Working with Words: A Concise Handbook for Media Writers and Editors

by Brian S. Brooks

In many ways, Working with Words differs little from other grammar books. It accomplishes its task very well, though. A highlight of this book has to be its organization. The book is divided into 11 chapters and 4 appendixes. All the basics are covered: sentences, phrases and clauses; the parts of speech; punctuation, etc. Other sections cover tight writing, muddled language and "sexism, racism and other '-isms.'" But the absolute best parts of this book are the lists and appendixes. "What to Tighten A-Z" offers a quick guide to getting rid of phrases that are wordy, redundant or cliché. "Confused words" helps you decide whether to use continual or continuous, fortuitous or fortunate among many others. Sections on common mistakes and frequently misspelled words also help you avoid errors. But my favorite section has to be the one called "One word, two words, or hyphenated?" It is a fabulously quick and easy reference.

Genres: Writing, Reference, Nonfiction, Journalism, Read For School, Academic

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Laura]

I read the first chapter of this book. It was long and tedious, filled with the proper usage of grammar and writing mechanics. And while I felt like it was pertinent information, it was hard to get through. Since it wasn't talked about or used in the class I was taking I gave up reading it. It also confused me a little because I have been learning the MLA format and this is the format for journalism and they have slightly different rules. I wouldn't recommend.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...

[Brian]

A fantastic resource for anyone who writes for a living or aspires to. This would be a must-have book even if it contained only the chapter with a list of words that often cause people to wonder if they're one word, two words or hyphenated.

[Justin]

As essential as the AP Stylebook.

[Brynn]

Great reference book for journalistic writers. Love the A to Z lists for different topics.

[Ellie]

Everything that Strunk and White is not. You go, Brian Brooks. I used this when I went to Mizzou and it still sits on my desk at the newspaper I write for.

[John and Stephanie Henry]

Awesome!

This book was so helpful when writing in my media class! I would recommend to any student or writer in general.