Writing in plain language is not something they teach in you school. But it is an art and a science, and you can learn how to do it and apply it—how to write for results. This book provides a step-by-step, example-filled guide to the critical aspects of writing in plain English—plain language—the type of writing people understand and to which they respond favorably. Not many people refuse to read a newspaper because it is “too easy,” but lots of people avoid technical publications and barbecue grill instructions because they are “too hard” or unintelligible. Good writers are made, not born. The examples and information in this book will guide you along the process of becoming one of those “good” writers…and you may even find yourself looking forward to your next writing project.
By:
Janet C. Arrowood
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 232mm,
Width: 165mm,
Spine: 13mm
Weight: 318g
ISBN: 9781475824759
ISBN 10: 1475824750
Pages: 94
Publication Date: 28 July 2016
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Table of Contents Preface Introduction Chapter 1: A Brief History of the (American) English Language Chapter 2: How to Write in Plain English Chapter 3: Identify and Write to the “Right” Audience Chapter 4: Keep it Simple and Short Chapter 5: Planning and Organizing Your Documents Chapter 6: Applying the “Cs” and Rs” of Effective Writing Chapter 7: Using Correct Grammar and Punctuation Chapter 8: Using Reader-Friendly Voice, Tone, and Person Chapter 9: Applying Effective Self-Editing and –Proofreading Techniques Chapter 10: Netiquette and Writing for the Likely Viewing Medium Conclusion: The Wrap-Up
Arrowood has been designing and presenting “plain language” writing training programs worldwide for over 13 years. She has written and edited documents for almost any imaginable area from engineering to marketing, lessons learned to risk assessment reports, and military to young adult.
Reviews for Plain Language, Please: How to Write for Results
Janet Arrowood has written a clear, no nonsense guide that sets out a compelling case for plain language, with a set of simple tools for easily de-cluttering prose on any subject. In an era when the ear of even the most technical among us has been trained to respond to the sound bite, it's essential to be able to write in plain language to effectively and clearly convey any message-the more complex the subject, the more imperative the need for plain language. -- Lilli Segre, managing partner, IDEAS LLC
