Pocket Guide to Technical Writing

This well-written, practical book serves perfectly as an inexpensive guide for readers that need to write documents such as reports, proposals, letters, and memos. Unique in its combination of an alphabetized handbook with brief chapters on organization and efficiency, this handy reference for on-the-job writing gives quick, easy-to-find answers to common writing problems faced in various technical and professional careers. Topics addressed in this handbook include the writing process, structure, graphics, and oral presentations. A handy appendix at the end of the book provides quick-reference instruction on style, grammar, and mechanics. For working professionals needing a handy desk reference for writing effectively and efficiently.

Sandy Pfeiffer has spent a career in technical and professional writing. With a Ph.D. in English, he is vice president for academic affairs and a professor of English at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia. His home department offers both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Technical and Professional Communication, as well as a B. A. in International Technical Communications.

Besides the Pocket Guide, Pfeiffer has written Technical Writing: A Practical Approach, now in its 5th edition (Prentice Hall, 2003). The book is used in colleges and universities around the country. He also wrote Proposal Writing: The Art of Friendly Persuasion (Merrily 1989); coauthored, with Chuck Keller, Proposal Writing: The Act of Friendly and Winning Persuasion (Prentice Hall, 2000); and wrote Pocket Guide to Public Speaking (Prentice Hall, 2002).

Since 1979, Pfeiffer has taught communication seminars to business, industry, and government groups in the United States and overseas. Sample seminar topics include Report Writing, Proposals, Oral Presentations, Effective Meetings, and Technical Editing.