Put It In Writing [Paperback]

Albert Joseph (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0070393087 | ISBN-13: 978-0070393080 | Publication Date: March 1, 1998 | Edition: 1

Based on the most widely used writing course in the English-speaking world, Put It in Writing has sold over 1.5 million copies. Now, in this updated, user-friendly format that's ideal for self-study, it provides professionals at all levels with the tools to write more clearly, accurately and quickly.

Featuring interactive exercises that strengthen skills, this proven guide offers tips on how to:

• Organize letters and reports
• Supercharge language
• Avoid lazy grammar
• Use computers to improve skills
• And more!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Used by the U.S. government, AT&T, GE, IBM, GM, Xerox, and hundreds of other leading corporations.

The most widely used writing course in the English-speaking world­­now available to everyone for the first time! Top executives know the importance of good writing. That's why hundreds of major corporations use the renowned Put It in Writing! course to teach their managers how communicate directly and powerfully through the written word.

Good writing means clear, effective communication in letters, reports, and public speech. Good writing means making the contact, making the point, and getting the results you want. Previously offered only through corporate training programs, Put It in Writing! is now available to individuals for the first time.

This book shows you how to:

• Write clearly, effectively, and quickly
• Improve letters and reports, technical and non-technical
• Develop a pleasing style
• Project a positive image of yourself and your company
• Avoid common errors in grammar, spelling, and word usage
• Beat deadlines
• Use your writing for career advancement
• Convey exactly what you mean!

There's no more important tool for professional success than the ability to communicate effectively in writing. And this book puts that tool in your hands!

Put It in Writing gives you:

• Quotes from great writers
• Dozens of stories and examples
• Five principles of clear writing
• Tips on organizing the information
• "Devil's Advocacy"­­objections you'd like to raise (with answers)
• Special advice for students
• Tricks that make good writing easier and faster
• Taboo-debunking tips
• Face-saving reference sections on grammar, word usage, punctuation, nonsexist language, speech-writing and delivery, computer use, and more

Handy information you'll use as long as you're writing!

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070393087
• ISBN-13: 978-0070393080
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #919,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine Book on Expository Writing, November 6, 2000

By 

Frank E. Keyes, Jr. (Sierra Vista, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Put It In Writing (Paperback)

A good audience for this book would be any college graduate who has to write (and that's most college graduates). The book tries to undo the damage colleges have done to our students in the writing classrooms.

Some key principles:

1. Don't write to impress; write to express. If we write to express, and if we do this well, we will impress our readers with the clean language we use, that is, the clean way we express ourselves.

2. "Prefer Clear, Familiar Words." This advice echoes the Fowler brothers' Rule 1 in 1908, "Prefer the familiar word to the far-fetched." Far-fetched words in these times are often officialese.

3. "Keep Most Sentences Short and Simple." Albert Joseph advises us to keep one major idea in a sentence (Bernstein gave the same advice in the 1950s). This is better than advising us to average 15-20 words per sentence.

4. Use first-choice words and repeat them or use pronouns. This is contrary to what most English teachers advise us. They normally say never to use the same word soon after its previous use. Albert is right; English teachers are wrong. (The first to come up with the writing principle, as far as I know, is Fowler. In 1926 he called this principle "Eloquent Variation.")

I suggest another audience for this book besides college graduates: Writing Instructors. This book will keep them focused (perhaps give them a focus) on what's important in expository writing.

The only bad criticism I have of the book is its failure to give credit to people like Bernstein and Fowler.

Frank E. Keyes, Jr. Senior Editor TRW, Arizona

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The 'Professional Writer' of Writers, July 24, 2008

By 

Julio "Globetrotter" (Carrollton, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Put It In Writing (Paperback)

In 1972, while working at a 'Fortune 10' company, I attended a writing course that featured Albert Joseph's 'Put It In Wrting' book. With a new perspective on writing, my career soured largely due to my improved writing abilities.

Having been incorporated now for over fifteen years and working as a Consultant to 'Fortune 50' companies around the globe, my major strength and marketable talent is 'WRITING' for a Senior Management audience.

Albert Joseph's new edition of his popular book is a 'Must Have' for any Professional or Non-Professional that is serious about writing. What a fantastic bargain for $12.00!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book, December 12, 2009

By 

Vickie L. Williams "Vickie" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Put It In Writing (Paperback)

This is a great book to have in your library. Very helpful. Great shape and great experience with this seller. Thanks Vickie