Technical writing is the art and science of communicating complex technical concepts in a simple, concise, and engaging manner. Mastering the craft of technical writing is critical for the effective functioning and survival of every professional: today’s professionals have to communicate through a variety of media--books, journals, newsletters, blogs, brochures, lectures, seminars, podcasts, and so on.
This book deals with the various types of written communication for the technical professional. The subtitle is slightly misleading, as the book is equally useful for doctors, academicians, and professionals from other fields who have the task of conveying technical concepts through written communication.
Comprehensive coverage of all the aspects of technical writing--from conceptualization to publishing--is included. It explains the what, why, and how of technical writing, starting from the different phases of writing and covering the writing process, what makes good writing, guidelines for making your writing stand out, pitfalls and common errors to avoid, writer’s block, time management, productivity-improvement tools, permissions, and plagiarism. The unique features and differences of the flavors of technical writing--reports, procedures, proposals, problem reports, panel sessions, strategic plans, tutorials, opinion, research papers, books, and reviews--are explained clearly with real-world examples, practical tips, and guidelines for improving the writing. The book also illustrates how to make different forms of business communication more effective and impressive.
One of the most useful sections is the chapter that addresses the use of graphics to improve the quality of technical writing. The author illustrates the power of graphs, charts, tables, equations, illustrations, screen shots, and photographs in breaking the tedium and monotony and improving the readability, clarity, preciseness, and quality of technical documents.
The details of how to publish your work are treated very comprehensively, and new trends in publishing are discussed. The coverage includes advantages and limitations, dos and don’ts, effective usage tips, technologies used, and digital communication media such as email, electronic newsletters, blogs, social networks, and e-zines. Another very useful chapter is the one on collaborative writing. The author discusses the various issues and their solutions, group dynamics, conflict resolution, and project management. This chapter will help collaborators in completing their writing assignments on time.
The book’s content is relevant, thoroughly researched, logically organized, and well presented. The author’s expertise, wisdom, and vast experience as a teacher, writer, editor, and reviewer shine through each page, making this a classic work. The book is replete with anecdotes, examples, samples, case studies, tutorials, and exercises. These features go a long way in increasing the usefulness of the book and making it interesting. The author uses bullet lists, tables, vignettes, drawings, and photographs liberally to illustrate the concepts and ideas. The references provided at the end of each chapter contain excellent sources on the various aspects of technical writing for readers who want to learn more. The book also boasts an excellent glossary and index.
This is a must-read for anyone--from students to professionals--who has to communicate technical topics effectively, and for authors, editors, and reviewers of technical subjects. Whether you are an expert or a novice, this book will help you improve your technical communication skills.
