<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Ignite your reader's fire, then just fan the flames.
Review: As a marketing professional whose business it is to be both creative and succinct, I can't believe how much "great stuff" Dennis Chambers has packed into "Writing to Get Action." Further, as an individual whose driving personal interests include pursuing the ways in which humor and creativity can "jazz up" every aspect of one's life, I highly recommend this dynamic little volume (even if you think your writing skills are above reproach)!First, "Writing . . . Action" does a fabulous job of feeding us, in delicious detail, the nuts and bolts of writing in a way which keeps the recipient reading. But at least equally importantly, and what I think is so unique about Chambers' book, is that it devotes a hefty chunk of a chapter to the notion of grabbing that busy executive's interest in the first place. And without that, after all, what's the point? Buy and devour this book. You will come away satiated with the knowledge of how to really focus on what it is that you need to say. Best of all, you will have gained some insights into how to beckon those quiescent creative thoughts which will open your memo or letter with creative sparkle.
Rating: 
Summary: Those who know the basics of writing will find this useless
Review: I am a professional business writer and editor, and I decided to purchase this book to gain a fresh look at what I do for a living. What I found was a slim book filled with tired old words of advice. If you have any writing background, this book will be of little use to you. However, I can see that it could be of use to people who don't have a grasp of the basics. Those people would probably be better served by a more intensive reference book, though.
Rating:
Summary: Those who know the basics of writing will find this useless
Review: I am a professional business writer and editor, and I decided to purchase this book to gain a fresh look at what I do for a living. What I found was a slim book filled with tired old words of advice. If you have any writing background, this book will be of little use to you. However, I can see that it could be of use to people who don't have a grasp of the basics. Those people would probably be better served by a more intensive reference book, though.
Rating:
Summary: Clear, concise, effective
Review: The book does just what the title promises: it tells you how to move your reader to action. Chambers' advice is focused, organized, and, most importantly, sound. Examples are clear and memorable. Like many people who have to write a great deal, I know the basic ideas (any rhetorician will tell you that most of them go all the way back to Aristotle); still, this is a painless--even enjoyable-- refresher. If you're an experienced writer, or if you teach writing, Chambers' examples are worth the price of the book.
Who will find the book most valuable? If you wish all your communication could be in person or via e-mail, you'll be surprised to learn how easy it is to translate your face-to-face communication skills into good, effective writing. (The book doesn't deal specifically with e-mail, but following Chambers' advice could help you avoid a lot of the "tone of voice" problems e-mail is prone to.) No matter what your comfort level with writing, if you've ever suffered "brainlock" as you faced a deadline on an important document, this is the book you want on your desk.
Rating:
Summary: Simple basics ARE the keys to good writing
Review: This is as much a response to hbckelly as it is a book review. The critic writes that s/he is a professional writer and did not get much benefit from this book because it is simple and basic. I am also a professional writer and I got tremendous benefit from the book. And the reason for this benefit is that it DOES discuss the basics. Good writing is simple. It is organized. It speaks clearly to the reader. And that is exactly what this book teaches. While the book targets business people, not "professional writers", the fact is that pros should listen to the same advice as beginners. If hbckelly would check his/her ego, s/he might find that s/he would learn something valuable from the book. I did. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Rating:
Summary: Simple basics ARE the keys to good writing
Review: This is as much a response to hbckelly as it is a book review. The critic writes that s/he is a professional writer and did not get much benefit from this book because it is simple and basic. I am also a professional writer and I got tremendous benefit from the book. And the reason for this benefit is that it DOES discuss the basics. Good writing is simple. It is organized. It speaks clearly to the reader. And that is exactly what this book teaches. While the book targets business people, not "professional writers", the fact is that pros should listen to the same advice as beginners. If hbckelly would check his/her ego, s/he might find that s/he would learn something valuable from the book. I did. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
<< 1 >>
| 
