, I feel like I am bit smarter and a bit happier. Thanks for this great book.
Sent me back to the drawing board.......2005-09-20
I thought I knew how to write proposals; and I did. For non-fiction. The whole approach for fiction is very different and this book guided me through the processes, but more important, through how to think about it. It's "thump you in the forehead" writing that permits no excuses, no evasions. The title says what it's about and it certainly is. Steps, examples and overriding principles. Examples of queries and synopses from their flawed first drafts to their polished conclusions. A great lot of information broken into tidy chunks. Written transparently and synpathetically.
helpful but not miracle working.......2005-07-10
Bad news: It didn't help me get my novel published, although I followed all the steps.
Good news: It taught me some things I didn't know, but that would be true of almost any book on writing I've come across.
What I found the most useful was sample synopsis, something that can be extremely difficult for a novice to the book-submitting game to develop.
I also admire the upbeat and encouraging tone. I wouldn't hesitate to give it as a gift to a writer, but I would warn them not to expect miracles or instant publication.
A book that will take you to a world of hope.......2003-08-18
The writer is a lonely creature that crafts its work until his mind cannot budge anymore. But after he finished his masterpiece comes the real world: to publish it. That's where this fine book may be of great help. It shows you how to enter this world of hope where one may get published. A must for those who wish to see their work published one happy day.
Book Description
Here is the most complete and up-to-date resource of model business correspondence for every conceivable occasion. From sample letters, memos and e-mails, this guide allows the user to use samples as is, or adapt for their own purpose. This book contains more than 300 model documents demonstrating the key elements necessary to convey the writer's message. Easy organization allows user to quickly identify the specific letter needed.
Customer Reviews:
A good companion.......2007-03-09
Makes sense to have a book to look at whenever you're at a lost of word. This book serves as my reference in my daily activity - from writing letters/memos to sending e-mail (business or personal). A really great companion.
Awesome Book.......2006-07-31
This is a handy book that can be used for years to come. It covers a broad spectrum of subjects relating to communications.
The Encyclopedia of Business Letters, Fax Memos, and E-Mail.......2001-04-22
Exceptional Book, full credit to the Author, this is the best book I have come across, I will recommend this to everyday Jo bloggs user like myself who were struggling to right decent letters.
Little guidance.......2001-04-13
This was very basic and had few examples to choose from when trying to form a letter. What little guidance received was common knowledge. This is best suited for high school students.
This Is An Indispensable Business Writing Guide!.......1999-09-13
The use of Internet technology has made the effective communication of thoughts and ideas in a variety of formats and styles possible. Good Website design alone, however, does not assure that one's intended business message will get across as well as planned and hoped for. Good writing and presentation skills are also important factors to consider in the overall communication process.
Robert Bly has written The Encyclopedia of Business Letters, Fax Memos, and E-Mail to assist people to create a variety of important business correspondence that can be put to use in the office and online. Bly, the author of The Copywriter's Handbook, offers his readers some quick solutions to meeting many practical business correspondence needs. He provides plenty of samples throughout the book that cover a broad range of business needs, including correspondence with colleagues, vendors, employees and employers, customers, handling complaints and requests, making collections, and producing sales and direct marketing letters.
Readers will be impressed with the ease with which they can learn to create their own business letters. Following the guiding principles, samples, and instruction in this book will result in generating favorable responses in making sales, marketing products and services, issuing warnings for poor worker performance, making the firing of people much easier to accomplish (gulp!), terminating services, apologizing for poor performance, and many other tough real-life circumstances they are likely to face in the business world someday!
Bly offers some very helpful tips on customizing letters to meet specific circumstances such as time-sensitive communications, varying message tone, generating favorable responses with creative wording, and preparing correspondence intended for faxing and e-mailing. Bly cautions his readers by reminding them that once someone sends an electronic communication there may be no way to stop it from reaching its destination. Watch your words and emotions!
Readers will learn how to produce many top-notch communications for any purpose, including office correspondence, faxes, e-mail, newsgroups, and Website design use. This book will assist business people of all levels of experience to get any message across much easier with more confidence! This is an indispensable business writing guide. Look good in print and online! Highly recommended for novice business owners!
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