On 2009-01-14 M. D. MCGINLEY, United States wrote: It really bothers me when so-called ´educated´ people are allowed to post a totally untruthful review, (the one-star guy) but in respect for the guidelines here, I must stick to my own parameters and focus on the content and not an ´infantile´ attack.
In any case, ´The Tech Writer´s Survival Guide,´ while dated, offers timeless advice that goes beyond an English textbook. This book does not steal anyone´s ideas, does not plagiarize anyone else´s work, nor is it a template with filled in the blanks from another book. On the contrary, Janet Van Wicklen´s work here is top quality, category specific English instruction geared towards a definite class of writing that goes beyond mere mechanics, diction and style. ´Tech Writer´s Survival Guide´ covers everything from pre-preparation of an interview to writing for a specific audience, keeping in mind the all-important aspects of consistency, staying within the proper tenses and working closely with technicians and engineers, who depend on technical writers to document their systems, programs or devices.
It´s like getting a college course for only a few bucks.
I´ve found more useful information in ´Tech Writer´s Survival Guide´ than can be absorbed in one sitting, and every time I open to a new page I learn something new. How anyone cannot possibly grasp the wealth of relevant knowledge concentrated over the 267 pages is probably indicative of intelligence. Our author took time out of her schedule to pass on a valuable trade, and not to ´climb the corporate ladder´ just to make money. No, it´s about the love of the writing craft, of having the time and expertise to shape words into something that almost anyone can read, derived from what would otherwise be impossible for an engineer to write. The Technical Writer is a valuable mediator between reader and engineer, and I won´t allow anything said against that to go without an intelligent response.
I can´t spoil the rest for you, as there is far too much knowledge between the covers for me to comment on here, and illiterate reviewers aside, all I can say is that it is a joy to find a book founded on the love of one´s profession. Ms. Wicklen has done an excellent job in making a very hard profession to enter without a Bachelor´s degree that much closer to reality. Thanks, Janet!
. And summed up by saying One of the most useful tools a writer can have. Currently The Tech Writer´s Survival Guide: A Comprehensive Handbook for Aspiring Technical Writers (The Facts on File Writer´s Library) has an overall rating of 8 over 10.
The Tech Writer´s Survival Guide: A Comprehensive Handbook for Aspiring Technical Writers (The Facts on File Writer´s Library) can also be found in the following searches:
Checkmark Books claimed If you have ever consulted a computer manual or the instruction booklet for your VCR, you have read the work of a technical writer. For those who aspire to a career in technical writing, here´s all the vital information-from how and where to train, to landing and holding a job, from perfecting one´s skills to mastering the tools of the trade. Updated information includes: Detailed advice on researching, writing, and editing for different audiences A glossary of online documentation terms Practical tips on finding a job and building a career in tech writing Academic programs, professional associations, and further reading.
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