The Business Writer's Handbook, Sixth Edition (Business Writer's Handbook, 6th Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Best Writing Reference Ever
Review: Even as a secretary, I still have to look things up that I haven't used in a while or to prove myself right. ;) This is the perfect book for either of those purposes. (I have a lot of pet peeves as an admin.) Each entry is clear and to the point. This is *not* Chicago Manual of Style, this is every person's everyday reference for writing business or personal communication. My favorite entry, and the one I show people most often, is under Correspondence > Formats and Parts:

"Center the letter on the page vertically and horizontally."

For some reason, very few people do this. Mostly, it's because they don't know how to do it in MS Word, but that's no excuse. Neither is the excuse that no one else does it. This is the proper way, and one of the most important steps in formatting a professional looking letter. And, this is one of very few reference books that includes that little tidbit. To continue with the instruction:

"Although one-inch margins are the default standard in many wordprocessing programs, it is more important to estanblish a 'picture frame' of blank space surrounding the page of text. When you use organizational letterhead stationary, consider the bottom of the letterhead as the top edge of the paper. The left and right margins should be approximately equal; to give fuller appearance to very short letters, increase both margins to about an inch and a half. Use your computer's 'full-page' or 'print preview' feature to help you achieve proportion."

What can be simpler than that? (Going to a additional pages is a pain, as the vertical alignment should change to the top, but small price for looking like you know what you're doing.) If you know someone who writes for business or pleasure, they will appreciate this book.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Tool
Review: I actually own the 5th edition of the book, but it is a wonderful reference tool. I've referred to the handbook time and time again, and it has many visual examples for you to follow. No individual in the business community should go without this book.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Reference Book. A Companion for Every Desk at Work
Review: This book has been one of the best tools I've recommended when training corporate executives on how to communicate more effectively. I enjoyed the special sections for English as a Second Language because my work is mainly done outside the United States.

Rating:
Summary: sort of cheating
Review: This book is exactly the same as "Handbook of Technical Writing" by same authors. The only difference is in the cover picture and colors. I think it is not a cool thing to sell the same book with two names without mentioning it. So if you have that one, do not buy this one. They are exactly the same.

Rating:
Summary: Dear Sir/Madam
Review: This book is great for showing you how the flow of any type of letter should be. It also shows you how to use proper grammar, punctuation, and writing style. A great book for anyone who ever needs to write a letter on any subject.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful quick reference
Review: This is a great book. I write for a living, and this is the first place I look for questions of grammar and punctuation. Because of the alphabetic organization, things are easy to find. The language is clear and unambiguous.

This book isn't completely comprehensive, but for a typical business professional, it would answer nearly all questions quickly and efficiently. I recommend it to co-workers on a regular basis.

Rating:
Summary: An Extremely Useful Tool
Review: This is a great handbook. The alphabetized entries make finding topics easy. I had been relying on other handbooks that are more academic in nature; this one is meant for the workplace. It contains information and examples on many topics that are hard to find in other writing handbooks. I highly recommend adding this to your library if you do much writing in your position.

Rating:
Summary: Good Condition, but slow delivery
Review: To write a good essay requires several elements. This book reveal readers a full understanding of details in how to write business correspondences formally (to avoid Grammar or expression confusions). However, you should not expect to improve your writing skills by just following up the instructions as shown on this book. After all, your logical thoughts, knowledge in speicific fields, will finally determine if you are a good writer.