“Combining the best of William Strunk and E.B. White’s Elements of Style and William Zinsser’s On Writing Well, Lamb remains true to classic writing advice while mirroring the modern business world… Lamb’s short, tightly focused chapters and clear prose make this title a must-have for public, academic, and business collections.” ―Library Journal

“Yes, it’s possible to write business prose without sounding like Mr. Burns. Sandra Lamb can tell you how to deliver that bad-news memo, how to write email like a grown-up, how to take blame without groveling, and how to be grammatically correct without being stiff. She knows! And anyone who advises against ‘repurpose’ and ‘strategic fit’ gets my vote.” ―Patricia T. O’Conner, author with Stewart Kellerman, of Woe Is I and, Origins of the Specious

“Sandra Lamb is a pro’s pro as a writer, editor and coach. Her book is an important resource for anyone interested in clear, concise communications in the business world.” ―Timothy Harper, writing coach, CUNY Graduate School of Journalism; editor and publisher, CUNY Journalism Press

“Finally, a clear and easy to read and apply reference book on writing. Sandra Lamb has truly written a fine and concise book that includes all the fundamentals of writing for business and for life. This is one of the best books on writing that I have ever read in my near 40 years of college teaching. This incredible book is nicely designed to allow writers quick and easy access to all of the necessary rules needed to write proper emails, reports, and other office research projects. This is a wonderful book to help both students and professionals succeed. Writing Well will give writers of all levels the confidence and knowledge to be an expert writer on the job or in the classroom. This book is a fresh and insightful way to master writing at work and at home. As a long time college writing instructor, I highly recommend it.” ―Professor M. L. Liebler, Department of English, Wayne State University-Detroit

“Sandra E. Lamb has made an enviable career out of practicing what she preaches. Her latest book, Writing Well for Business Success, will benefit anyone who’s trying to make the great leap from academic writing (often stuffy, wordy, and riddled with jargon) to clear and concise professional writing.” ―Richard Nordquist, professor emeritus of English and guide to grammar and composition at About.com

“Everybody complains about poor nonfiction writing, but Sandra Lamb is doing something about it. Businesses which assign her sensible and useful new book on writing may start to save some of the billions of dollars now being poured into remedial writing classes for all levels of employees.” ―Will Fitzhugh, The Concord Review

“This is the one book your high school English teacher would like you to commit to memory. Read it before you type something that could get you fired.” ―Alisa Bowman, journalist and co-author Pitch Perfect

“Sandra Lamb’s latest book is essential reading for every businessperson. Keep it next to your computer and plan to use it everyday.” ―Robert L. Shook, New York Times Best Selling Author

“Anyone who works with words on the job–or to get a job–will benefit from the remarkable expertise of writing guru Sandra E. Lamb. She’s written a warm and friendly guide to making yourself heard whether you’re writing an email, a resume or a business plan.” ―Randy Dotinga, president, American Society of Journalists and Authors

Introduction
“When attendees at an ongoing business writing seminar were asked, “How many of you receive badly written emails?” every person raised a hand. Eyes rolled.

“The complaints that tumbled out were:

. Emails with run-on sentences
. Emails that ramble and are unclear
. Punctuation and grammatical errors
. A tone that is offensive or annoying
. Improper use of the subject line
. Careless or improper use of REPLY ALL, FORWARD, TO, cc, and bcc
. Improper, brusque, or no greeting
. Ignorance of organization email protocol and political correctness…”

“Writing Well for Business Success combines the best principles of William Strunk, Jr., and E.B. White’s The Elements of Style and William Zinsser’s On Writing Well into one concise and up-to-the-minute little volume that can become your quick-reference bible on effective business writing for today’s workplace. And it includes the latest skills needed to effectively use today’s number one business communications vehicle—email…”

PART ONE
FIRST THINGS FIRST
“I recently conducted a workshop for middle managers that was aimed at helping them improve their email writing skills. To start, I asked, “How many of you receive far too many emails that add no value and waste your time?” Every person raised a hand. “So,” I continued, “would you say the first problem in business emails is the writer’s failure to determine if he has something of value to say?” Everyone nodded…”