The Workplace Writer’s Process

You can never have everything covered when it comes to writing, especially at the workplace and this book is clear on the steps to take and how to assess and approach every writing task you have been assigned.
It's the first guide I've read courtesy of NetGalley and it's given me a better perspective on the tasks I have at work.

This is not a “how to book” or a “cheering book” about learning to write. It is not going to inspire new writers or cure writer’s block. This book is about introducing structure into a writer’s writing process. So, if you have the inspiration to become a writer but feel that your technique is all over the place, and you need help organizing your working process, this is the book for you. Most advanced writers may find this book helpful, but I think that new writers will benefit the most. The book gives ideas about time management and planning the writing process; it touches on writing styles and grammar details. The author offers its readers a couple of checklists and a working schedule idea that I thought could be very helpful for beginning writers. This is not the ultimate writer’s book (there is not such a book), but it is an excellent book to add to a writer’s working library.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. As a full-time writer managing both a writing and an editing career, I thoroughly enjoyed Anne Janzer's advice on communication in the business world of writing. Her expertise is clear, and she writes without aggression--a rare trait in how-to books. The Workplace Writer’s Process covers topics like planning and scoping writing projects, effective collaboration, dealing with reviewers, workplace distractions, and more. I recommend this book to all writing professionals.

I like the no- nonsense approach to helping me write better. The author Anne is an experienced writer, as she points out all my pitfalls like she knows me. The book layout is short and easy to read, while the solutions are simple and doable.
If you are writing or stuck at writing, this might help you.

To start with a summary, this book is essential reading for anyone – literally anyone – who is involved in the process of writing for business purposes.

There are many books, which claim to reveal hidden processes, unique knowledge or a masterplan to untold wealth. They are occasionally worth reading because sometimes they ocasionally have one or two nuggets of information or a couple of useful tips and hacks.

I do want to stress I am happy to give a book a poor review, if it’s deserved, so in all sincerity I am happy to report that this book contains so many tips and information that it is difficult to know where to start, other than it’s an excellent read.

To be truthful, it does start slowly and initially it did seem to be one of those ‘full of fluff and padding’ books. But once a little way in, it contains a highly detailed and thorough guide to a logical process on how to write for business purposes.

The author also provides a link to useful process documents and templates.

It not only covers those suggested processes but also things, which really are not obvious, but when one thinks about it are critical to success – how to manage customer relationships, identify reporting structures and how to troubleshoot problems and issues.

It’s a shame that the author does not credit herself with what this book really is – not only a template for the writing process but it’s also a blueprint on how a writer can ensure their business develops reputational success. It really is one of the few books, which could lay claim to helping you build a business for profit.

Finally, I half - hope that the author does not read this review – she is clearly such an expert that she is likely to laugh out loud at the shoddy quality of is aspiring writer!

Great, practical advice about writing productively

I enjoyed this book. Anne Janzer gives concrete, practical suggestions on how to be a productive, effective writer. The book isn’t a manual on how to write but how, as a writer, you can increase your productivity. I’ve been a commercial writer for over twenty years and I can say that the advice she gives is sound. I also enjoyed how she is able to elucidate problems that arise in the normal day of a writer. I recommend this book to newer writers for the instructional value and to more experienced writers for seeing that you are not the only one facing the challenges that you are.

Deceptively smart. A fresh take on what it takes to make it as a writer.

Anne Janzer’s book is that kind of tool that you should always have close at hand.
A tool and a guide.
This extremely helpful guide is easy to follow and concise.
If you ever wondered what the term “effective writing” means, my advice for you is to read this book.
Indeed it is a great example of effective writing.
There are many things included in the book, things which gained my appreciation.
This well-written book is filled with actionable advice, from planning a writing project, reviewing, interruptions, priorities, and so much more.
Moreover, if after reading all this valuable information you still think (even if I doubt it) that you need more… well… your worries can go away.
Because, not only is the book designed so that you can choose the sections that best fit your situation, but it also includes a resource section where the checklists and the guides give you the tools you need for your success.
From beginner writers to the most advanced ones, everyone will benefit.
“The Workplace Writer’s Process: A Guide to Getting the Job Done” is an essential reading for anyone who is involved in the process of writing for business purposes.
To conclude…
Even if I’ve been a writer for some time and thought that I’ve read it all, I must admit that… finally, I received a secret weapon… writing rules that no one teaches you.
For this and not only…
Thank you, Author Anne H. Janzer!

This book is practical and right to the point. Anyone who wants to improve their productivity and results when writing can beneficiate from the guidance provided by Anne Janzer. It is specially good for those who need to to write as a side task in their workplace, but all kinds of writers can find equal amount of help from the advice, methods, examples and solutions given at every step throughout the book.

It starts by debunking the most common myths about types of writers and provides solutions to each of them as well as properly defines the role of the writer and importance of defining the reader. It continues by talking in detail about each step of writing process as well as reviews, approvals and other aspects to consider when working in an organizational environment or as part of a team. The last section provides checklists and guides that help you stay organized throughout the different parts of the process.

What I particularly liked about this book is how easy to understand and practical it is. Also, the inclusion of cognitive concepts for writers gives this book a unique an effective way to approach the writing process.

An excellent guidebook for writing those perfect business notes or briefs. Janzer has given very enlightening information about the different types of workplace writers you can encounter in everyday life as well as useful tips on spotting particular positions and their requirements workplace writers can find themselves in.

Read all my reviews at: https://brainfartsandbooks.wordpress.com

This book had some really great ideas to use for writers. As someone who doesn’t write for a living but who does it as a hobby, I thought it was interesting to see how the pros do it. The organization of the book was well done with each topic being thoroughly explain from point A to point Z. It covered everything from the planning process, creative processes, and who to get to edit your book and why. This is a great book to keep in your vault for future references and tips on proper writing practices

Thank you to Netgalley, Anne Janzer, and Cuesta Park Consulting for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Helpful for those that don't write well, or feel that they need a quick writing refresher. I love the etiquette guidance.

This book is really usefully for anyone who is new to writing in a work environment or team environment.  I used this book successfully in my work it really helped me with writing projects that were very new to me.   The concepts are very well written and easy to follow and understand.

This book does a good job at pointing out that everyone in an office setting has some amount of writing responsibility. The best part was the emphasis that planning what to write, editing, seeking approvals, and then positing should go into the calculated time of someone's efforts. It's not just "sit down and write 700 words" then boom, done. I would honestly recommend this book to the people who are not the primary writers of teams so that they understand the process.

I found Ann's book to be very practical and useful for myself right now I my career. Educating the reading on "weasel words", how to trim primrose and "information-architecting" the page to display easy to scan data to the reader have already produced fruit of the labor involved in changing the writing style I use in the workplace.

The Workplace Writer's Process is a concise guide to writing effective business communication. Anne Janzer takes you step-by-step through the process of writing all types of content, from researching your topic, writing an outline, drafting, writing and revising your final piece. She also covers the importance of using correct grammar, appropriate style guides, and even how to ask your supervisors and colleagues for reviews of your projects. This is a great reference to have if you enjoy writing, whether in or out of a business setting.

*I received an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

The Workplace Writer’s Process

A Guide to Getting the Job Done



by Anne Janzer

Cuesta Park Consulting

Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles



Business & Investing , Self-Help

Pub Date 18 Jul 2017

I am reviewing a copy of The Workplace Writer’s Process Through Cuesta Park Consulting and Netgalley:

In this book author Ann Janzer reminds us that our professional online identity is clothed in Written words. And the quality of the work does matter.

In this book we are reminded that people aren’t born writers, it is a talent that needs to be nurtured, something you have to work at. We are reminded too that writing is a team sport.

We are reminded too that in order to become a valued writer we need to own our process. Anne Janzer points out too that you cannot be effective if you are lacking an objective. We are reminded too that Grammar matters, and that when in doubt we should rephrase.

I give The Workplace Writer’s Process five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

In The Workplace Writer's Process, Anne H. Janzer has created the perfect solution for those who have to write as part of their jobs. Whether it's an annual report, a press release, a grant proposal, ad copy, or other types of writing, everyone in the business world must interact with others during the writing process, and will find this book to be a powerful asset.

Janzer has created a step-by-step process for taking us from the initial idea to the finished product. Whether it's sharing those "Writing Rules That No One Teaches You", or the "Five Myths That Can Hurt You", and any of the many more sections, you will find something immensely valuable in The Workplace Writer's Process. Two tips I found especially important were 1) find an environment that works best for you, and 2) resist the urge to polish your piece while writing the first draft.

She reminds us that we all undervalue our own strengths, while we seem to be under the impression that those same strengths come easily to others. The book is complete with a resources section with checklists and a worksheet. Writer's everywhere, not just business writers will find this book extremely helpful. I know I did.

Look for me online as The Grumpy Book Reviewer.

I read this book avidly as it is stuffed of useful hints and strategy for general writers and workplace writer in particular.

It gives suggestions that spread from general strategy (i.e. define the approval flow in advance) to deep details and a final checklist to be used in different phases of the project.

CONTENTS
Praise for The Workplace Writer’s Process
Introduction: The Workplace Writer
I. Writing Rules That No One Teaches You
1. Five Myths That Can Hurt You
2. Writing as a Team Sport
3. Project Management for Writers
4. Essential Cognitive Science Concepts
5. You Are the Reader’s Advocate
6. Process Is Your Secret Weapon
II. The Planning Process
7. The Planning Overview
8. Why Are You Writing?
9. Who Will Read It?
10. Why Should They Care?
11. What Will It Look Like?
12. When Will It Be Done?
III. The Drafting Process
13. The Ins and Outs of Research
14. The Writing Blueprint
15. Find Your Writing Zone
16. The First Pass
17. The Layering Pass
IV. The Revision Process
18. Why We Revise
19. Top-Down Revision
20. Terminology, Abstractions, and Details
21. Grammar Matters
22. Style: Yours, Ours, Theirs
V. The Review Process
23. Start with a Plan
24. Know How to Ask
25. Put It All Together
26. The Style Guide Is Your Friend
VI. Troubleshooting Your Process
27. Distractions and Focus
28. The Reluctant Subject Matter Expert
29. The Shrinking Deadline
30. Collaborative Writing
31. Recognition and Attribution
Resources for Successful Workplace Writers
The Checklists
Scoping and Scheduling Work
Further Reading and Notes
Acknowledgments
About the Author

If you're an organized, logical thinker type you will like this book but might not need it.
If you're an idea-chaser with scattered attention you may not like this book, but you need it.

"The Workplace Writer’s Process" is not only about writing, it's a book about structure and organization. It teaches how to write for an organization, how to handle those who influence your writing work and how to overcome external and internal obstacles to a text that is useful to the reader.

This is a book for those whose writing is their job but I think it is also useful for those who simply have writing as a hobby. This book teaches you about discipline, time management, the importance of planning and the fabulous idea of "the incubation effect". So true!

Another truth written by this author is about research: "Excessive research is a dangerous form of procrastination". I know it! But it's good to have it explained!

And "Inspiration tends to follow action, not precede it".

In the end, go to Anne Janzer's site and download the worksheets and checklists from the book. And subscribe to her Writing Practices email list. She really gives good advice about writing!

Interesting & fresh perspective. Worth a look or three!

This is a handy how-to book that offers useful advice for writing in the work place. The author is obviously an experienced writer and knows exactly what tools are required. The chapters were short and to the point, it was easy to read and makes for a good reference book.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Anne Janzer for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was really surprised by this book. I expected it to be same old, same old. And it WAS to a point. But the whys and wherefores behind it were really helpful to me. I tend to be the type that skips the foreword and goes straight for the meat. This has helped me to see that it's worth taking your time to do your best. And for that matter if you do some pre-planning you might spend less time than you did before. As someone who has written ebooks, content, copy, blog posts, etc. it gave me some new ideas to streamline my work. And as someone who is about to open a business it illustrated the need for an actual house style guide, something I thought would be ridiculous but now I really want everyone to be on the same page with the same feel.

As someone who writes the majority of the day for work and work-related tasks, The Secret's of Business Writing Success covered so many topics they don't teach you in any business, creative writing, literature, leadership, marketing, or copywriting course. It's well worth the read if you're looking to work less and create more.