Review: Michael Stelzner's Writing White Papers
Learn How to Write Effective Business Reports
Aug 14, 2009
The first white papers were government documents, but white papers are now frequently used in business.
Early white papers were primarily technical, but now these documents, intended to inform, are increasingly used to persuade readers in a particular direction. A skilfully written white paper can be a powerful selling tool when approached properly.
Michael Stelzner specializes in writing white papers, and his guide Writing White Papers: How To Capture Readers and Keep Them Engaged provides a clear road map to the skills that make this one of the most lucrative forms of freelance writing.
Writing White Papers is a Lucrative Form of Freelance Writing
Stelzner's book is written for anybody who has ever been asked to write a white paper without knowing where to begin, or for freelance writers investigating this field as a potential avenue of income. According to the author, the best white paper writers can command $1000 per page, but they must work hard to earn this income. A well-written white paper is an exercise in research, patience, diligence and time.
The book starts with an introduction to writing white papers and some background information, then launches into a step-by-step explanation of the different parts of the document.
White Paper Basics and Learning how to Write White Papers
The first few chapters deal with preparatory work: Setting up the white paper equivalent of a mission statement, how to research, and how to interview.
Included in this section are tips on making sure every member of the team is pulling in the same direction, including the acquisition of signed "contracts" which can be pointed at when individuals try to make the white paper fit their own agendas. Also particularly useful are the tips for keeping interviewees on track, and for clarifying technical points.
A Detailed White Paper Guide Explains the Mechanics
Each section from title to conclusion receives its own chapter, ordered in the way that it would appear in the white paper itself. Covered are the first page, the writing of a compelling title, and then the main body of the paper itself.
The final section contains some general hints on writing, overcoming writer's block, and formatting. There is also material on marketing the completed white paper and places where it can be used or posted.
Just like white papers, the tone of this book is rather dry. The information within, however, is comprehensive and clear, truly a blueprint for writing a white paper. Appendices give a quick checklist for the topic, an extensive list of resources and two sample white papers.
White Paper Expert Michael Stelzner
Michael Stelzner has a Master's Degree in Communications from San Diego State University, and lives in Southern California. He runs the White Paper Source Newsletter and the white paper online portal, White Paper Source.
 |
