A must-have!, 26 Nov 2008
I have to write a lot of copy at work for everything from web pages to press advertising. My employer hasn't given me much training - they just told me to "buy a couple of books". Well I'm glad I bought this one. Andy Maslen takes a very straightforward, no-nonsense approach with loads of practical examples of what to do (and what not to do!). There are lots of books out there but most of them are too American or direct mail focused. You have to wade through loads of padding to get to the good stuff. Write to Sell is 100% usable advice from someone who earns his living as a top copywriter. Whatever level of copywriter you are, I'd recommend this as a must-have.

*****



So Glad I bought this Book, 26 Nov 2008
This is a great book. No B.S., concise, straightforward and crammed with very useful tips for sales writers. So much in this book and great value.

I turned to this book in desperation and wasn't disapointed, 03 Sep 2008
In 5 years of buying books on Amazon this is the only book that I felt I wanted to write a review on.

I've been struggling to create good copy for a web site for some time and in the end I turned to this book in desperation. This book covered everything I needed to know succinctly and clearly. Not only did the book present the principals I needed to understand but each time I turned a page it gave me yet more ideas to implement immediately in my copy.

To sum it up this book felt like someone had handed me a Sat Nav whilst I was lost in a blizzard.

A brilliant guide to making your words work hard, 20 Jun 2008
I loved this book by Andy Maslen. It is the most practical, helpful, doable guide to persuasive writing that I have ever read. It is packed with exercises that you can apply directly to what you have written that will improve your copy dramatically. It is a very easy read and can be used as a working manual. Should you buy it? - it is a no brainer - order it now!

Presses all the "write" buttons, 19 May 2008
I have read a lot about copywriting and taken a course in it. Whether you are an aspiring copywriter or a more experienced one, "The Ultimate Guide..." must rank as a must have in your library. It is easy to read, very comprehensive and has just a dash of humour.

Andy Maslen has identified the most important aspects of good copywriting and laid them out in an entertaining and easy to understand way. Chapters 13, "The black arts", and 14, "Why your sales copy should be like a bowl of Rice Krispies", stand out for as particularly useful to me, but the book is (copywriting cliche coming up) packed full of useful tips and techniques.

An index would have been useful, but the book is concise and clearly laid out so this does not detract significantly.

Most newspapers and magazines issue their contributors with a style guide. Writers, be they on staff or freelance, then know whether a publication's house style requires % or per cent or commas in dates. Sometimes it's just a tatty sheet of typed A4 but since 1986 The Economist has developed its stylish Style Guide, through six editions, into a full length reference book.

Because English is such a vast and continuously evolving language--its vocabulary is double that of French and more than three times larger than German--it is open to multifarious use and all the old arguments about correctness or lack of it. The Economist unequivocally sets out its version of what is acceptable and why, usually conforming to Fowler's Modern English Usage and other good guides to getting it right. It also refutes dozens of common errors, stating firmly, for example, that "Data are plural" and that "Any one refers to a number; anyone to anybody."

Since its style guide is set out in such detail, it makes sense to publish it for the rest of the world, most of whom are not writers for The Economist but who simply want a succinctly witty guide to writing accurately. The first section focuses on minutiae such as distinguishing between a "little-used car" and a "little used-car". It also insists that "to never split an infinitive is quite easy" and, in English so impeccable that you have to read it twice to be sure, that "Frankenstein was not a monster, but his creator." After a section setting out rules governing American and British English this handy reference book provides a miscellany of useful information including abbreviations, currencies, calendars and conversions for metric and imperial measurements. --Susan Elkin

A must-have!, 26 Nov 2008
I have to write a lot of copy at work for everything from web pages to press advertising. My employer hasn't given me much training - they just told me to "buy a couple of books". Well I'm glad I bought this one. Andy Maslen takes a very straightforward, no-nonsense approach with loads of practical examples of what to do (and what not to do!). There are lots of books out there but most of them are too American or direct mail focused. You have to wade through loads of padding to get to the good stuff. Write to Sell is 100% usable advice from someone who earns his living as a top copywriter. Whatever level of copywriter you are, I'd recommend this as a must-have.

*****



So Glad I bought this Book, 26 Nov 2008
This is a great book. No B.S., concise, straightforward and crammed with very useful tips for sales writers. So much in this book and great value.

I turned to this book in desperation and wasn't disapointed, 03 Sep 2008
In 5 years of buying books on Amazon this is the only book that I felt I wanted to write a review on.

I've been struggling to create good copy for a web site for some time and in the end I turned to this book in desperation. This book covered everything I needed to know succinctly and clearly. Not only did the book present the principals I needed to understand but each time I turned a page it gave me yet more ideas to implement immediately in my copy.

To sum it up this book felt like someone had handed me a Sat Nav whilst I was lost in a blizzard.

A brilliant guide to making your words work hard, 20 Jun 2008
I loved this book by Andy Maslen. It is the most practical, helpful, doable guide to persuasive writing that I have ever read. It is packed with exercises that you can apply directly to what you have written that will improve your copy dramatically. It is a very easy read and can be used as a working manual. Should you buy it? - it is a no brainer - order it now!

Presses all the "write" buttons, 19 May 2008
I have read a lot about copywriting and taken a course in it. Whether you are an aspiring copywriter or a more experienced one, "The Ultimate Guide..." must rank as a must have in your library. It is easy to read, very comprehensive and has just a dash of humour.

Andy Maslen has identified the most important aspects of good copywriting and laid them out in an entertaining and easy to understand way. Chapters 13, "The black arts", and 14, "Why your sales copy should be like a bowl of Rice Krispies", stand out for as particularly useful to me, but the book is (copywriting cliche coming up) packed full of useful tips and techniques.

An index would have been useful, but the book is concise and clearly laid out so this does not detract significantly.

If it is possible to cut out a word, cut it out, 05 Apr 2008
The title I have used is the third of George Orwell's "six elementary rules" to writing good English. These six rules still have a prominent place in this book's introduction, although there are now many more, gleaned from and generally attributed to other writers. This, to come to the point immediately, is my only criticism of The Economist's Style Guide. In its ninth edition, it must be more than twice the length of the one I bought in the early 90s (and now lost - probably lent to someone). The extra length detracts, I think, from the clarity of the stylistic advice, confusing it with detail, e.g. distinguishing flaunt from flount, numerous entries on currencies and the writing of nationalities. Much of the detail is relevant only to those writing on global politics and economics, although the core principles apply to everyone writing in the hope of being read, or read with pleasure!

It is perhaps unfair, though, to criticise this book for being too much of a good thing. It purports to be the actual style guide used by The Economist's journalists, and I am sure that that is just what it was (but that the current version is a little longer again). It is particularly good on he differences between American and British English, and how one can find words and expressions that are unobjectionable in both. It is humorously written - although if you want a more humorous differentiation of words you might try that redoubtable (Anglo-?)American Bill Bryson's "Troublesome Words". (Mr Bryson has however given the book a generous commendation, quoted on its back cover.) It is an excellent reference source - although if that is what you are after some of The Economist's other publications will give you much more of the same. It is a great guide to writing in the crisp style that characterises The Economist, although it does not differentiate where it is explaining gramatical correctness from those instances of where it is merely advising an approach (and where others would be equally correct).

This is a great reference book for the wordsmith - I, however, would appreciate an abridged version that presented the core issues with fewer distractions, rather like its earlier editions.



Essential guide, 24 Oct 2007
This is a very useful publication if you are writing, editing or, like me, designing publications. On many subjects it is definitive, others are more subjective and you can make your own determination... the important thing is to have a style guide and follow it consistently. Not only will this lend consistency to your production, it will shortcut many an argument and support your sanity in the face of impending deadlines.

Lives on my desk, not my shelf, 27 Aug 2007
If you're under the impression that the Economist has started giving out fashion advice, then this book is not for you.

If you are reading this review, then I hope you know what a Style Guide is. The Economist has gained a reputation for clear communication, and the Style Guide is part of that.

I'm not a journalist, but writing about financial matters is something I need to do as part of my professional life. Having a single reference that can answer questions like "on-line or online" for me has been very useful.

This is not a book that seeks to debate on the merits of different styles of written prose, but lays out, clearly, the style recommended for those writing for one publication.

The Economist's style isn't always appropriate - in organisations that prefer a "conversational marketing" approach, a more discursive style may be appropriate. However, having a consistent set of ground rules can be useful.

Oh, and the Style Guide not only explains what ground rules are, confirming that my usage was correct, but prevented me from just hyphenating the term in this review.

A must for any bookshelf, 26 Oct 2005
I own 2 editions of this book, the first from 1986.

The later version has more reference material than the first but I was a tad disappointed by the lower quality paper used in this version.

That said, this is a great book for anyone who has to write reports or essays and clarifies many grammatical problems, something to which I am emminently prone.

You will also find this to be a valuable general reference book!

Excellent in what it covers, but..., 22 Oct 2005
Excellent glossaries e.g. of proper names that have changed over recent years (UKraine, not the Ukraine; Beijing, not Peking) and of currencies.

Excellent for pointing out fuzzy thinking in your writing and for exposing the emptiness of certain cliches.

Perfect for journalistic purposes; less exhaustive for academic writing or other formal writing.

Beware: many of the recommendations are Economist house style and are not standard British English (e.g. small capitals for all abbreviations).

You will need Oxford: New Hart's Rules (now contained in the Oxford Style Manual) for a full examination of the punctuation of quotations, since the Guide applies journalistic conventions, in which the standard rules of British English puncutation are often reversed.

A must-have!, 26 Nov 2008
I have to write a lot of copy at work for everything from web pages to press advertising. My employer hasn't given me much training - they just told me to "buy a couple of books". Well I'm glad I bought this one. Andy Maslen takes a very straightforward, no-nonsense approach with loads of practical examples of what to do (and what not to do!). There are lots of books out there but most of them are too American or direct mail focused. You have to wade through loads of padding to get to the good stuff. Write to Sell is 100% usable advice from someone who earns his living as a top copywriter. Whatever level of copywriter you are, I'd recommend this as a must-have.

*****



So Glad I bought this Book, 26 Nov 2008
This is a great book. No B.S., concise, straightforward and crammed with very useful tips for sales writers. So much in this book and great value.

I turned to this book in desperation and wasn't disapointed, 03 Sep 2008
In 5 years of buying books on Amazon this is the only book that I felt I wanted to write a review on.

I've been struggling to create good copy for a web site for some time and in the end I turned to this book in desperation. This book covered everything I needed to know succinctly and clearly. Not only did the book present the principals I needed to understand but each time I turned a page it gave me yet more ideas to implement immediately in my copy.

To sum it up this book felt like someone had handed me a Sat Nav whilst I was lost in a blizzard.

A brilliant guide to making your words work hard, 20 Jun 2008
I loved this book by Andy Maslen. It is the most practical, helpful, doable guide to persuasive writing that I have ever read. It is packed with exercises that you can apply directly to what you have written that will improve your copy dramatically. It is a very easy read and can be used as a working manual. Should you buy it? - it is a no brainer - order it now!

Presses all the "write" buttons, 19 May 2008
I have read a lot about copywriting and taken a course in it. Whether you are an aspiring copywriter or a more experienced one, "The Ultimate Guide..." must rank as a must have in your library. It is easy to read, very comprehensive and has just a dash of humour.

Andy Maslen has identified the most important aspects of good copywriting and laid them out in an entertaining and easy to understand way. Chapters 13, "The black arts", and 14, "Why your sales copy should be like a bowl of Rice Krispies", stand out for as particularly useful to me, but the book is (copywriting cliche coming up) packed full of useful tips and techniques.

An index would have been useful, but the book is concise and clearly laid out so this does not detract significantly.

If it is possible to cut out a word, cut it out, 05 Apr 2008
The title I have used is the third of George Orwell's "six elementary rules" to writing good English. These six rules still have a prominent place in this book's introduction, although there are now many more, gleaned from and generally attributed to other writers. This, to come to the point immediately, is my only criticism of The Economist's Style Guide. In its ninth edition, it must be more than twice the length of the one I bought in the early 90s (and now lost - probably lent to someone). The extra length detracts, I think, from the clarity of the stylistic advice, confusing it with detail, e.g. distinguishing flaunt from flount, numerous entries on currencies and the writing of nationalities. Much of the detail is relevant only to those writing on global politics and economics, although the core principles apply to everyone writing in the hope of being read, or read with pleasure!

It is perhaps unfair, though, to criticise this book for being too much of a good thing. It purports to be the actual style guide used by The Economist's journalists, and I am sure that that is just what it was (but that the current version is a little longer again). It is particularly good on he differences between American and British English, and how one can find words and expressions that are unobjectionable in both. It is humorously written - although if you want a more humorous differentiation of words you might try that redoubtable (Anglo-?)American Bill Bryson's "Troublesome Words". (Mr Bryson has however given the book a generous commendation, quoted on its back cover.) It is an excellent reference source - although if that is what you are after some of The Economist's other publications will give you much more of the same. It is a great guide to writing in the crisp style that characterises The Economist, although it does not differentiate where it is explaining gramatical correctness from those instances of where it is merely advising an approach (and where others would be equally correct).

This is a great reference book for the wordsmith - I, however, would appreciate an abridged version that presented the core issues with fewer distractions, rather like its earlier editions.



Essential guide, 24 Oct 2007
This is a very useful publication if you are writing, editing or, like me, designing publications. On many subjects it is definitive, others are more subjective and you can make your own determination... the important thing is to have a style guide and follow it consistently. Not only will this lend consistency to your production, it will shortcut many an argument and support your sanity in the face of impending deadlines.

Lives on my desk, not my shelf, 27 Aug 2007
If you're under the impression that the Economist has started giving out fashion advice, then this book is not for you.

If you are reading this review, then I hope you know what a Style Guide is. The Economist has gained a reputation for clear communication, and the Style Guide is part of that.

I'm not a journalist, but writing about financial matters is something I need to do as part of my professional life. Having a single reference that can answer questions like "on-line or online" for me has been very useful.

This is not a book that seeks to debate on the merits of different styles of written prose, but lays out, clearly, the style recommended for those writing for one publication.

The Economist's style isn't always appropriate - in organisations that prefer a "conversational marketing" approach, a more discursive style may be appropriate. However, having a consistent set of ground rules can be useful.

Oh, and the Style Guide not only explains what ground rules are, confirming that my usage was correct, but prevented me from just hyphenating the term in this review.

A must for any bookshelf, 26 Oct 2005
I own 2 editions of this book, the first from 1986.

The later version has more reference material than the first but I was a tad disappointed by the lower quality paper used in this version.

That said, this is a great book for anyone who has to write reports or essays and clarifies many grammatical problems, something to which I am emminently prone.

You will also find this to be a valuable general reference book!

Excellent in what it covers, but..., 22 Oct 2005
Excellent glossaries e.g. of proper names that have changed over recent years (UKraine, not the Ukraine; Beijing, not Peking) and of currencies.

Excellent for pointing out fuzzy thinking in your writing and for exposing the emptiness of certain cliches.

Perfect for journalistic purposes; less exhaustive for academic writing or other formal writing.

Beware: many of the recommendations are Economist house style and are not standard British English (e.g. small capitals for all abbreviations).

You will need Oxford: New Hart's Rules (now contained in the Oxford Style Manual) for a full examination of the punctuation of quotations, since the Guide applies journalistic conventions, in which the standard rules of British English puncutation are often reversed.

very helpful, 24 Aug 2008
Great help. Much more concise, and far more useful than the other books I bought on the subject.

The perfect CV book, 24 Mar 2006
I did love this book. Not only all advice makes sense anyway, but shows the picture from the point of view of the recruiter. It serves as valuable insight and a clear guideline amidst all the debate and opinions on what CVs should be and look like. And the bonus is that it is so much fun to read!! Loved the style, it is funny, it is clear, it is easy. I loved it and recommend it to anybody thinking to set up a basic CV or put their existing one in order. My interviews are now much more pleasant since I notice recruiters do understand what my background is and sometimes even praise the CV itself! (not that it guarantees the job though).



Perfect CV, 06 Aug 2004
If you want to get ahead in your career then I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants their CV to get noticed. The most important information you may need to know in order to do a good CV is in this book. It's broken down in chapters making it easy on the eye - so you won't get bored. And you can go back for reference quite easily. If it could have more of something I would say more examples of CVs. But this is not a very bad negative since it's the advice from the author that is most important. Besides for the price of this book it's definitely worth the money. I've flicked through other books and they are not as good plus they cost more (probably double for what you would pay for this). This book should be read alongside 'The Perfect Interview' - also by the same author.

Lack of information, 17 Feb 2002
It is a book like others in this category. However it should be cover more sample to make easier to understand subjects and also It should be available to get a print out for this sample .I don't understand how you can apply all these information without working on your worksheet and check each time what you have on the monitor. Bad information

This is the only book you need. Quick and easy to read, 12 Nov 2001
Don't buy any other CV book..just buy this one. Do you need to know how to write your mission statement? - It is explained in detail on how to do it. What type of words to use? - They are listed. Best layout? How to present your skills in the way that shows you added value to your company. Much more is within this small book. Its for less than four pounds... you must buy this book. Also you must buy the "The Perfect Interview"

A must-have!, 26 Nov 2008
I have to write a lot of copy at work for everything from web pages to press advertising. My employer hasn't given me much training - they just told me to "buy a couple of books". Well I'm glad I bought this one. Andy Maslen takes a very straightforward, no-nonsense approach with loads of practical examples of what to do (and what not to do!). There are lots of books out there but most of them are too American or direct mail focused. You have to wade through loads of padding to get to the good stuff. Write to Sell is 100% usable advice from someone who earns his living as a top copywriter. Whatever level of copywriter you are, I'd recommend this as a must-have.

*****



So Glad I bought this Book, 26 Nov 2008
This is a great book. No B.S., concise, straightforward and crammed with very useful tips for sales writers. So much in this book and great value.

I turned to this book in desperation and wasn't disapointed, 03 Sep 2008
In 5 years of buying books on Amazon this is the only book that I felt I wanted to write a review on.

I've been struggling to create good copy for a web site for some time and in the end I turned to this book in desperation. This book covered everything I needed to know succinctly and clearly. Not only did the book present the principals I needed to understand but each time I turned a page it gave me yet more ideas to implement immediately in my copy.

To sum it up this book felt like someone had handed me a Sat Nav whilst I was lost in a blizzard.

A brilliant guide to making your words work hard, 20 Jun 2008
I loved this book by Andy Maslen. It is the most practical, helpful, doable guide to persuasive writing that I have ever read. It is packed with exercises that you can apply directly to what you have written that will improve your copy dramatically. It is a very easy read and can be used as a working manual. Should you buy it? - it is a no brainer - order it now!

Presses all the "write" buttons, 19 May 2008
I have read a lot about copywriting and taken a course in it. Whether you are an aspiring copywriter or a more experienced one, "The Ultimate Guide..." must rank as a must have in your library. It is easy to read, very comprehensive and has just a dash of humour.

Andy Maslen has identified the most important aspects of good copywriting and laid them out in an entertaining and easy to understand way. Chapters 13, "The black arts", and 14, "Why your sales copy should be like a bowl of Rice Krispies", stand out for as particularly useful to me, but the book is (copywriting cliche coming up) packed full of useful tips and techniques.

An index would have been useful, but the book is concise and clearly laid out so this does not detract significantly.

If it is possible to cut out a word, cut it out, 05 Apr 2008
The title I have used is the third of George Orwell's "six elementary rules" to writing good English. These six rules still have a prominent place in this book's introduction, although there are now many more, gleaned from and generally attributed to other writers. This, to come to the point immediately, is my only criticism of The Economist's Style Guide. In its ninth edition, it must be more than twice the length of the one I bought in the early 90s (and now lost - probably lent to someone). The extra length detracts, I think, from the clarity of the stylistic advice, confusing it with detail, e.g. distinguishing flaunt from flount, numerous entries on currencies and the writing of nationalities. Much of the detail is relevant only to those writing on global politics and economics, although the core principles apply to everyone writing in the hope of being read, or read with pleasure!

It is perhaps unfair, though, to criticise this book for being too much of a good thing. It purports to be the actual style guide used by The Economist's journalists, and I am sure that that is just what it was (but that the current version is a little longer again). It is particularly good on he differences between American and British English, and how one can find words and expressions that are unobjectionable in both. It is humorously written - although if you want a more humorous differentiation of words you might try that redoubtable (Anglo-?)American Bill Bryson's "Troublesome Words". (Mr Bryson has however given the book a generous commendation, quoted on its back cover.) It is an excellent reference source - although if that is what you are after some of The Economist's other publications will give you much more of the same. It is a great guide to writing in the crisp style that characterises The Economist, although it does not differentiate where it is explaining gramatical correctness from those instances of where it is merely advising an approach (and where others would be equally correct).

This is a great reference book for the wordsmith - I, however, would appreciate an abridged version that presented the core issues with fewer distractions, rather like its earlier editions.



Essential guide, 24 Oct 2007
This is a very useful publication if you are writing, editing or, like me, designing publications. On many subjects it is definitive, others are more subjective and you can make your own determination... the important thing is to have a style guide and follow it consistently. Not only will this lend consistency to your production, it will shortcut many an argument and support your sanity in the face of impending deadlines.

Lives on my desk, not my shelf, 27 Aug 2007
If you're under the impression that the Economist has started giving out fashion advice, then this book is not for you.

If you are reading this review, then I hope you know what a Style Guide is. The Economist has gained a reputation for clear communication, and the Style Guide is part of that.

I'm not a journalist, but writing about financial matters is something I need to do as part of my professional life. Having a single reference that can answer questions like "on-line or online" for me has been very useful.

This is not a book that seeks to debate on the merits of different styles of written prose, but lays out, clearly, the style recommended for those writing for one publication.

The Economist's style isn't always appropriate - in organisations that prefer a "conversational marketing" approach, a more discursive style may be appropriate. However, having a consistent set of ground rules can be useful.

Oh, and the Style Guide not only explains what ground rules are, confirming that my usage was correct, but prevented me from just hyphenating the term in this review.

A must for any bookshelf, 26 Oct 2005
I own 2 editions of this book, the first from 1986.

The later version has more reference material than the first but I was a tad disappointed by the lower quality paper used in this version.

That said, this is a great book for anyone who has to write reports or essays and clarifies many grammatical problems, something to which I am emminently prone.

You will also find this to be a valuable general reference book!

Excellent in what it covers, but..., 22 Oct 2005
Excellent glossaries e.g. of proper names that have changed over recent years (UKraine, not the Ukraine; Beijing, not Peking) and of currencies.

Excellent for pointing out fuzzy thinking in your writing and for exposing the emptiness of certain cliches.

Perfect for journalistic purposes; less exhaustive for academic writing or other formal writing.

Beware: many of the recommendations are Economist house style and are not standard British English (e.g. small capitals for all abbreviations).

You will need Oxford: New Hart's Rules (now contained in the Oxford Style Manual) for a full examination of the punctuation of quotations, since the Guide applies journalistic conventions, in which the standard rules of British English puncutation are often reversed.

very helpful, 24 Aug 2008
Great help. Much more concise, and far more useful than the other books I bought on the subject.

The perfect CV book, 24 Mar 2006
I did love this book. Not only all advice makes sense anyway, but shows the picture from the point of view of the recruiter. It serves as valuable insight and a clear guideline amidst all the debate and opinions on what CVs should be and look like. And the bonus is that it is so much fun to read!! Loved the style, it is funny, it is clear, it is easy. I loved it and recommend it to anybody thinking to set up a basic CV or put their existing one in order. My interviews are now much more pleasant since I notice recruiters do understand what my background is and sometimes even praise the CV itself! (not that it guarantees the job though).



Perfect CV, 06 Aug 2004
If you want to get ahead in your career then I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants their CV to get noticed. The most important information you may need to know in order to do a good CV is in this book. It's broken down in chapters making it easy on the eye - so you won't get bored. And you can go back for reference quite easily. If it could have more of something I would say more examples of CVs. But this is not a very bad negative since it's the advice from the author that is most important. Besides for the price of this book it's definitely worth the money. I've flicked through other books and they are not as good plus they cost more (probably double for what you would pay for this). This book should be read alongside 'The Perfect Interview' - also by the same author.

Lack of information, 17 Feb 2002
It is a book like others in this category. However it should be cover more sample to make easier to understand subjects and also It should be available to get a print out for this sample .I don't understand how you can apply all these information without working on your worksheet and check each time what you have on the monitor. Bad information

This is the only book you need. Quick and easy to read, 12 Nov 2001
Don't buy any other CV book..just buy this one. Do you need to know how to write your mission statement? - It is explained in detail on how to do it. What type of words to use? - They are listed. Best layout? How to present your skills in the way that shows you added value to your company. Much more is within this small book. Its for less than four pounds... you must buy this book. Also you must buy the "The Perfect Interview"

Professional help., 27 Feb 2006
I never forget my Office and Information Studies course at school, and being taught how to do a professional business letter layout. I wondered where my teachers learnt it. By chance I stumbled across this book in the language school where I now work. We have to prepare students for various tests, and I nearly wept with joy when I found the example of how to type a modern business letter, and it was the exact same layout as I remember from school! This is the updated version, and includes a lot more about email, as it is now a part of everyday office culture.

The examples are clear and the language is modern. Shirley teaches us to use our modern spoken language (not slang) for letter writing, while still maintaining professionalism. She helps to clear up a lot of mess from our letters, emails, reports etc, making them easier for the reader.

Check lists at the end of some chapters are EXTREMELY valuable; ensuring that we've included everything we should have included and to check the tone is correct. There are also sections of useful expressions which just further enhance your correspondence.

My students asked me if there was a book they could buy to help them with their letter writing. I brought my copy from home, and they all wanted it.

My copies lives beside my pc. It's a must-have for any company or individual.

Stop being sloppy with your letter writing (and other documents)...buy this book!

A must-have!, 26 Nov 2008
I have to write a lot of copy at work for everything from web pages to press advertising. My employer hasn't given me much training - they just told me to "buy a couple of books". Well I'm glad I bought this one. Andy Maslen takes a very straightforward, no-nonsense approach with loads of practical examples of what to do (and what not to do!). There are lots of books out there but most of them are too American or direct mail focused. You have to wade through loads of padding to get to the good stuff. Write to Sell is 100% usable advice from someone who earns his living as a top copywriter. Whatever level of copywriter you are, I'd recommend this as a must-have.

*****



So Glad I bought this Book, 26 Nov 2008
This is a great book. No B.S., concise, straightforward and crammed with very useful tips for sales writers. So much in this book and great value.

I turned to this book in desperation and wasn't disapointed, 03 Sep 2008
In 5 years of buying books on Amazon this is the only book that I felt I wanted to write a review on.

I've been struggling to create good copy for a web site for some time and in the end I turned to this book in desperation. This book covered everything I needed to know succinctly and clearly. Not only did the book present the principals I needed to understand but each time I turned a page it gave me yet more ideas to implement immediately in my copy.

To sum it up this book felt like someone had handed me a Sat Nav whilst I was lost in a blizzard.

A brilliant guide to making your words work hard, 20 Jun 2008
I loved this book by Andy Maslen. It is the most practical, helpful, doable guide to persuasive writing that I have ever read. It is packed with exercises that you can apply directly to what you have written that will improve your copy dramatically. It is a very easy read and can be used as a working manual. Should you buy it? - it is a no brainer - order it now!

Presses all the "write" buttons, 19 May 2008
I have read a lot about copywriting and taken a course in it. Whether you are an aspiring copywriter or a more experienced one, "The Ultimate Guide..." must rank as a must have in your library. It is easy to read, very comprehensive and has just a dash of humour.

Andy Maslen has identified the most important aspects of good copywriting and laid them out in an entertaining and easy to understand way. Chapters 13, "The black arts", and 14, "Why your sales copy should be like a bowl of Rice Krispies", stand out for as particularly useful to me, but the book is (copywriting cliche coming up) packed full of useful tips and techniques.

An index would have been useful, but the book is concise and clearly laid out so this does not detract significantly.

If it is possible to cut out a word, cut it out, 05 Apr 2008
The title I have used is the third of George Orwell's "six elementary rules" to writing good English. These six rules still have a prominent place in this book's introduction, although there are now many more, gleaned from and generally attributed to other writers. This, to come to the point immediately, is my only criticism of The Economist's Style Guide. In its ninth edition, it must be more than twice the length of the one I bought in the early 90s (and now lost - probably lent to someone). The extra length detracts, I think, from the clarity of the stylistic advice, confusing it with detail, e.g. distinguishing flaunt from flount, numerous entries on currencies and the writing of nationalities. Much of the detail is relevant only to those writing on global politics and economics, although the core principles apply to everyone writing in the hope of being read, or read with pleasure!

It is perhaps unfair, though, to criticise this book for being too much of a good thing. It purports to be the actual style guide used by The Economist's journalists, and I am sure that that is just what it was (but that the current version is a little longer again). It is particularly good on he differences between American and British English, and how one can find words and expressions that are unobjectionable in both. It is humorously written - although if you want a more humorous differentiation of words you might try that redoubtable (Anglo-?)American Bill Bryson's "Troublesome Words". (Mr Bryson has however given the book a generous commendation, quoted on its back cover.) It is an excellent reference source - although if that is what you are after some of The Economist's other publications will give you much more of the same. It is a great guide to writing in the crisp style that characterises The Economist, although it does not differentiate where it is explaining gramatical correctness from those instances of where it is merely advising an approach (and where others would be equally correct).

This is a great reference book for the wordsmith - I, however, would appreciate an abridged version that presented the core issues with fewer distractions, rather like its earlier editions.



Essential guide, 24 Oct 2007
This is a very useful publication if you are writing, editing or, like me, designing publications. On many subjects it is definitive, others are more subjective and you can make your own determination... the important thing is to have a style guide and follow it consistently. Not only will this lend consistency to your production, it will shortcut many an argument and support your sanity in the face of impending deadlines.

Lives on my desk, not my shelf, 27 Aug 2007
If you're under the impression that the Economist has started giving out fashion advice, then this book is not for you.

If you are reading this review, then I hope you know what a Style Guide is. The Economist has gained a reputation for clear communication, and the Style Guide is part of that.

I'm not a journalist, but writing about financial matters is something I need to do as part of my professional life. Having a single reference that can answer questions like "on-line or online" for me has been very useful.

This is not a book that seeks to debate on the merits of different styles of written prose, but lays out, clearly, the style recommended for those writing for one publication.

The Economist's style isn't always appropriate - in organisations that prefer a "conversational marketing" approach, a more discursive style may be appropriate. However, having a consistent set of ground rules can be useful.

Oh, and the Style Guide not only explains what ground rules are, confirming that my usage was correct, but prevented me from just hyphenating the term in this review.

A must for any bookshelf, 26 Oct 2005
I own 2 editions of this book, the first from 1986.

The later version has more reference material than the first but I was a tad disappointed by the lower quality paper used in this version.

That said, this is a great book for anyone who has to write reports or essays and clarifies many grammatical problems, something to which I am emminently prone.

You will also find this to be a valuable general reference book!

Excellent in what it covers, but..., 22 Oct 2005
Excellent glossaries e.g. of proper names that have changed over recent years (UKraine, not the Ukraine; Beijing, not Peking) and of currencies.

Excellent for pointing out fuzzy thinking in your writing and for exposing the emptiness of certain cliches.

Perfect for journalistic purposes; less exhaustive for academic writing or other formal writing.

Beware: many of the recommendations are Economist house style and are not standard British English (e.g. small capitals for all abbreviations).

You will need Oxford: New Hart's Rules (now contained in the Oxford Style Manual) for a full examination of the punctuation of quotations, since the Guide applies journalistic conventions, in which the standard rules of British English puncutation are often reversed.

very helpful, 24 Aug 2008
Great help. Much more concise, and far more useful than the other books I bought on the subject.

The perfect CV book, 24 Mar 2006
I did love this book. Not only all advice makes sense anyway, but shows the picture from the point of view of the recruiter. It serves as valuable insight and a clear guideline amidst all the debate and opinions on what CVs should be and look like. And the bonus is that it is so much fun to read!! Loved the style, it is funny, it is clear, it is easy. I loved it and recommend it to anybody thinking to set up a basic CV or put their existing one in order. My interviews are now much more pleasant since I notice recruiters do understand what my background is and sometimes even praise the CV itself! (not that it guarantees the job though).



Perfect CV, 06 Aug 2004
If you want to get ahead in your career then I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants their CV to get noticed. The most important information you may need to know in order to do a good CV is in this book. It's broken down in chapters making it easy on the eye - so you won't get bored. And you can go back for reference quite easily. If it could have more of something I would say more examples of CVs. But this is not a very bad negative since it's the advice from the author that is most important. Besides for the price of this book it's definitely worth the money. I've flicked through other books and they are not as good plus they cost more (probably double for what you would pay for this). This book should be read alongside 'The Perfect Interview' - also by the same author.

Lack of information, 17 Feb 2002
It is a book like others in this category. However it should be cover more sample to make easier to understand subjects and also It should be available to get a print out for this sample .I don't understand how you can apply all these information without working on your worksheet and check each time what you have on the monitor. Bad information

This is the only book you need. Quick and easy to read, 12 Nov 2001
Don't buy any other CV book..just buy this one. Do you need to know how to write your mission statement? - It is explained in detail on how to do it. What type of words to use? - They are listed. Best layout? How to present your skills in the way that shows you added value to your company. Much more is within this small book. Its for less than four pounds... you must buy this book. Also you must buy the "The Perfect Interview"

Professional help., 27 Feb 2006
I never forget my Office and Information Studies course at school, and being taught how to do a professional business letter layout. I wondered where my teachers learnt it. By chance I stumbled across this book in the language school where I now work. We have to prepare students for various tests, and I nearly wept with joy when I found the example of how to type a modern business letter, and it was the exact same layout as I remember from school! This is the updated version, and includes a lot more about email, as it is now a part of everyday office culture.

The examples are clear and the language is modern. Shirley teaches us to use our modern spoken language (not slang) for letter writing, while still maintaining professionalism. She helps to clear up a lot of mess from our letters, emails, reports etc, making them easier for the reader.

Check lists at the end of some chapters are EXTREMELY valuable; ensuring that we've included everything we should have included and to check the tone is correct. There are also sections of useful expressions which just further enhance your correspondence.

My students asked me if there was a book they could buy to help them with their letter writing. I brought my copy from home, and they all wanted it.

My copies lives beside my pc. It's a must-have for any company or individual.

Stop being sloppy with your letter writing (and other documents)...buy this book!

Can't argue with any of this, 04 Dec 2006
Excellent primer on the craft of copywriting. I've read many, and this is up there. Along the way, in addition to his own insights, Bly offers useful edited highlights from some of the wisest names in the trade. Very valuable for anyone wanting to get into the business as a writer and for those, like myself, already doing it. Priceless for anyone whose job is to manage writers and sign off on copy. Should be required reading for all client-side marketing people and agency account execs, particularly for what Bly has to say about writing ads in a vacuum, the importance of knowing your audience as well as you know your product, and about writing ads for them, not for your own amusement. And an excellent reminder about the limits of 'creativity' in marketing. With reference to one of the other reviews of this book, it's not a blast from the past, it's true. You can't gainsay the proof of decades.

Blast from the past!, 19 Feb 2004
If you want to know how to do 80's Hard Sales Adverts, this is a great book. Don't expect more than that.

The Best Book I've Read About Writing Persuasively, 27 Aug 1999
This book is the best book I've ever read about how to write persuasively, to sell, to convince other people about your point of view.

A great resource, check out Bly'sGetting Your Book Published, 04 Oct 1998
This is a fantastic resource guide and I simply loved it. I have read many of Bly's works and they are all equally insightful and full of info. Getting Your Book Published, one of his newest titles has in fact helped me land a publishing deal.

A must-read for every type of writer, 10 Aug 1998
This is the best book I've ever read on the writing process. Bly shows you how to write with the minumum of excess and get right to the point. That's a vital part of copywriting but it's also important in writing generally (and I've been published numerous times, but never written an ad). If you have to have one book to improve your writing, no matter what your style, this is the one.

A must-have!, 26 Nov 2008
I have to write a lot of copy at work for everything from web pages to press advertising. My employer hasn't given me much training - they just told me to "buy a couple of books". Well I'm glad I bought this one. Andy Maslen takes a very straightforward, no-nonsense approach with loads of practical examples of what to do (and what not to do!). There are lots of books out there but most of them are too American or direct mail focused. You have to wade through loads of padding to get to the good stuff. Write to Sell is 100% usable advice from someone who earns his living as a top copywriter. Whatever level of copywriter you are, I'd recommend this as a must-have.

*****



So Glad I bought this Book, 26 Nov 2008
This is a great book. No B.S., concise, straightforward and crammed with very useful tips for sales writers. So much in this book and great value.

I turned to this book in desperation and wasn't disapointed, 03 Sep 2008
In 5 years of buying books on Amazon this is the only book that I felt I wanted to write a review on.

I've been struggling to create good copy for a web site for some time and in the end I turned to this book in desperation. This book covered everything I needed to know succinctly and clearly. Not only did the book present the principals I needed to understand but each time I turned a page it gave me yet more ideas to implement immediately in my copy.

To sum it up this book felt like someone had handed me a Sat Nav whilst I was lost in a blizzard.

A brilliant guide to making your words work hard, 20 Jun 2008
I loved this book by Andy Maslen. It is the most practical, helpful, doable guide to persuasive writing that I have ever read. It is packed with exercises that you can apply directly to what you have written that will improve your copy dramatically. It is a very easy read and can be used as a working manual. Should you buy it? - it is a no brainer - order it now!

Presses all the "write" buttons, 19 May 2008
I have read a lot about copywriting and taken a course in it. Whether you are an aspiring copywriter or a more experienced one, "The Ultimate Guide..." must rank as a must have in your library. It is easy to read, very comprehensive and has just a dash of humour.

Andy Maslen has identified the most important aspects of good copywriting and laid them out in an entertaining and easy to understand way. Chapters 13, "The black arts", and 14, "Why your sales copy should be like a bowl of Rice Krispies", stand out for as particularly useful to me, but the book is (copywriting cliche coming up) packed full of useful tips and techniques.

An index would have been useful, but the book is concise and clearly laid out so this does not detract significantly.

If it is possible to cut out a word, cut it out, 05 Apr 2008
The title I have used is the third of George Orwell's "six elementary rules" to writing good English. These six rules still have a prominent place in this book's introduction, although there are now many more, gleaned from and generally attributed to other writers. This, to come to the point immediately, is my only criticism of The Economist's Style Guide. In its ninth edition, it must be more than twice the length of the one I bought in the early 90s (and now lost - probably lent to someone). The extra length detracts, I think, from the clarity of the stylistic advice, confusing it with detail, e.g. distinguishing flaunt from flount, numerous entries on currencies and the writing of nationalities. Much of the detail is relevant only to those writing on global politics and economics, although the core principles apply to everyone writing in the hope of being read, or read with pleasure!

It is perhaps unfair, though, to criticise this book for being too much of a good thing. It purports to be the actual style guide used by The Economist's journalists, and I am sure that that is just what it was (but that the current version is a little longer again). It is particularly good on he differences between American and British English, and how one can find words and expressions that are unobjectionable in both. It is humorously written - although if you want a more humorous differentiation of words you might try that redoubtable (Anglo-?)American Bill Bryson's "Troublesome Words". (Mr Bryson has however given the book a generous commendation, quoted on its back cover.) It is an excellent reference source - although if that is what you are after some of The Economist's other publications will give you much more of the same. It is a great guide to writing in the crisp style that characterises The Economist, although it does not differentiate where it is explaining gramatical correctness from those instances of where it is merely advising an approach (and where others would be equally correct).

This is a great reference book for the wordsmith - I, however, would appreciate an abridged version that presented the core issues with fewer distractions, rather like its earlier editions.



Essential guide, 24 Oct 2007
This is a very useful publication if you are writing, editing or, like me, designing publications. On many subjects it is definitive, others are more subjective and you can make your own determination... the important thing is to have a style guide and follow it consistently. Not only will this lend consistency to your production, it will shortcut many an argument and support your sanity in the face of impending deadlines.

Lives on my desk, not my shelf, 27 Aug 2007
If you're under the impression that the Economist has started giving out fashion advice, then this book is not for you.

If you are reading this review, then I hope you know what a Style Guide is. The Economist has gained a reputation for clear communication, and the Style Guide is part of that.

I'm not a journalist, but writing about financial matters is something I need to do as part of my professional life. Having a single reference that can answer questions like "on-line or online" for me has been very useful.

This is not a book that seeks to debate on the merits of different styles of written prose, but lays out, clearly, the style recommended for those writing for one publication.

The Economist's style isn't always appropriate - in organisations that prefer a "conversational marketing" approach, a more discursive style may be appropriate. However, having a consistent set of ground rules can be useful.

Oh, and the Style Guide not only explains what ground rules are, confirming that my usage was correct, but prevented me from just hyphenating the term in this review.

A must for any bookshelf, 26 Oct 2005
I own 2 editions of this book, the first from 1986.

The later version has more reference material than the first but I was a tad disappointed by the lower quality paper used in this version.

That said, this is a great book for anyone who has to write reports or essays and clarifies many grammatical problems, something to which I am emminently prone.

You will also find this to be a valuable general reference book!

Excellent in what it covers, but..., 22 Oct 2005
Excellent glossaries e.g. of proper names that have changed over recent years (UKraine, not the Ukraine; Beijing, not Peking) and of currencies.

Excellent for pointing out fuzzy thinking in your writing and for exposing the emptiness of certain cliches.

Perfect for journalistic purposes; less exhaustive for academic writing or other formal writing.

Beware: many of the recommendations are Economist house style and are not standard British English (e.g. small capitals for all abbreviations).

You will need Oxford: New Hart's Rules (now contained in the Oxford Style Manual) for a full examination of the punctuation of quotations, since the Guide applies journalistic conventions, in which the standard rules of British English puncutation are often reversed.

very helpful, 24 Aug 2008
Great help. Much more concise, and far more useful than the other books I bought on the subject.

The perfect CV book, 24 Mar 2006
I did love this book. Not only all advice makes sense anyway, but shows the picture from the point of view of the recruiter. It serves as valuable insight and a clear guideline amidst all the debate and opinions on what CVs should be and look like. And the bonus is that it is so much fun to read!! Loved the style, it is funny, it is clear, it is easy. I loved it and recommend it to anybody thinking to set up a basic CV or put their existing one in order. My interviews are now much more pleasant since I notice recruiters do understand what my background is and sometimes even praise the CV itself! (not that it guarantees the job though).



Perfect CV, 06 Aug 2004
If you want to get ahead in your career then I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants their CV to get noticed. The most important information you may need to know in order to do a good CV is in this book. It's broken down in chapters making it easy on the eye - so you won't get bored. And you can go back for reference quite easily. If it could have more of something I would say more examples of CVs. But this is not a very bad negative since it's the advice from the author that is most important. Besides for the price of this book it's definitely worth the money. I've flicked through other books and they are not as good plus they cost more (probably double for what you would pay for this). This book should be read alongside 'The Perfect Interview' - also by the same author.

Lack of information, 17 Feb 2002
It is a book like others in this category. However it should be cover more sample to make easier to understand subjects and also It should be available to get a print out for this sample .I don't understand how you can apply all these information without working on your worksheet and check each time what you have on the monitor. Bad information

This is the only book you need. Quick and easy to read, 12 Nov 2001
Don't buy any other CV book..just buy this one. Do you need to know how to write your mission statement? - It is explained in detail on how to do it. What type of words to use? - They are listed. Best layout? How to present your skills in the way that shows you added value to your company. Much more is within this small book. Its for less than four pounds... you must buy this book. Also you must buy the "The Perfect Interview"

Professional help., 27 Feb 2006
I never forget my Office and Information Studies course at school, and being taught how to do a professional business letter layout. I wondered where my teachers learnt it. By chance I stumbled across this book in the language school where I now work. We have to prepare students for various tests, and I nearly wept with joy when I found the example of how to type a modern business letter, and it was the exact same layout as I remember from school! This is the updated version, and includes a lot more about email, as it is now a part of everyday office culture.

The examples are clear and the language is modern. Shirley teaches us to use our modern spoken language (not slang) for letter writing, while still maintaining professionalism. She helps to clear up a lot of mess from our letters, emails, reports etc, making them easier for the reader.

Check lists at the end of some chapters are EXTREMELY valuable; ensuring that we've included everything we should have included and to check the tone is correct. There are also sections of useful expressions which just further enhance your correspondence.

My students asked me if there was a book they could buy to help them with their letter writing. I brought my copy from home, and they all wanted it.

My copies lives beside my pc. It's a must-have for any company or individual.

Stop being sloppy with your letter writing (and other documents)...buy this book!

Can't argue with any of this, 04 Dec 2006
Excellent primer on the craft of copywriting. I've read many, and this is up there. Along the way, in addition to his own insights, Bly offers useful edited highlights from some of the wisest names in the trade. Very valuable for anyone wanting to get into the business as a writer and for those, like myself, already doing it. Priceless for anyone whose job is to manage writers and sign off on copy. Should be required reading for all client-side marketing people and agency account execs, particularly for what Bly has to say about writing ads in a vacuum, the importance of knowing your audience as well as you know your product, and about writing ads for them, not for your own amusement. And an excellent reminder about the limits of 'creativity' in marketing. With reference to one of the other reviews of this book, it's not a blast from the past, it's true. You can't gainsay the proof of decades.

Blast from the past!, 19 Feb 2004
If you want to know how to do 80's Hard Sales Adverts, this is a great book. Don't expect more than that.

The Best Book I've Read About Writing Persuasively, 27 Aug 1999
This book is the best book I've ever read about how to write persuasively, to sell, to convince other people about your point of view.

A great resource, check out Bly'sGetting Your Book Published, 04 Oct 1998
This is a fantastic resource guide and I simply loved it. I have read many of Bly's works and they are all equally insightful and full of info. Getting Your Book Published, one of his newest titles has in fact helped me land a publishing deal.

A must-read for every type of writer, 10 Aug 1998
This is the best book I've ever read on the writing process. Bly shows you how to write with the minumum of excess and get right to the point. That's a vital part of copywriting but it's also important in writing generally (and I've been published numerous times, but never written an ad). If you have to have one book to improve your writing, no matter what your style, this is the one.

Excellent stuff, 17 Jun 2005
This book is the "business" for business students

Sloans students should start here ..., 04 Jul 2002
I found this book early on in my Sloan Masters at LBS. It has a great structure for planning and executing your thesis. It is only a shame that business schools don't give you a reading list that contains "how to be a student" titles. Nevertheless, this is extremely useful as it takes you through proposal, research and writing up stages, even how to use supervisors. I know that my last month writing up my thesis will be a lot easier now I have this helpful text.

Don't write your Dissertation without it !!, 17 Nov 2001
This book takes you through each stage of your dissertation. With ideas for titles, advice on reseach techniques, help with the literature search, and of course valuable information about writing up your dissertation. I'm glad I've got this book to take me step by step when I need the help throughout this stressful time.

A great helping hand!, 08 Oct 2001
This book was excellent for outlining the structure of a dissertation. If you are worried about writing your dissertation this book will help to put your mind at ease. It is a 'must' read for all students in their final year at university!

An absolute MUST for anyone undertaking such a piece of work, 03 Jul 2000
Dissertation Skills for Business and Management Students has proved to be an absolutely invaluable tool throughout every stage of my dissertation, actually motivating me to get started in the first place and providing a constant source of encouragement throughout.

Like many business and management students, I was unclear as to what was involved in producing such an extensive piece of work. This book is the best guide for writing a management dissertation that I have found. The fact that it was published at the end of 1999 also guarantees that it is the most up-to-date guide available - meeting the needs of today's management students for comprehensive and relevant guidelines.

The section on research techniques was particularly useful and gave a real overview as to what was expected. The book is an interesting and easy read, mainly thanks to Brian White's frank and often witty writing style, a welcome change to similar guides available on the market today, which fail to create informative and entertaining reading. Altogether, an absolute MUST for anyone undertaking such a piece of work.

A must-have!, 26 Nov 2008
I have to write a lot of copy at work for everything from web pages to press advertising. My employer hasn't given me much training - they just told me to "buy a couple of books". Well I'm glad I bought this one. Andy Maslen takes a very straightforward, no-nonsense approach with loads of practical examples of what to do (and what not to do!). There are lots of books out there but most of them are too American or direct mail focused. You have to wade through loads of padding to get to the good stuff. Write to Sell is 100% usable advice from someone who earns his living as a top copywriter. Whatever level of copywriter you are, I'd recommend this as a must-have.

*****



So Glad I bought this Book, 26 Nov 2008
This is a great book. No B.S., concise, straightforward and crammed with very useful tips for sales writers. So much in this book and great value.

I turned to this book in desperation and wasn't disapointed, 03 Sep 2008
In 5 years of buying books on Amazon this is the only book that I felt I wanted to write a review on.

I've been struggling to create good copy for a web site for some time and in the end I turned to this book in desperation. This book covered everything I needed to know succinctly and clearly. Not only did the book present the principals I needed to understand but each time I turned a page it gave me yet more ideas to implement immediately in my copy.

To sum it up this book felt like someone had handed me a Sat Nav whilst I was lost in a blizzard.

A brilliant guide to making your words work hard, 20 Jun 2008
I loved this book by Andy Maslen. It is the most practical, helpful, doable guide to persuasive writing that I have ever read. It is packed with exercises that you can apply directly to what you have written that will improve your copy dramatically. It is a very easy read and can be used as a working manual. Should you buy it? - it is a no brainer - order it now!

Presses all the "write" buttons, 19 May 2008
I have read a lot about copywriting and taken a course in it. Whether you are an aspiring copywriter or a more experienced one, "The Ultimate Guide..." must rank as a must have in your library. It is easy to read, very comprehensive and has just a dash of humour.

Andy Maslen has identified the most important aspects of good copywriting and laid them out in an entertaining and easy to understand way. Chapters 13, "The black arts", and 14, "Why your sales copy should be like a bowl of Rice Krispies", stand out for as particularly useful to me, but the book is (copywriting cliche coming up) packed full of useful tips and techniques.

An index would have been useful, but the book is concise and clearly laid out so this does not detract significantly.

If it is possible to cut out a word, cut it out, 05 Apr 2008
The title I have used is the third of George Orwell's "six elementary rules" to writing good English. These six rules still have a prominent place in this book's introduction, although there are now many more, gleaned from and generally attributed to other writers. This, to come to the point immediately, is my only criticism of The Economist's Style Guide. In its ninth edition, it must be more than twice the length of the one I bought in the early 90s (and now lost - probably lent to someone). The extra length detracts, I think, from the clarity of the stylistic advice, confusing it with detail, e.g. distinguishing flaunt from flount, numerous entries on currencies and the writing of nationalities. Much of the detail is relevant only to those writing on global politics and economics, although the core principles apply to everyone writing in the hope of being read, or read with pleasure!

It is perhaps unfair, though, to criticise this book for being too much of a good thing. It purports to be the actual style guide used by The Economist's journalists, and I am sure that that is just what it was (but that the current version is a little longer again). It is particularly good on he differences between American and British English, and how one can find words and expressions that are unobjectionable in both. It is humorously written - although if you want a more humorous differentiation of words you might try that redoubtable (Anglo-?)American Bill Bryson's "Troublesome Words". (Mr Bryson has however given the book a generous commendation, quoted on its back cover.) It is an excellent reference source - although if that is what you are after some of The Economist's other publications will give you much more of the same. It is a great guide to writing in the crisp style that characterises The Economist, although it does not differentiate where it is explaining gramatical correctness from those instances of where it is merely advising an approach (and where others would be equally correct).

This is a great reference book for the wordsmith - I, however, would appreciate an abridged version that presented the core issues with fewer distractions, rather like its earlier editions.



Essential guide, 24 Oct 2007
This is a very useful publication if you are writing, editing or, like me, designing publications. On many subjects it is definitive, others are more subjective and you can make your own determination... the important thing is to have a style guide and follow it consistently. Not only will this lend consistency to your production, it will shortcut many an argument and support your sanity in the face of impending deadlines.

Lives on my desk, not my shelf, 27 Aug 2007
If you're under the impression that the Economist has started giving out fashion advice, then this book is not for you.

If you are reading this review, then I hope you know what a Style Guide is. The Economist has gained a reputation for clear communication, and the Style Guide is part of that.

I'm not a journalist, but writing about financial matters is something I need to do as part of my professional life. Having a single reference that can answer questions like "on-line or online" for me has been very useful.

This is not a book that seeks to debate on the merits of different styles of written prose, but lays out, clearly, the style recommended for those writing for one publication.

The Economist's style isn't always appropriate - in organisations that prefer a "conversational marketing" approach, a more discursive style may be appropriate. However, having a consistent set of ground rules can be useful.

Oh, and the Style Guide not only explains what ground rules are, confirming that my usage was correct, but prevented me from just hyphenating the term in this review.

A must for any bookshelf, 26 Oct 2005
I own 2 editions of this book, the first from 1986.

The later version has more reference material than the first but I was a tad disappointed by the lower quality paper used in this version.

That said, this is a great book for anyone who has to write reports or essays and clarifies many grammatical problems, something to which I am emminently prone.

You will also find this to be a valuable general reference book!

Excellent in what it covers, but..., 22 Oct 2005
Excellent glossaries e.g. of proper names that have changed over recent years (UKraine, not the Ukraine; Beijing, not Peking) and of currencies.

Excellent for pointing out fuzzy thinking in your writing and for exposing the emptiness of certain cliches.

Perfect for journalistic purposes; less exhaustive for academic writing or other formal writing.

Beware: many of the recommendations are Economist house style and are not standard British English (e.g. small capitals for all abbreviations).

You will need Oxford: New Hart's Rules (now contained in the Oxford Style Manual) for a full examination of the punctuation of quotations, since the Guide applies journalistic conventions, in which the standard rules of British English puncutation are often reversed.

very helpful, 24 Aug 2008
Great help. Much more concise, and far more useful than the other books I bought on the subject.

The perfect CV book, 24 Mar 2006
I did love this book. Not only all advice makes sense anyway, but shows the picture from the point of view of the recruiter. It serves as valuable insight and a clear guideline amidst all the debate and opinions on what CVs should be and look like. And the bonus is that it is so much fun to read!! Loved the style, it is funny, it is clear, it is easy. I loved it and recommend it to anybody thinking to set up a basic CV or put their existing one in order. My interviews are now much more pleasant since I notice recruiters do understand what my background is and sometimes even praise the CV itself! (not that it guarantees the job though).



Perfect CV, 06 Aug 2004
If you want to get ahead in your career then I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants their CV to get noticed. The most important information you may need to know in order to do a good CV is in this book. It's broken down in chapters making it easy on the eye - so you won't get bored. And you can go back for reference quite easily. If it could have more of something I would say more examples of CVs. But this is not a very bad negative since it's the advice from the author that is most important. Besides for the price of this book it's definitely worth the money. I've flicked through other books and they are not as good plus they cost more (probably double for what you would pay for this). This book should be read alongside 'The Perfect Interview' - also by the same author.

Lack of information, 17 Feb 2002
It is a book like others in this category. However it should be cover more sample to make easier to understand subjects and also It should be available to get a print out for this sample .I don't understand how you can apply all these information without working on your worksheet and check each time what you have on the monitor. Bad information

This is the only book you need. Quick and easy to read, 12 Nov 2001
Don't buy any other CV book..just buy this one. Do you need to know how to write your mission statement? - It is explained in detail on how to do it. What type of words to use? - They are listed. Best layout? How to present your skills in the way that shows you added value to your company. Much more is within this small book. Its for less than four pounds... you must buy this book. Also you must buy the "The Perfect Interview"

Professional help., 27 Feb 2006
I never forget my Office and Information Studies course at school, and being taught how to do a professional business letter layout. I wondered where my teachers learnt it. By chance I stumbled across this book in the language school where I now work. We have to prepare students for various tests, and I nearly wept with joy when I found the example of how to type a modern business letter, and it was the exact same layout as I remember from school! This is the updated version, and includes a lot more about email, as it is now a part of everyday office culture.

The examples are clear and the language is modern. Shirley teaches us to use our modern spoken language (not slang) for letter writing, while still maintaining professionalism. She helps to clear up a lot of mess from our letters, emails, reports etc, making them easier for the reader.

Check lists at the end of some chapters are EXTREMELY valuable; ensuring that we've included everything we should have included and to check the tone is correct. There are also sections of useful expressions which just further enhance your correspondence.

My students asked me if there was a book they could buy to help them with their letter writing. I brought my copy from home, and they all wanted it.

My copies lives beside my pc. It's a must-have for any company or individual.

Stop being sloppy with your letter writing (and other documents)...buy this book!

Can't argue with any of this, 04 Dec 2006
Excellent primer on the craft of copywriting. I've read many, and this is up there. Along the way, in addition to his own insights, Bly offers useful edited highlights from some of the wisest names in the trade. Very valuable for anyone wanting to get into the business as a writer and for those, like myself, already doing it. Priceless for anyone whose job is to manage writers and sign off on copy. Should be required reading for all client-side marketing people and agency account execs, particularly for what Bly has to say about writing ads in a vacuum, the importance of knowing your audience as well as you know your product, and about writing ads for them, not for your own amusement. And an excellent reminder about the limits of 'creativity' in marketing. With reference to one of the other reviews of this book, it's not a blast from the past, it's true. You can't gainsay the proof of decades.

Blast from the past!, 19 Feb 2004
If you want to know how to do 80's Hard Sales Adverts, this is a great book. Don't expect more than that.

The Best Book I've Read About Writing Persuasively, 27 Aug 1999
This book is the best book I've ever read about how to write persuasively, to sell, to convince other people about your point of view.

A great resource, check out Bly'sGetting Your Book Published, 04 Oct 1998
This is a fantastic resource guide and I simply loved it. I have read many of Bly's works and they are all equally insightful and full of info. Getting Your Book Published, one of his newest titles has in fact helped me land a publishing deal.

A must-read for every type of writer, 10 Aug 1998
This is the best book I've ever read on the writing process. Bly shows you how to write with the minumum of excess and get right to the point. That's a vital part of copywriting but it's also important in writing generally (and I've been published numerous times, but never written an ad). If you have to have one book to improve your writing, no matter what your style, this is the one.

Excellent stuff, 17 Jun 2005
This book is the "business" for business students

Sloans students should start here ..., 04 Jul 2002
I found this book early on in my Sloan Masters at LBS. It has a great structure for planning and executing your thesis. It is only a shame that business schools don't give you a reading list that contains "how to be a student" titles. Nevertheless, this is extremely useful as it takes you through proposal, research and writing up stages, even how to use supervisors. I know that my last month writing up my thesis will be a lot easier now I have this helpful text.

Don't write your Dissertation without it !!, 17 Nov 2001
This book takes you through each stage of your dissertation. With ideas for titles, advice on reseach techniques, help with the literature search, and of course valuable information about writing up your dissertation. I'm glad I've got this book to take me step by step when I need the help throughout this stressful time.

A great helping hand!, 08 Oct 2001
This book was excellent for outlining the structure of a dissertation. If you are worried about writing your dissertation this book will help to put your mind at ease. It is a 'must' read for all students in their final year at university!

An absolute MUST for anyone undertaking such a piece of work, 03 Jul 2000
Dissertation Skills for Business and Management Students has proved to be an absolutely invaluable tool throughout every stage of my dissertation, actually motivating me to get started in the first place and providing a constant source of encouragement throughout.

Like many business and management students, I was unclear as to what was involved in producing such an extensive piece of work. This book is the best guide for writing a management dissertation that I have found. The fact that it was published at the end of 1999 also guarantees that it is the most up-to-date guide available - meeting the needs of today's management students for comprehensive and relevant guidelines.

The section on research techniques was particularly useful and gave a real overview as to what was expected. The book is an interesting and easy read, mainly thanks to Brian White's frank and often witty writing style, a welcome change to similar guides available on the market today, which fail to create informative and entertaining reading. Altogether, an absolute MUST for anyone undertaking such a piece of work.

perfect reference book, 18 Oct 2006
You will find everything you need to know in this book.Explanations are not complicated.On one hand you'll find the sample letters, on the other hand you'll find useful phrases.Two Thumbs Up!

A must-have!, 26 Nov 2008
I have to write a lot of copy at work for everything from web pages to press advertising. My employer hasn't given me much training - they just told me to "buy a couple of books". Well I'm glad I bought this one. Andy Maslen takes a very straightforward, no-nonsense approach with loads of practical examples of what to do (and what not to do!). There are lots of books out there but most of them are too American or direct mail focused. You have to wade through loads of padding to get to the good stuff. Write to Sell is 100% usable advice from someone who earns his living as a top copywriter. Whatever level of copywriter you are, I'd recommend this as a must-have.

*****



So Glad I bought this Book, 26 Nov 2008
This is a great book. No B.S., concise, straightforward and crammed with very useful tips for sales writers. So much in this book and great value.

I turned to this book in desperation and wasn't disapointed, 03 Sep 2008
In 5 years of buying books on Amazon this is the only book that I felt I wanted to write a review on.

I've been struggling to create good copy for a web site for some time and in the end I turned to this book in desperation. This book covered everything I needed to know succinctly and clearly. Not only did the book present the principals I needed to understand but each time I turned a page it gave me yet more ideas to implement immediately in my copy.

To sum it up this book felt like someone had handed me a Sat Nav whilst I was lost in a blizzard.

A brilliant guide to making your words work hard, 20 Jun 2008
I loved this book by Andy Maslen. It is the most practical, helpful, doable guide to persuasive writing that I have ever read. It is packed with exercises that you can apply directly to what you have written that will improve your copy dramatically. It is a very easy read and can be used as a working manual. Should you buy it? - it is a no brainer - order it now!

Presses all the "write" buttons, 19 May 2008
I have read a lot about copywriting and taken a course in it. Whether you are an aspiring copywriter or a more experienced one, "The Ultimate Guide..." must rank as a must have in your library. It is easy to read, very comprehensive and has just a dash of humour.

Andy Maslen has identified the most important aspects of good copywriting and laid them out in an entertaining and easy to understand way. Chapters 13, "The black arts", and 14, "Why your sales copy should be like a bowl of Rice Krispies", stand out for as particularly useful to me, but the book is (copywriting cliche coming up) packed full of useful tips and techniques.

An index would have been useful, but the book is concise and clearly laid out so this does not detract significantly.

If it is possible to cut out a word, cut it out, 05 Apr 2008
The title I have used is the third of George Orwell's "six elementary rules" to writing good English. These six rules still have a prominent place in this book's introduction, although there are now many more, gleaned from and generally attributed to other writers. This, to come to the point immediately, is my only criticism of The Economist's Style Guide. In its ninth edition, it must be more than twice the length of the one I bought in the early 90s (and now lost - probably lent to someone). The extra length detracts, I think, from the clarity of the stylistic advice, confusing it with detail, e.g. distinguishing flaunt from flount, numerous entries on currencies and the writing of nationalities. Much of the detail is relevant only to those writing on global politics and economics, although the core principles apply to everyone writing in the hope of being read, or read with pleasure!

It is perhaps unfair, though, to criticise this book for being too much of a good thing. It purports to be the actual style guide used by The Economist's journalists, and I am sure that that is just what it was (but that the current version is a little longer again). It is particularly good on he differences between American and British English, and how one can find words and expressions that are unobjectionable in both. It is humorously written - although if you want a more humorous differentiation of words you might try that redoubtable (Anglo-?)American Bill Bryson's "Troublesome Words". (Mr Bryson has however given the book a generous commendation, quoted on its back cover.) It is an excellent reference source - although if that is what you are after some of The Economist's other publications will give you m