TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I highly recommend the following:
--Managing Your Documentation Projects, JoAnn T. Hackos, part of the Wiley
Technical Communications Library
--Designing and Writing Online Documentation, William Horton, also part of
the Wiley TC Lib
--Handbook of Technical Writing, Fifth Edition, Brusaw/Alred/Oliu, St.
Martin's Press
Another great book, although I don't know if it's still in press or if
there's a newer edition (I *think* the different editions deal with
different types of manuals, and this particular one is Operator Manuals,
Service Manuals, and Manuals for International Markets), is:
--Writing and Designing Manuals, Second Edition, Gretchen Holstein Schoff
and Patricia A. Robinson, Lewis Publishers
Can't help much with issue 2, British usage. However, I know the Chicago
Manual of Style does address the differences b/w "languages"
IMHO, unless you work for MS, or work exclusively with MS products, avoid
basing your decisions on the MS manual of style. There are better resources
for what we need to know than a proprietary issuance from one particular
software company.
Best of luck!
Corinne
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jillian Mcavoy
> Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 1999 5:02 AM
> To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject: Books for guidance
>
> Hello out there,
>
> I have just gotten my first position with a small firm writing their user
> guide. Both the firm and myself are new to this. From what I have
> gleaned
> from the messages, MS and Chicago's Manuals of Style are a must. But what
> sort of books are good to guide you through the requirements analysis,
> project planning, not to mention methodology?
>
> Also, and additional question. As a Canadian living in the UK, are there
> any British books on style? After 6 and a half years over here, it's hard
> to
> remember whether the colloquialism or spelling is British, American, or
> Canadian! :)
>
> Any help greatly appreciated!
>
>
> Jillian Flanagan-McAvoy
>
>
> From ??? -at- ??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000=
> =
>
