 Second edition (2012) | |
| Authors | Helen Cunningham and Brenda Greene |
|---|---|
| Original title | The Business Style Handbook: An A-to-Z Guide for Effective Writing on the Job |
| Language | American English |
| Subject | Style guide |
| Genre | reference |
| Published | 2002 (First ed.) 2012 (Second ed.) McGraw-Hill |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Paperback |
| Pages | 285 (second edition) |
| ISBN | 978-0-07-180010-5 |
The Business Style Handbook: An A-to-Z Guide for Effective Writing on the Job, usually calledThe Business Style Handbook, is a 280-pagestyle guide tailored to people who write on the job. The authors are Helen Cunningham and Brenda Greene.
Helen Cunningham and Brenda Greene, the authors, worked inpublic relations.[1][2]McGraw-Hill published the first edition in 2002[3] and the second edition in 2012.[4][5] In 2003, McGraw-Hill published the book in complex Chinese.[6][7] In 2004, China Financial and Economic Publishing House published a simplified Chinese edition.[8][9]Tata McGraw-Hill released an Indian edition in 2003.[10]
This style guide focuses on business communications and is tailored for people who write on the job, which distinguishes it from style guides that are written from a journalism perspective.[11] To develop the book, the authors surveyed communications executives atFortune 500 companies. Results of that survey are summarized in the first chapter. The book also includes a 200-page section of A-to-Z entries on usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling for words and phrases commonly used in business writing.[citation needed]
Example:ampersand (&) Use theampersand in an organization’s formal name if that is what the organization uses, as inBarnes & Noble (do not writeBarnes and Noble). But do not use the& in place ofand in text. WriteTrinidad and Tobago, notTrinidad & Tobago. If, however, you are using abbreviations, replaceand with&, so thatresearch and development becomesR&D,profit and loss becomesP&L.
The Business Style Handbook is on the recommended reading list forMicrosoft Education Written Competencies[12] and is found in university libraries around the world.[13]
It is frequently recommended for business writing courses at universities, includingUSC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.[14] Writing institutes, such as Borders Connect, a U.K. learning provider, also use the book for courses.[15]
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The Business Style Handbook is organized as follows.
AcknowledgmentsCites theFortune 500 companies and communications executives who participated in the authors’ surveys for the first and second editions of the book.
IntroductionDescribes the purpose of the book and its methodology.
Fortune 500 Survey ResultsA summary of findings from the authors’ survey on writing practices at Fortune 500 companies. For example, it quotes one respondent who states, “No matter the level of employee, clearly communicating ideas is critical to the success of initiatives.”
Why Style Matters Discusses the importance of writing well to establish credibility in business. For example, “Good communication skills are increasingly viewed as a core competency in the corporate world.”
The Case for StandardsReviews the benefits organizations can gain from helping employees strengthen their writing skills.
Write with PurposeOutlines how to approach writing strategically.
Email: Before You Hit SendGives recommendations for best practices in business emails, such as how to use cc, bcc and Reply to All appropriately.
The A-to-Z EntriesA 200-page section of entries on usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling for words and phrases relevant for business writing.
Example:bottom line, bottom-line Two words when used as a noun, as inHow will the price increase impact the bottom line? Write with a hyphen when used as an adjective:It is too soon to assess to the bottom-line impact of the price increases.
Praeger Publishers said the book was "recommended for all collections".[16] Richard Pachter ofThe Columbian said the book offers "rudimentary guidance and direction to those who need help, not only in composition, but in format, style and, of course, language."[17]