The Handbook of Technical Writing, Seventh Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a technical writer, I've found this book to be just that. While it definitely is not a "how to write technical manuals" type of book, the topics and material covered make it well worth having on any writer's bookshelf. And in this latest edition, not only have the editors done another great job, the book's page layout is wonderful. In previous editions, all text and type was in black. In this edition, headings, paragraph titles and diagrams are framed in blue. This seemingly minor change makes the book's material easier to read and refer to.
The book continues to have extensive information about writing-related topics. Everything from proper grammar, to writing reports, to interviewing subject matter experts, how to do Internet research for a writing project, writing newsletters and/or abstracts, interviewing for a job and interviewing a subject matter expert for more information about a subject, writing proposals, and so forth is covered in this book. There's even a companion web site to the book that provides links to online resources for further information.
The book's preface contains what the editors consider their "Five Steps to Successful Writing," and also a "Checklist of the Writing Process," complete with subsections containing listings for (in order) Preparation, Research, Organization, Writing a Draft, and Revision. In fact, a few of the book's numerous entries contain their own "writer's checklist" of things to do. Some subjects have not only a heading, but cross-references to other pages of related topics. For example, if I was interested in learning how to write a proposal, I could go to that listing, and also find reference information on internal and external proposals. There seems to be at times an endless wealth of information about whatever writing topic you are looking for. This book's main strength obviously is how all the book's material is organized.
This is one book every writer should have. Even though it isn't a "how-to-write" book, it's still a "tools for writing" book. I find myself referring to it often when I'm
working on any kind of writing project.
As with past editions, the book's editors have done a wonderful job with this handbook.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Handbook of Technical Writing, Seventh Edition

The seventh edition of this classic comprehensive reference is now easier to use and more thorough than ever. With up-to-date coverage of workplace technology—from e-mail, Internet research, and writing for the Web to Web forms and page design—the Handbook of Technical Writing offers expert advice for meeting the demands of online writing. Abundant "real world" examples and sample documents throughout the text provide models for effective technical communication. The book's new "five-way access" structure—the alphabetical organization, topical key to the alphabetical entries, checklist of the writing process, comprehensive index, and new topical list of figures and model documents—provides even more ways of retrieving information, faster. This edition also includes new and revised entries on research, documenting sources, brochures, formal reports, newsletters, proposals, sales letters, presentations, and visuals. With entries that have been consolidated and streamlined, and in-depth treatment of grammar, usage, and the writing skills that both students and professionals need to master, the Handbook of Technical Writing remains both an accessible and easy-to-use guide, and the quick reference faithful users have come to appreciate.

Click here for more information about The Handbook of Technical Writing, Seventh Edition