Book Description
Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace reflects the wisdom and clear authorial voice of Williams best-selling book, Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace, while streamlining every chapter to create a very brief, yet powerfully direct guide to writing with style. The brevity and clarity of this book make it a quick and ideal read for freshman composition courses, as well as for writing courses across the disciplines. Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace covers the elemental principles of writing that will help students diagnose their prose quickly and revise it effectively. The ten lessons feature principles of effective prose written in William's hallmark conversational style, offering reason-based approaches, rather than hard and fast rules, for successful, effective writing.
Customer Reviews:
very clear.......2006-08-14
I am a non native speaker, and even though my grammar is not too bad, my writing style has always been a source of frustration. At work, when comparing the texts I would write with the one of good native writers, I could see that theirs were better, but could not find why.
I bought this book based on the high reviews it got on amazon, and I was not disappointed. After reading a few pages, I scanned the research proposal I was writing at the time, and could already make significant improvements on it. The advices that the author give are sometimes quite simple, especially at the beginning of the book (for example : the main character should be the subjects of the verbs, which themselves should correspond to the main action). But surprisingly, I realized that I was rarely applying these simple rules of clarity. The author is never dogmatic, and insists that the only thing that matters is that the reader easily understands what we're writing. All throughout the book, numerous examples illustrate the concepts just introduced so that it is quite easy to test whether one has really got the point.
a gem.......2006-07-21
I found an used copy of " The Basics of Clarity and Grace" at bookstore. After reading 3/4 of the book I ordered two more copies. One copy for my son who is a journalist major and the other for my eldest son who writes good comedy. I liked its size and its no nonesense approach.
Better than Strunk & White, better than Turabian.......2005-12-19
The longer version of Joseph Williams "Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace" has been justly praised for many years. But as a director of writing programs at NYU, Princeton, and Yale, I never felt right adopting that text: it was too expensive, and more than the average student needed. This "Basics" Style is the perfect solution. All the brilliance of the longer book at 1/3 the price, "Style" perfectly balances explanations of style rules with practical examples. The rules that Strunk and White encourage are good ones, and American prose would be leaner if their precepts were universal. The problem with that book is that the advice is not explained systematically. You can use their suggestions when you face similar cases, but only Williams' text breaks down topics like elegance, coherence, and cohesion in ways that will let you carry the ideas into every text you write. I would not recommend this book for the casual 10th grader; although it's clearly written, its ideas are somewhat advanced. But for professionals, college writers, and any teenager who takes writing seriously, "Style" is an indispensable tool, a book you'll use for the rest of your life. For learning to write good college papers, I also highly recommend his "Craft of Research."
How Style Ought to Be Taught.......2005-07-13
Teaching style is not an easy task. Just look at the number of books on the market that portend to do this task, and it becomes obvious that not all authors succeed in their efforts. Some manuals attempt to teach by rules, others by persuasion, and still others by example. This book takes all three approaches and illustrates that the art of stylistic writing is a matter of know-how. Unlike most books in the field, I find this one generally successful.
The book's method is heuristic. It begins with causes of bad writing, and progresses to clarity, cohesion, emphasis, coherence, concision, length, and elegance. Each principle is given a bad examples compared to a good one. Direct, subject-verb-object writing is extolled, and certain anathemas of other texts are approved under the right circumstances. While I disagree with one its principles: That it is acceptable to begin a sentence with "There" and "It," these are minor quibbles in an otherwise strongly argued case.
Strunk & White's "Elements of Style" now has a major competitor, and this book is it. Whether one writes in fiction or non-fiction, the principles and examples given throughout this book are to be commended. I know of one author, a philosopher, who took these principles to heart. What once was ambiguous and contorted writing is now lucid, clear, and vivid. If this book can make this kind of progress, I certainly recommend it to all writers.
While on the subject of good writing, I also recommend Corbett's "Classical Rhetoric" for those authors who want to write convincing arguments. One on style, the other on substance. While William's book on style will make prose more readable, Corbett's book will make it more intelligible.
Truly great, smaller but updated version of his bigger book.......2004-01-24
This smallish book summarizes and updates "Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace (7th Edition)." I rank both books at least a "5 out of 5" ranking. I bought the "Style: Ten Lessons" book first and after reading his previous book, I wanted more from this author. This new book is a fitting treat; it is destined to be a classic in the field of writing.
This smaller 150 page book presents many easy-to-apply principles and, for me, were easier to understand.
The principles that I liked most were:
+ How nominalizations can be very good or very bad, depending on their purpose, or lack of it.
+ How to re-arrange sentences putting the new and most important ideas on the end; thus sometimes flipping the sentence around and making good use of the passive tense.
+ The importance of aligning the characters of your story with the subjects of your sentences, and using active verbs to make "interesting subjects do interesting things."
+ Why and how to keep the distance between subject, verb and object short.
There are many, many other writing principles that you will find very useful. Although this book is written for someone with writing experience, a beginner will also find it MOST helpful.
I recommend any budding writer to buy both books. The bigger, older book has more discussion. But I found this smaller, newer book easier to read and understand. I'm now reading his Craft of Research book, and it looks like a winner too.
This is an author whose books you should collect. He has become a highly recommended expert in the field of writing. Look at the reviews of the bigger book to see what others are saying. I am so happy that I found his books.
John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX
Average customer rating:
- Workplace Communications
- It sucks
|
Workplace Communications: The Basics
George J. Searles
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Communications
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Business Writing
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Workplace
| Organizational Behavior
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Linguistics
| Words & Language
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Technical
| Writing
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Art Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Business Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Reference Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Science Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Arts & Photography
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Business & Investing
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Professional
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Reference
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Microsoft Office 2003: Spiral Edition (Marquee Series)
-
Mathematics for the Trades (8th Edition)
-
Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace (9th Edition)
-
Electrical Motor Controls for Integrated Systems
-
Revising Business Prose (4th Edition)
ASIN: 0321330684 |
Customer Reviews:
Workplace Communications.......2006-01-04
Having taught technical writing, workplace communications, and business English at three different institutions--community college, four-year institution, and private university--and possessing an earned doctorate with an English minor, I find Searle's textbook user friendly, relevant, and functionally practical for nontraditional students, particularly those seeking applied science associate degrees that are terminal. Each of the 10 chapters relate to written and spoken communicative tasks that are required on the job for most persons employed in skilled and paraprofessional positions. The format of the text is inviting and varied without being cluttered or obtrusive. Every community and technical college should consider this text for nontraditional "technical" or business writing courses.
It sucks.......2005-01-25
This is a terribly written and composed text. No school anywhere should use it.
Average customer rating:
|
Basics of Legal Document Preparation
Robert Cummins
Manufacturer: Cengage Delmar Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Law Practice
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
Paralegals & Paralegalism
| Law Practice
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
Writing
| Law Practice
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
Legal Profession
| One-L
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
Legal Writing
| One-L
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Words & Language
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Writing
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
| Academic & Commercial
| Business
| Children's Literature
| Editing
| Fiction
| General
| Genre Fiction
| Journalism
| Newspapers & Magazines
| Nonfiction
| Play & Scriptwriting
| Poetry
| Technical
| Travel
| Writing Skills
Paralegals & Paralegalism
| Law Practice
| Law
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Legal Profession
| One-L
| Law
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Legal Writing
| One-L
| Law
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Art Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Business Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Reference Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Arts & Photography
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Business & Investing
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Professional
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Reference
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Paralegal Procedures and Practices
-
Introduction to Paralegalism: Perspectives, Problems, and Skills, 6E (West Legal Studies Series)
-
Federal Civil Rules Booklet
-
2006 Federal Civil Rules Booklet
-
Paralegal Career For Dummies (For Dummies (Career/Education))
ASIN: 0827367996 |
Book Description
Basics of Legal Document Preparation provides essential knowledge necessary for students to determine the appropriate legal document required in any given situation. It also provides the technical skills required for students to prepare each document. The book is divided into three sections with the first consisting of goals, forms, instruments, pleading and general American jurisprudence. The second section focuses on instruments such as contracts, real estate transactions, wills, and trusts. And the third section is comprised of legal pleadings for many specific areas of law such as bankruptcy, criminal and appellate practices, federal practice, and domestic relations.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Resource.......2000-03-27
Great Resource for anyone interested in Legal work....full of information for all kinds of work from Legal Assistant to Paralegal to Legal Secretary.
Book Description
Entrepreneur's Notebook propels you on a whirlwind tour of the start-up process. It is an invaluable reference for new and experienced entrepreneurs that includes chapters on a wide range of topics, from entrepreneurial team building to business plans to financing. This excellent book provides an incredible amount of practical information that will help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes. The author, Steven K. Gold, is an accomplished entrepreneur who has co-founded and led five early-stage ventures. As an investor and mentor, he also advises many entrepreneurs and young companies. He earned his B.S.E. in Entrepreneurial Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and his M.D. from Brown University Medical School.
Customer Reviews:
Nice Guide for Beginners.......2007-06-16
The author writes a nice overview of the entrepreneurial process. It's basically for novices but it does a good job for this audience. The only problem I have with this book is that it is too basic and is therefore non-unique because it is so low-level. Regardless, I must say that for the right audience, it does a fine job over giving the big picture.
If you are advanced or aspire to become advanced, I would recommend "The Startup Company Bible for Entrepreneurs" but only for high-tech entrepreneurs. Even this author has recommended it.
A Must-Have for Entrepreneurs.......2007-05-14
Steven gives great illustrations to drive home his insightful advice for entrepreneurs. As he's "been there, done that," we can take his advice to heart in the hopes of becoming a success like him!
Exellent Book.......2007-05-11
Great book for getting ready to open a new business. Would refer to anyone thinking about opening a business.
Brief and to the point.......2007-04-27
This is a delightful little book that contains a wealth of useful and helpful information and ideas on starting a small business and ensuring that it is viable and succesful. The book is well written and easy to follow and interesting to read.
This is a must read for entrepreneurs, particularly budding ones as the information the book provides is very practical and can help you avoid making costly errors. The book covers a wide range of topics including the start-up process, marketing the business on a small budget, cash-flow forecasting, among other things.
The book is an excellent companion for the entrepreneur that is well worth having.
Invaluable advice for the budding entrepreneur.......2007-03-04
This book does a terrific job of presenting some of the most important issues entrepreneurs face when embarking on new ventures, touching on topics such as the business plan, funding, team building, and cash flows. Using simple, yet stunningly accurate models of the entrepreneurial process, Steven Gold distills complex subjects into simple, practical, take-away messages. The classification of entrepreneurial personalities (professionals, pragmatists, and inventors) is something I think we can all relate to. I find the metaphor which compares building a new company to making "stone soup" equally compelling. There are countless books out there for budding entrepreneurs, but this one is no fluff. It gets right down to the nuts and bolts so you can concentrate on your business.
Book Description
This has basic details about writing children's stories, selling to publishers or direct sales, promoting, and self-publishing. ISBN and bar code resources are listed for self-publishers as well as a wide variety of other print and online resources. It was created as a teaching and review text which allows time for critiques of students' stories and articles in eight week writing classes and writing workshops.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Book for Children's Writers.......2007-02-09
Ms. Lee has put together a book that is full of information to help an aspiring author write, market, promote, and sell a children's book. It is an overviewof hot-to get your book published.
She takes you through the process step-by-step so you can make the choice which path to take to publication, from traditional to self-publishing. Ms. Lee includes chapters on how to format your manuscript, how to make a good first impression for publishers and how to grab and keep a readers interest.
The end of the book features two appendixes that focus on Writer's Organizations and Magazines as well as a list of books that will be helpful to writing and publishing your book.
A small book that has all you need to help you along the path to publishing your children's book. Ms. Lee has done a superb job.
Great for teaching other students and distilling the big picture.......2006-11-02
I teach writing and publishing workshops, and this book is a great low-cost addition to offer my students. The author has done a lot of work to supply vital information, including addresses needed in the writing and publishing industry, and to condense the enormous, almost overwhelming amounts of information out there down to the distilled basics. An historical famous author is noted to have said in a long-winded letter to a friend, "I would have written a shorter letter but I didn't have enough time." As a professional writer, I use this book to rescan and stay on top of the basics, where longer books (of which, of course, are also useful in different ways) would not suffice. From the writing "theme" to getting my work copyrighted, it can be easy to get lost in the depths of one or two basics and forget the others. It's a great jump-off point that keeps me organized and on track.
Not bad.......2005-11-05
This is a fair book, if your expectations are not too high. It's a lot like going to an evening talk at your library by a local children's author (which is quite possibly how this booklet started out). You learn some basics, lose some false concepts, get a view of the territory, benefit from tips drawn from the author's personal experience, receive some handouts from more authoritative sources (about a fifth of the book is reprinted from membership materials of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), and get pointed to additional resources.
In other words, it's enough to get a feel for whether you want to explore the field more seriously, for which you'll need other, more complete guides.
If you're buying this book because "self-publishing" is in the title, though, you'd better know that only two pages are devoted to that, and the discussion is fairly general. But then, the low production values of this self-published booklet wouldn't lead you to expect more.
I was interested to read the book because it used to have a better sales rank, a higher customer rating, and many more reviews. Those other reviews (all anonymous, and all five-star, I believe) have now been removed. It would be interesting to learn why.
Anyway, Betsy has a pleasant and friendly enough voice to spend an hour with, if you want to get your feet wet in the big lake of children's writing.
A Concise Book For A Busy Lifestyle .......2005-08-24
I found Betsy Lee to be an enjoyable upbeat author. I was able to feel her love for writing in this concise little book titled,"A Basic Guide To Writing, Selling, and Promoting Children's Books:Plus Information about Self-publishing." It was very informative, positive and encouraging. Betsy's book was everything her title suggested. It was easy reading. I was able to read it along with by daily challenges. I later sat down with her book and my highlighter. I then proceeded to take many notes. Her book is now my bible and she's an author I will be looking forward to.
Insightful Ideas.......2004-08-05
I found this book to be well organized and filled with useable and practical ideas and information. The specific content was extremely helpful to me as an author. I also plan to use this with my middle school students to assist them with their own creative writing. The chapter entitled "How Do I Grab and Keep a Reader's Interest?" is an excellent starting point for all budding writers. Even though I have had two of my own books published, I learned a great deal of new information, especially about self-publishing, from reading this book. I think this book would be a wonderful read for anyone, young or old, who might be considering venturing into the world of writing. Nice Job!
Average customer rating:
|
Barnes and Noble Basics Getting a Grant: An Easy, Smart Guide to Writing A Grant Proposal (Barnes & Noble Basics)
Barbara Loos
Manufacturer: Silver Lining
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Entrepreneurship
| Small Business & Entrepreneurship
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Public Affairs & Administration
| Government
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business & Investing
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Entrepreneurship
| Small Business & Entrepreneurship
| Business & Investing
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Government
| Nonfiction
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
| Congresses, Senates, & Legislative Bodies
| Constitutions
| Democracy
| Elections
| Federal Government
| State & Local Government
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
ASIN: 0760739021 |
Book Description
Basic Letter and Memo Writing is an intensive, activity-oriented text-workbook that shows users how to apply basic principles of communication to write clear and effective business documents. Through numerous document examples and applications, students master basic skills and apply them in specific, real-world business situations.
Customer Reviews:
how to write business memos.......2000-02-08
please help me the guidelines to feedback the memos. and get me some free samples of memos]
Book Description
The BASICS OF ENGLISH presents grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and number usage that provides the "base" of knowledge needed to succeed in writing classes. Short, concise content delivers a thorough approach with clear-cut examples and exercises to reinforce learning.
Book Description
There are several good basic grantwriting books available today, but few written with the experienced grantwriter in mind. In his clear, easily accessible writing style, veteran grantwriter Michael Wells reveals the strategies he has used in his 30 years of nonprofit experience, to secure millions of dollars in funding for his clients.
Grantwriting Beyond the Basics is the first book in a series being designed to inspire grantwriters to take their grant development strategies to the next level.
Michael Wells' unique approach to program design and management puts this book in a category all its own, offering a sound foundation on which to base your proposal, and paving the way to funding success.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Book for the Experienced Grantwriter.......2005-11-24
It is rare to find a book directed towards the experienced professional. The logic model section is especially helpful for planning more complicated applications including those to federal agencies. I found the information thorough, well presented, and usable, which is refreshing in a book about writing grant applications. I also found the case study exceptional. Seeing a winning proposal is always helpful but seeing the thought process behind the writing is a great way to get the point across. No matter how long you have been writing grant proposals, you can always learn more. This book gives excellent insight into today's funding world.
My two thumbs are way up!.......2005-08-14
Proven Strategies Professional Use to Make Their Proposals Work is the rare book that delivers what it promises. It looks under the hood and tweaks the writing process in an insightful and cogent way. From developing a strategic approach, to researching to establish need, to using logic models to develop your grant application, to thinking through your evaluation plan, and using your budget to tell your story -- all the grant development building blocks are here in useful detail. Michael Wells has gifted the reader with street smarts and soul. My two thumbs are way up!
Excellent Resource for Grant Professionals .......2005-08-06
Michael Well's book is an excellent resource for grant professionals who have moved beyond the basics and are interested in expanding their knowledge and professional skills.
Michael has been actively involved as a leader in the developing grants profession, and his many years of professionalism and experience are evident in this work. He covers a wide range of topics that are faced when developing grant proposals, as well as managing and tracking grants. Further, he offers excellent real-life examples and samples.
I especially found the section on developing logic models to be useful. This is an area of grant proposals that many grantwriters handle poorly, and Michael has provided clear guidance and excellent examples that will help developing grant professionals take their work to the next level.
I would definitely recommend it to grant professionals interested in moving behind "Grantsmanship 101."
A Good Place to Start.......2005-05-18
Although the title says that this book is to cover "Beyond the Basics," it will also serve as a good primer checklist to tell you what you need to get started. It begins with a general discussion on the rising number of nonprofits that are seeking grants from the rising number of granting organizations.
From there it goes into what it takes to make your grant fit what the grantor is looking for. It lightly covers each point of grant seeking including mundane things like accounting/budgets and the impact of various laws and IRS rulings like Sarbanes-Oxley. It also goes into what the reader is going to be looking for such as how the grant will be managed, why the foundation doesn't like to fund adminstration, operating costs and endowments, and other points.
Perhaps the most important part of the book is its discussion of where to go for more information on nearly every aspect of the grantwriting project. Many of these are web related at no cost, others such as the authors favorite books on grant writing have fairly nominal costs.
Product Description
Concisely written in highly accessible language and loaded with hands-on examples, tables, figures, and forms, Understanding Nonprofit Finances is the most comprehensive book to date on the topic for grantwriters and other nonprofit professionals. According to grantmakers, failure to present the budget clearly and tie it to the narrative is a mistake commonly made by even the most seasoned grantwriter, which can result in an unfunded grant. Understanding Nonprofit Finances prepares the grantwriting professional to do it right the first time around. One by one, Wells removes the barriers to understanding how the budget works and why it's such a key part of any grant proposal.
Customer Reviews:
Michael Wells has done it again!.......2006-05-08
Michael Wells has the rare ability to communicate complex comcepts clearly with a writing style that keeps you moving forward. A perfect complement to his original work that informs and inspires. Understanding Nonprofit Finances is a welcome gift for grants professionals (as well as others) who wish to more fully understand nonprofits. Well done!
Highly recommended.......2006-04-20
I never would have thought that I would happily spend an entire plane ride reading a book about finances -- but I did and I loved it. This book does a wonderful job explaining finances in clear language to a general audience. The book is well-designed to give a grants professional the knowledge that they need to understand an organization's finances from reading financial statements to 990's. It really is an excellent book that I highly recommend to anyone who works in the non-profit field.
Books:
- Swap and Derivative Financing: The Global Reference to Products, Pricing, Applications and Markets, Revised Edition
- Technical Analysis Explained : The Successful Investor's Guide to Spotting Investment Trends and Turning Points
- The $100 Billion Allowance: How to Get Your Share of the Global Teen Market
- The Analysis of Household Surveys: A Microeconomic Approach to Development Policy (World Bank)
- The Art of M&A Due Diligence
- The Art of Trusteeship: The Nonprofit Board Members Guide to Effective Governance (Jossey Bass Nonprofit & Public Management Series)
- The Capitalist World-Economy (Studies in Modern Capitalism)
- The Communist Manifesto (Signet Classics)
- The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time
- The Essays of Warren Buffett : Lessons for Corporate America
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- History: Fiction or Science
- Bloodline
- The Designs of William E. Poole: 100 Classic House Plans
- Thomas Jefferson's Monticello: An Intimate Portrait
- YOU: The Owner's Manual: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger
- Building a House for Diversity: A Fable About a Giraffe & an Elephant Offers New Strategies for
- ABC Murders: A Hercule Poirot Mystery
- Cities from the Sky: An Aerial Portrait of America
- Traditional Details: For Building Restoration, Renovation, and Rehabilitation : From the 1932-1951 E
- Unconjugated Pterins In Neurobiology
Style: Toward Clarity and Grace (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
The Craft of Research, 2nd edition (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style
They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing
