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Words That Work Archive
Words That Work: The Insider's Guide to Better Publications delivers advice on editorial strategies, writing and editing tips, and usage guidance, along with other helpful information for writers, editors, and communications directors.
To read past issues, click the date. Newsletters are PDF files and require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don’t have it, you can download it from Adobe’s Web site.
April 2008
“Death By Committee Writing” helps you get the best results with multiple stakeholders. Plus, the value of communicating simply about complex subjects.
March 2008
“Think Outside the Hallway” gives you tips for speaking to external audiences. Plus, how to grab your audience in this attention-deficit age.
February 2008
“Credibility Counts. Do You Have It?” shows you may be sending the message that you can’t be believed. Plus, why insider-speak baffles instead of persuading.
January 2008
“Trying to Connect? Be Human” helps you tap a voice that keeps readers with you and enhances credibility. Plus, a New Year’s resolution to focus and simplify.
December 2007
“Make Strategy Investments Pay” helps you keep your communications plan on track. Plus, anecdotal evidence provides food for thought.
November 2007
“The Sweet Spot: Find It, Hit It” provides guideposts to the intersection of your interests and those of your audience. Plus, how to avoid project management hell.
October 2007
We answer a perennial question in “Does Quality Really Matter?” and show when “good enough” really is good enough. Plus, a few interactive communications lessons in “Calculating Your Footprint.”
September 2007
“Think Bigger: Get Off Your Track” provides a road map for finding fresh routes to improved communications. Plus, “Sustainability: More Than Green” on what it means to have truly sustainable communications.
August 2007
“Head Off Collaboration Headaches” provides strategic tips for getting your team together on large communications projects. Plus, “Got the Message?” defines some lingo.
July 2007
“Got a Pig? Save the Lipstick” covers how to avoid 11th-hour communications projects, and what to do if you can’t. Plus, why green and clean marketing needs to get real.
June 2007
See how internal communications can help engage employees in “Induce Inspiration, Not Yawns.” Plus, words of courage for taking the leap into improvement.
May 2007
In “Goldilocks and the Three Rules,” a fussy home invader sets an example for “just right” communications. Plus, why it pays to be patient.
April 2007
“The Key to Clarity: Simplicity” looks at communicating effectively about complex products and services. Plus, paring away unneeded detail so benefits shine.
March 2007
See how to gain control of your communications medium with “Are You Being Ruled By a Tool?” Plus, business writing advice on the Web.
February 2007
Take our “Test Your Strategic Foundation” quiz to see how your communications stand up. Plus, three key ways to turn media interest into coverage.
January 2007
Break free from the tyranny of fixed ideas with “Why Do You Want To Do That?” Plus we offer resolutions to focus and simplify in 2007.
November 2006
“Rise to the Challenge of Change” helps fast-moving organizations communicate strategically. Plus, “Watch Out for Copywriting Pitfalls” reveals common culprits in lackluster materials.
October 2006
“Don't Hire a Marcom Consultant!” helps set you up for success with outside assistance. Plus, “Need Blogging Advice? Click Here” provides resources for beginners.
September 2006
“What Plan? Avoid the Ad Hoc Trap” covers how to create a plan that’s worth the time invested. Plus, “Communicating Complexity—Simply” on promoting complicated offerings.
August 2006
“Strategy vs. Execution: Mind the Gap” illustrates the need to embed strategy in all aspects of communications vehicles. Plus, “What’s Better Than Sex?”
July 2006
“Death by Committee Writing” shows how too many cooks spoil your communications strategy. Plus, “A Good Quote Is Worth 1,000 Words.”
June 2006
“Are You Serious? Speaking Credibly” makes a case for boosting your credibility quotient. Plus, the art of overcoming resistance to your pitch.
May 2006
“Print or e-news? That’s the question!” helps you find the best medium for your message. Plus, how building a strategic foundation keeps your communications house from falling down.
April 2006
“Does Your Strategy Measure Up?” looks at why assessing communications success is a necessity, not a luxury. Plus, tips for success stories that make a lasting impression.
March 2006
“Substance, Honesty Boost Morale” explores the content that makes internal newsletters succeed. Plus, tips for home page copy that delivers.
February 2006
“The Art of Making People Care” considers content that’s sure to win hearts and minds—and get people off their duffs. Plus, “To SEO or Not to SEO?” points you to good resources.
January 2006
“Get Your Messages Out” looks at how to assess message delivery in all your communications. Plus, tips on getting the best from consultants, a review of the Chicago Manual of Style’s Web site, and the Grammar Queen feels permissive.
December 2005
Our annual “best of” issue brings back old favorites: “Get an Annual Boost” demonstrates the strategic value of annual reports and “Pep Up Program, Product Stories” shows you how to do just that. Plus, a timeless rant and a Grammar Queen classic.
November 2005
See how blue sky exploration can improve communications in “Think Big, Get Results.” “Battling Information Overload” helps marketers with a persistent challenge. Plus, a rave about Snopes.com, and the Grammar Queen has a dashing fancy.
October 2005
Find out what Web visitors want in “Delivering Web Value,” and find out how to get the information you need in “Right Questions, Right Answers.” Plus, a rant about clients who shun discussion and the Grammar Queen gets stylishly casual.
September 2005
“Tap Your Human Voice” explains how a natural voice makes your communications stand out, and we provide tips on writing about services and programs. Plus, a rant about editorial processes and the Grammar Queen’s proactive proscription.
August 2005
We share some consumer magazine strategies for fun, engaging publications in “Magazine-Rack Gold,” and demystify the editing process. Plus, a rave about the MarketingProfs e-newsletter, and the Grammar Queen sets her sights on and/or.
July 2005
“Content Comes First” shows how to avoid missed opportunity and extra expense, and we offer tips on honing proofreading skills. Plus, a rave about the new Bullfighter, and the Grammar Queen has the last word on serial commas.
June 2005
“Blueprint for Success” gives you an outline for a communications plan, and we help you get commissioned articles right the first time. Plus, a rave about the design studio 2x4, and the Grammar Queen rebels (with a cause).
May 2005
“Get an Annual Boost” looks at ways to give your annual report strategic marketing muscle, and we help you choose the right writer. Plus: why internal lingo baffles external audiences, and the Grammar Queen explains said versus says.
April 2005
We talk with a nonprofit veteran about the sector’s evolving communications needs, and provide tips on writing copy that really sells events. Plus: a look at Web usability resources, and the Grammar Queen says “Take that!”
March 2005
“Stale Site? Freshen Up!” shows you how to keep your Web site alive, and we help you become a better fact-checker. Plus: a rant on why you should measure communications results, and the Grammar Queen takes a Comma Sutra position.
February 2005
“Boost Your Campaigns” details how Web sites can play a key role in garnering support, and we make an executive case for investing in publications. Plus: a rave about Bartleby.com, and the Grammar Queen gets possessive with names.
January 2005
What better time than now to revamp or start a newsletter or Web site? “Don’t Just Do It (2.0)” gives you strategic assistance, and we help you evaluate existing publications. Plus: a rave about Junk English 2, and the Grammar Queen has capital ideas.
December 2004
We close the year with updated revivals of our favorite articles: “Old Shoe Syndrome,” on when to refresh aging publications; “How to Build a Better Case Study”; a rant about empty marketing blather; and a Grammar Queen classic.
November 2004
“What’s Your Message?” looks at the payoff of a strategic messaging foundation, and we give a few tips on working with editorial contractors. Plus: a rave about www.apple.com, and the Grammar Queen (no surprise) has a burr under her tiara.
October 2004
Looking for media coverage? “Getting in the Picture” provides a few tips from a PR pro; we also shed light on crafting home pages with allure. Plus: we rave about Geoff Nunberg’s new book, and the Grammar Queen advocates elegance.
September 2004
“Link Your Publications” shows how synergy between a Web site and newsletter amplifies messages; we also provide tips on how to write a good lead. Plus: a rant about people who expect too little, and the Grammar Queen shops for tiaras.
August 2004
“HTML vs. Text vs. PDF” helps answer the question that plagues every e-newsletter publisher, and we give you some production tips from the pros. Plus: we share our collection of typos that spell checkers miss, and the Grammar Queen uses her ear.
July 2004
“Steal These Ideas” looks at how consumer magazine techniques can improve your publications; we also show you how to catch the eye of an attention-deficit world. Plus: we rant about “free” content and the Grammar Queen parts a crowd.
June 2004
Need a little more control? “Outreach Strategy Pays” shows you how communications planning can save time, effort, and money; we also explain why everyone needs an editor. Plus: we rave about Power Reporting and the Grammar Queen gets salty.
May 2004
“The Value of Substance” explains why your Web site should showcase successes, and we tell you how to create Web content guidelines for novices. Plus: we rant about “Web” writing, and the Grammar Queen laughs her tiara off.
April 2004
“A Perfect Model?” examines the benefits of organizing content based on readers’ needs, and we show you how plot and characters help create a compelling story. Plus: we rant about ego vs. editorial judgment, and the Grammar Queen waxes agreeable.
March 2004
Learn how a little research can go a long way in “Go Beyond Bare Facts,” and get tips on pepping up program and product stories. Plus: a rave about The Grouchy Grammarian, and the Grammar Queen speaks of excess.
February 2004
“Build Your Brand” considers how publications amplify your image, and we help you get out of the creative doldrums. Plus: revisiting a timeless classic, and the Grammar Queen answers the question, “Too, comma or not?”
January 2004
We examine the value of publication evaluations in “Tend Your Investment” and provide a prescription for regular checkups. Plus: why blogs are bad for business, and the Grammar Queen sheds insight on impact.
December 2003
Discover how a strong editorial style enhances your identity in “Speak With One Voice,” and learn how to write a good headline. Plus: the design-or-content dilemma and the Grammar Queen is princess for a day.
November 2003
Explore how to reap rewards from your organization’s expertise in “Fruitful Knowledge.” Plus: making tough news judgment calls, the value of a marketing plan, and the Grammar Queen gets possessive.
October 2003
In “Waste Not, Want Not,” we consider a newsletter’s potential to enhance direct outreach, fundraising, and PR efforts. Plus: how to build a better case study, a guest rant on the value of names, and the Grammar Queen goes to court.
September 2003
In “Old Shoe Syndrome,” we look at the effects a worn-out newsletter or Web site can have on your organization. Plus: we rave about new reference books as only word geeks can, the Grammar Queen turns drama queen, and more.
August 2003
We report on the results of a recent study that shows customer magazines pay tangible dividends. Plus: a little variety goes a long way toward engaging readers, a big “Olé!” for Bullfighter, and the Grammar Queen goes to the dogs.
July 2003
Part two of our design series, “Instant Makeover,” gives you a few tips on how to spruce up your Web site or publication without the stress of a complete overhaul. Plus: how smart design amplifies content, a pox on puffery, and the dash-or-colon dilemma.
June 2003
In the first installment of a two-part feature article, four graphic designers discuss how organizations can dodge design pitfalls. Plus: we rant about a plague of capital letters and the Grammar Queen quotes the Bard.
May 2003
In “Web Sites That Work” we look at sites that focus on value and superior content. Plus: the Grammar Queen trusts no grammar checker and we rave about Flash animations.
April 2003
“Get a Bigger Payoff” looks at how publications can motivate and educate. Plus: how to hone your interviewing skills, a rave about BuzzWhack, and when to make nouns of verbs (or not).
March 2003
Our debut issue covers the key strategic questions to ask before taking off in a new editorial direction. Plus: how to banish boring executive letters and the columns Rant & Rave and Ask the Grammar Queen.
