Product Description

effective writing skills for public relations is a valuable reference source on the basics of style and presentation with helpful hints on making the best use of written communication. it advises on how to write concisely using jargon-free language whilst avoiding overused words and phrases. there is guidance on policing house style with emphasis on consistency and advice on punctuation, headlines and captions. as well as this there are tips on what makes a good press release and how to use effective design and layout to produce easy to read text. readers will also find help on public speaking, pronunciation and the standard writing skills needed in the office.

this fourth edition includes new sections on website content and design, legal issues in websites and emails, what journalists look for in company websites, meeting the needs of your target audience, controlling and getting the best out of emails, writing and designing ezines, setting up online media centres and comparing video news releases with b-rolls of roughly edited footage. standard proof correction marks are included together with a glossary of terms.

this is an essential hands-on practical guide for anyone earning a living through the written or spoken word.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #66032 in Books
• Published on: 2008-06-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Writing Magazine, December 2001
a solid grounding in the writing requirements of the PR business…It covers a lot of ground in a complex but rewarding subject.

Review

“will provide the budding or established pro with an opportunity to gain a broader understanding of how good pr is created. for those new to pr it emphasises that writing is an invaluable part of the job.”

pr week

“a ‘how to’ guide that gives a solid grounding in the writing requirements of the pr business. it covers a lot of ground in a complex but rewarding subject.”

writing magazine

"by award-winning british author john foster...an invaluable guide for anyone wanting to impress their clients."

negros daily bulletin, philippines

"a practical guide to improving your copywriting, from pr professionals to anyone wanting to impress their clients."

commerce & industry

"a sound and comprehensive manual which includes a range of material which exists nowhere else in one volume."

printing world

—Commerce & Industry, July 2005
"A practical guide to improving your copywriting, from PR professionals to anyone wanting to impress their clients."

Customer Reviews

boredom in a book
The author John Foster is on one BIG ego trip and I am sure very clever.

If you need something to send you off at night buy this book! The content is an amalgam of a number of better and often referenced books on more particular and niche subjects.

The content spectacularly moves from subject to subject without depth and interest and ironically is incredibly difficult reading. Forcing the reader to stutter over words and phrases in a peculiar manner. Section 6 - is it easy to read? I answer a resounding NO!

The trouble with plurals is a entertaining section as it alerts you to pooly written market traders signs. The punctuation bit reminds me a a primary school lesson, yet less memorable.

When I bought the book I was interested to learn yet the style is a major turn off and I no doubt use cliches with bad punctuation even today.

The most useful bit is the further reading - it points you to the actual book you want to read about the particular subject. I am off to buy an Oxford Dictionary for Writers

The brilliance of getting it right
Effective Writing Skills for Public Relations is an important book. It is especially useful if your own written standard of English needs a brush-up.


I lecture in self-promotion and in my own business I have to market all kinds of products and services. Last year I pored through every line on every page of this book and found the information extremely useful, concise and to the point. The book contains a fantastic amount of industry information which no one could possibly stumble across by chance.


There are a couple of crucial legal issues explained that I was unaware about. The explanation about imprints and the regulations policing the production of company reports is vital. As well as essential reading for professionals, I also think it would be extremely useful for students who are studying PR, marketing, or media programmes - in fact for anyone who needs writing skills to earn their living.

Really useful guide
This book is a really useful reference and provides a great starting point for any piece of eye catching snappy writing that you want to produce. Simple and effective.