Synopsis
In many ways, Working with Words differs little from other grammar books. It accomplishes its task very well, though. A highlight of this book has to be its organization. The book is divided into 11 chapters and 4 appendixes. All the basics are covered: sentences, phrases and clauses; the parts of speech; punctuation, etc. Other sections cover tight writing, muddled language and "sexism, racism and other '-isms.'" But the absolute best parts of this book are the lists and appendixes. "What to Tighten A-Z" offers a quick guide to getting rid of phrases that are wordy, redundant or cliché. "Confused words" helps you decide whether to use continual or continuous, fortuitous or fortunate among many others. Sections on common mistakes and frequently misspelled words also help you avoid errors. But my favorite section has to be the one called "One word, two words, or hyphenated?" It is a fabulously quick and easy reference.
About the Author
BRIAN S. BROOKS is a professor and chairman of the editorial department at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He is coauthor ofNews Reporting and Writing, Eighth Edition (Bedford/St. Martin's, 2005), Telling the Story, Second Edition (Bedford/St. Martin's, 2004), and The Art of Editing, Eighth Edition (2005).
JAMES L. PINSON has taught journalism for more than 15 years -- at the Missouri School of Journalism and at Eastern Michigan University -- and has addressed various press groups on the subjects of grammar and other editing skills. He has also worked for newspapers in Colorado, Missouri and Michigan, and has a doctorate in journalism and a master's in creative writing.
JEAN GADDY WILSON is managing partner for media with Weiner, Edrich, Brown, Inc., a strategic trends analysis firm in New York City which pioneered futures planning using its trademarked STEP (Strategic Trends Evaluation Process). As an adjunct faculty member at the Missouri School of Journalism, she founded three national journalism organizations: New Directions for News; Journalism and Women's Symposium; and the National Women and Media Collection. She was a founding member of the Council of Presidents, whose members lead the editorial organizations in newspapers, and of the International Women's Media Foundation. She has served as a Pulitzer Prize Nominating Juror for Journalism, and currently serves on the IBM Advisory Board and IBM Mobile Human-Centric Computing Advisory Board.
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