The Work of Writing: Insights and Strategies for Academics and Professionals

No matter what the writing assignment–journal article, executive summary, grant proposal, curriculum guide, or consultant′s report— The Work of Writing will serve as an invaluable aid for faculty and professionals who need to hone their writing skills. In this book, Elizabeth Rankin draws on her years of experience as a leader of academic writing groups and shares a wealth of scenarios from actual writing experiences. These helpful stories speak to complex issues of audience, purpose, genre, and voice that writers routinely address. Using the strategies found in The Work of Writing will make the job of the writer more manageable, more productive, and more rewarding.

Preface. Chapter 1. The Work of Writing. Chapter 2. Contributing to the Professional Conversation. Defining Your Contribution. Getting Into the Conversation. Maintaining Your Vision. Chapter 3. Meeting Readers′ Needs and Expectations. Creating Signposts and Roadmaps. Paying Attention to Genre Expectations. Making Sense of the Conventions. Dealing With Difficult Situations. Resisting the Temptation to Recycle. Chapter 4. Finding Your Professional Voice. Claiming Ownership of Your Writing. Exorcising the Grad Student Within. Making It Personal. Keeping It Under Control. Chapter 5. Starting, Revising, and Finishing. Getting Started. Learning to Like Revising. Getting It In the Mail. Afterword. Appendix A: Organizing a Writing Group. Appendix B: Sample Book Proposal Guidelines. Appendix C: A Few Good Books on Writing. References. Index.

Elizabeth Rankin teaches English and directs a faculty development program at the University of North Dakota, where she leads writing seminars and teaching workshops for faculty of all disciplines. She is a consultant–evaluator for the National Council of Writing Program Administrators.

" The Work of Writing achieves its promise to support writers as they enter the professional conversation." ( The Department Chair ; Summer 2004) "Practical advice for academics and graduate students who want to hone their skills and liven up their writing." ( Book News, Inc. , November 2001)