There is a reason Lynn Gaertner-Johnston’s blog pops up in the #1 Google spot when you type business writing.

She’s good.

• Lynn is the founder of Syntax Training
• It’s a company that offers business writing courses for managers and employees

Lynn also hosts BusinessWritingBlog – the one with the #1 Google ranking.

I’ve followed Lynn’s blog for a few years now. What I love most is her practical and professional approach to business writing.

When I discovered Lynn earned her master’s degree in communication from the University of Notre Dame, that sealed the deal.

• I am a HUGE Notre Dame fan
• My uncle graduated from Notre Dame and was secretary of the alumni club
• My cell phone ringtone is Notre Dame’s Victory March

Sorry – I digress.

Book Review

The real reason for this post was to let you know about Lynn’s book, Clarity, Conciseness, Zing and More: 262 Ways to Take Business Writing Beyond the Basics.

• It’s not a new book – it has a 2009 copyright
• I don’t know how I missed it
• But I thought I’d share my thoughts about the book

In the tradition of Simply stated business, I’ll review Lynn’s book from the perspective of this blog’s theme ~

Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours.

Keep it Simple

The secret to keeping it simple is not losing your message in the delivery. This book excels at keeping it simple.

Have you read business writing books that sound like Abbot and Costello’s Who’s on first routine?

• Mary loves whom?
• Who?
• Not who – whom
• What?
• No, what comes later
• What?
• Yeah, what comes later – so Mary loves whom?

Lynn’s simple delivery helps you avoid slapstick writing.

The book has five sections.

1. Write Efficiently
2. Write Confidently
3. Write Persuasively
4. Write Correctly
5. Write for Career Success

Each section contains tips and techniques for better writing.

Examples include ~

• The 12 Best Tips for Email Efficiency
• Six Steps to Clear, Powerful Sentences
• Seven Steps to a Great Presentation
• FAQs on the Rules of Business Writing
• How to Communicate Your Value

The 72-page book has a simple, easy-to-read style.

Each point has an example, making understanding simple – just like we like it.

Keep it Clear

To keep it clear, stay focused on your message.

The book’s message is you can take your business writing from adequate to exceptional.

And it shows you how.

A book with a great layout, but soft content is like a cake in a beautiful baking dish that collapses when removed from the oven.

Fortunately, this book’s content has plenty of substance.

• It offers simple tips you can apply immediately
• Each section stands on its own so you can zero in on your needs
• The book provides a handy guide when you want a quick refresher

Even if you are a seasoned writer, this book presents new ideas – or at least a twist on an old idea.

It’s a word-nerd’s slice of heaven.

Keep it Uniquely Yours

I admit it, at first I was somewhat intimidated to leave comments on Lynn’s blog. That’s when I found out what’s unique about Lynn.

She is that good, but doesn’t make you feel like a murderer – just because you left a dangling participle.

• There are grammar freaks out there who are really scary
• They’re having a field day with my excessive use of adverbs

This book maintains that non-preachy uniqueness with simple, clear writing.

It’s a powerful combination. 

The Whole Package

Lynn offers the book in pdf format and as a printed spiral guide. The current price is $39.95 for an individual copy.

There’s an option for businesses that want a site license to upload or print the guide for their employees.

• This is not an affiliate offering
• My only gain is my personal enjoyment
• And a smile for promoting better business writing

Have you read this book? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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