I try not to write posts that are simply links to other posts, but I had to make an exception for this. I was quite happy to see Scott Meyer’s post on writing an effective effective book earlier this week. I received an earlier version of this advice almost a decade ago when I first worked on the proposal and outline for Effective C#. That advice, and all of Scott’s additional advice and counsel made all the books I’ve written for the Effective series better. His guidance and advice are a key reason why the Effective Series books are so successful, and so well-received. The the authors in the series receive this advice, and receive constant feedback on the content, the form, the advice, and the style that goes into an Effective book.
The advice I got from Scott helped in many areas beyond writing that book. It has helped me become better at writing in general. I’m also better at explaining difficult concepts when I’m speaking to developers, or in meetings with other technical leaders. I remember several review comments from Scott on my first manuscript that started, “I don’t know C# very well, but this doesn’t make sense to me. Will your readers understand this?” It made me rework several explanations for greater clarity, and to be more complete.
If you’re thinking of writing a book, you must read this post. It contains many nuggets of information that will help you reach your audience. You’ll explain your points more clearly, and you’ll justify your arguments much better. Your writing will actually accomplish its purpose.
Even if you don’t plan to write a book, you should read this advice. If you work in technology, and you ever explain difficult concepts to coworkers, managers, customers, or others, this information is very useful. You’ll be more effective at work, and your advice and counsel will be taken more often.
If you’ve enjoyed the books I’ve written for the Effective Series, this post gives you a glimpse at Scott’s advice to make those books as useful as they’ve been. It’s invaluable advice. Read it. It will help you as much as it helped me.
