Wordsmithing: The Art & Craft of Writing for Public Relations [Spiral-bound]

Ron Rhody (Author), Carol Ann Hackley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0536122776 | ISBN-13: 978-0536122773 | Publication Date: December 27, 2005

Here, at last, is a book that explains the how and why of writing for public relations from the perspective of a world-class professional and a ranking academic. It covers the basic forms used in writing for public relations, from news releases to white papers and op-ed pieces, and gives step-by-step instruction on how to write them. Equally important, it explains how and when to use each form. All the basics are covered, from handling clearances to creating the most effective distribution channels. Students appreciate its informal style and professionals its comprehensive, but concise, presentation of the fundamentals.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

WORDSMITHING: The Art & Craft of Writing for Public Relations

Here, at last, is a book that explains the how and why of writing for public relations from the perspective of a world-class professional and a ranking academic. It covers the basic forms used in writing for public relations, from news releases to white papers and op-ed pieces, and gives step-by-step instruction on how to write them. Equally important, it explains how and when to use each form. All the basics are covered, from handling clearances to creating the most effective distribution channels. Students appreciate its informal style and professionals its comprehensive, but concise, presentation of the fundamentals.

Advance Comments from Professionals & Students

"WORDSMITHING is an excellent introduction to writing for public relations. Unlike the majority of books currently in use, it positions writing’s role in public relations in the context of overall public relations initiatives and gives almost as much attention to the "why" of the effort as to the "how." Knowing why a thing is done is sometimes as important as knowing how to do it." Robert W. Irelan, Vice President and Director, Corporate Communications (ret.) Maxxam, Inc.

"WORDSMITING is a welcome addition to the pantheon of textbooks designed to teach public relations students how to be effective writers. It offers the ideal combination of practice and pedagogy. Its focus and format are clearly the result of two PR professionals who know what they’re doing. Students and instructors alike will appreciate the text’s readability." Matt Cabot, Associate Professor, California State University, Long Beach.

"WORDSMITHING was not just another required textbook – it was one I wanted to read. I am confident I will use it throughout my PR career. All PR professionals and future professionals can benefit from this book. Putting these two highly respected PR professionals together creates top quality in PR writing education." Karli Knapp, PR Intern, Rogers & Cowan.

"WORDSMITHING is an excellent step-by-step guide that is easy for any public relations writer to use. Anyone who reads WORDSMITHING will be referring to it daily. It is the perfect desk manual when it comes to writing for public relations. Natalie Hoch, Public & Governmental Affairs Representative, Chevron Corporation.

"Make room on your desk for this book because you will be referring to it constantly. It is a reliable source of information and useful tips." Larry Foster, Corporate Vice President, Public Relations (ret.) Johnson & Johnson.

"This book details what young professionals need to know, and what we expect them to know, about writing for public relations. Master the material here and when you’re asked "Can you write?" you can answer with a confident "Yes!" Bob Wynne, Vice President, Corporate Public Relations, Oracle.

About the Author

Ron Rhody heads The Rhody Consultancy in Walnut Creek, California, working with executives in business, academic, and not-for-profit sectors on a wide range of internal and external communications and public relations issues. He is accredited in public relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), where he is also a fellow. Rhody is the author of, among other works, The CEO’s Playbook: Managing the Outside Forces That Shape Success.

 

Carol Ann Hackley is a professor of public relations at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. She received her master’s and doctoral degrees in educational policy and leadership from The Ohio State University and a B.A. in language arts education from California State University, Sacramento. She is also accredited by and a fellow at the PRSA. She has written extensively about international public relations, among other topics.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 148 pages
• Publisher: Pearson Custom Publishing (December 27, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0536122776
• ISBN-13: 978-0536122773
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,672,964 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Wordsmith's reference book, July 23, 2006

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squeeko "netprofessor" (merced ca usa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wordsmithing: The Art & Craft of Writing for Public Relations (Spiral-bound)

Very readable & practical. Grammar review seems basic but lists common mistakes to avoid in writing professionally. Helpful for first course in PR or for reference when beginning job in communications fields. Accompanying CD provides answers to brief chapter exercises. Author is leader in PR field; provides very credible examples.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WORDSMITHING, April 23, 2006

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Professor "Professor" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wordsmithing: The Art & Craft of Writing for Public Relations (Spiral-bound)

As a college professor within the CSU system, I have found WORDSMITHING to be a welcome textbook for instruction to writing for public relations. It is a living instrument for both entry level and seasoned professionals. I am grateful that such a hands-on guide to writing has been conceived for both the corporate as well as academic arena. I am confident that anyone that purchases a copy of WORDSMITHING will equally find it as helpful to their professional development. It is the "PowerPoint" to writing for public relations. I encourage other professors to incorporate this textbook into their required reading mix. It will complement any pr course syllabus.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Tool, March 15, 2006

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Kristi "Kristi" (Long Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wordsmithing: The Art & Craft of Writing for Public Relations (Spiral-bound)

This book is one of the best books for public relations students. I am using it for a writing class and it is one text book that I don't dread reading. It's so easy to read and helpful. The steps for every kind of public relations writing are broken down and easy to follow. I definitely recommend to anyone interested in bettering their writing skills.