The Workplace Writer's Process: A Guide to Getting the Job Done

by Anne H. Janzer

The Secrets of Business Writing Success
If writing is any part of your job, you owe it to yourself to figure out how to get it done consistently, efficiently, and successfully.

This book covers the business communication skills no one teaches you in writing class:

What the “curse of knowledge” is and how to avoid it
How to streamline collaboration with simple checklists
Why the style guide is your friend, and how to create one for your business
The most efficient way to approach revision
How to set up review and approval processes for success

Use the practical strategies in this book to finish more projects in less time, creating content that serves your business and advances your career.

Genres: Writing, Business, Nonfiction, Self Help

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2017

About the author

Anne Janzer is a writer, author, and business writing coach with a background in business and marketing.

She loves talking with writers about the process of writing, and is fascinated by cognitive science.

Reviews

[Ellen Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great how-to book written in simple English with lots of super practical tips. I love the way Anne Janzer describes best practice processes for planning, writing, editing, delegating and other tasks and then quietly picks out common problems and offers solutions. If I’d read this twenty years ago, she would have saved me a lot of pain!

I’ve been a freelancer for decades and have been rethinking some of my processes recently in order to fit in with new markets. This was a very useful overview and it’s given me some good ideas for preventing problems.

The Workplace Writer’s Process by Anne Janzer is brilliant. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to write: college students, managers, bloggers and fiction authors included.

I received this book from the publishers through Net Galley and am reviewing voluntarily.

[Arcelia Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kristi Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Lecy Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.*

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kate Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a helpful, insightful book. Janzer offers practical tips on how to manage your writing process in a workplace setting, which is quite a different environment than the typical solitary setting many writers are used to.

She talks in depth about “processes” and explains how her processes for writing effective content improved her client interactions. Her point that even if a writer works on her own, she does not work in a vacuum is well-taken. “You need to plan how to reach your audience, and revise to meet their needs. Process makes you more effective.”

A proponent of checklists, plans, reviewers, and clear objectives, Janzer offers evidence as to why preparation is key to efficiency and flow. Her examples are clear and organized, and she outlines practical tools and common sense practices that anyone can put to use to increase productivity. Included are links to resources such as spreadsheets, checklists, and templates.

This is a comprehensive book that all writers should add to their resource library.

[Karen Catlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne's latest book is chock full of practical advice for people who need to write as part of their job. She focuses on the stuff they don't teach you in writing classes, covering topics like planning and scoping writing projects, collaborating effectively, utilizing reviewers to deliver what you need, tuning out workplace distractions, and so much more. As someone who works in the tech industry, I especially appreciated Anne's occasional analogies between the writing process and software engineering best practices. If you're being asked to do more writing as part of your job, check out this book!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes happy when I read a book that is meant to teach you something and it does just that. No brain struggle, no confusion, nada. This is one of those books, which is a good sign considering it talks about writing. It is meant for those who need to write as a side task in their workplace or when more people is involved as part of the writing process. However, all kinds of writers can find equal amount of help from the methods, advice, 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 the 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.

Anyone who wants to improve their productivity and results when writing can benefit from the guidance provided by Anne Janzer. What I particularly liked was how easy to understand and practical it is. Also, the inclusion of cognitive concepts applicable for writers gives this book a unique an effective way to approach the (sometimes tedious) writing process in the workplace. The fact that she explains how your writing can create cognitive ease or strain for the reader (plus, how to fix that) AND the book itself is a successful example of it, priceless. I want more books like this.

I got my eARC from Netgalley

[Maria Logan-Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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!

I received this book as an eARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Bob Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was written in an easy-to-read style and the advice was both practical and useful. The author was very thorough in covering the subject. I think this book would be helpful to anyone who writes as part of their work.

Some of the things I really liked:
- Did a great job of dispelling the myths surrounding writing
- Loved how she explained the different types of writing using a great analogy about industrial
warehouse vs a hand-crafted chair
- Very sound advice about the power of having a process

My favorite thing was the way the author described how to approach revisions as a multi-pass process. This is something I will definitely use going forward.

[Jeroen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In tegenstelling tot "The Writer's Process: Getting Your Brain in Gear " krijgt deze van Janzer maar 3 sterren. Voor een deel omdat het boek nogal erg dicht bij dat andere boek zit en dus minder nieuws aanbrengt. Voor een deel omdat ik het ook minder goed vond. En voor een deeltje omdat ik dezer dagen niet meer in wilde, luidruchtige omgevingen zit waar je moet vechten om iets geconcentreerd af te krijgen.
Als je een schrijver bent in een groot bedrijf: zeker lezen. Anne Janzer geeft zeer praktische tips over organisatie, ideale plaatsen vinden om te werken en -zeer herkenbaar voor "broodschrijvers"- de frustraties van review/approval en hoe je dat best kan optimaliseren. Een schrijver met een goed proces kan veel ergernissen en vertragingen voorkomen.

[Elizabeth Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Melinda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Workplace Writer's Process: A Guide to Getting the Job Done by Anne H. Janzer explains communication skills that are ignored and not taught in school. Anne H. Janzer talks about structure and using it in a writer’s writing process. It was very informative.

I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Chrystal Mahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[enyanyo · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Shannon Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Workplace Writer's Process is a great resource for writers. It's relatable and practical for those who write professionally while still useful and inspiring for those who don't.

*This review is based on a free digital advance copy provided by the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Elizabeth Tai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writers don’t just write, as I painfully discovered in my corporate writing career. Anne provides valuable advice on scoping, dealing with clients and doing good work in a business setting. A must have for writers who write for businesses - whether in house, agency or freelance.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so much in this book that will be directly helpful to my everyday work as an engineer.
Janzer offers tons of practical advice and stories of how she's learned these things.
Would absolutely recommend!

[Mikhail Elizarev · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new, nothing original

Advices like “you need to plan carefully “? Really?
Just lost time. Did’t like it, and its’ utility for me is close to the zero.

[J.P. Willson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chock full of such valuable information, any writer will find a great use for this.

[Justin Kreuter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful take home points with examples. Bonus material at the author’s website (on my list to download & use).

[Books In Brogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 review was originally posted on Books In Brogan

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

of writing and makes it clear and succinct. She bullet points the information and places headers and sub-headers to make the layout organized and easy to navigate. She offers practical advice to questions and uses examples that immediately pertain to the issues at hand. Even though this is for business writing, any writer can benefit from Janzer’s advice. It is an instruction manual for not only how to write, but what to do after the book is written. All writers would benefit from keeping a copy of this book on hand.