Archive: editing
The First Draft is Just That: a Draft
Instead of straining to write the first version of a communication, just relax and write; that’s what a draft is for. If you ever moved into a house or an apartment, you know that your initial concern is simply getting the boxes and furniture into the new...
Think Like a Writer AND an Editor
The writing craft requires that you think like both a writer and an editor because at the end of the drafting process, the two tasks are intertwined. Writing has three phases: drafting, revising, where you make changes and rewrite, and then editing. Many people think...Making the Most of the Revising Phase
Avoid sitting in in front of the screen in anguish, reading and rereading the draft and hoping that it will rewrite itself. As you immerse yourself in the revising phase of the writing process, shaving words, repositioning information, and making other alterations,...Revising: the Essential Step in the Writing Process
Good writing is created in steps, and the most important one often is neglected because hurried writers want to make the first draft the final draft. The writing process involves organizing ideas, drafting, revising, and editing, and it is in the revising phase that...By Ken O’Quinn
Focus on Them
Perfect Phrases for Business Letters (McGraw-Hill)
TD at Work — Business Writing for Managers
As a contributing author in this book on leadership, Ken offers insights and tips for managing difficult conversations, providing effective feedback, and being authentic. Order here.
Perfect Phrases for Business Letters (McGraw-Hill)
Provides the right words and phrases for any situation - quickly. The book was reprinted in Japanese because of high-volume sales there.
TD at Work — Business Writing for Managers
The Association for Talent Development invited Ken to write this 22-page booklet for the TD at Work series.
Current Blog Post
Writing to Persuade: Where You Should Position Your Best Option
Positioning information can be an important factor when you are trying to persuade