Writing Skills for Public Relations

This is the fifth edtion of a textbook of public relations writing by John Foster. It is recommended for students of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma, and was designed for the British media industry and British English usage. Foster writes in a matter-of-fact style that will remind American readers of an etiquette manual. He focuses on precise cultural details, such as using gilt-edged stationery for business invitations; the standards here are those of office culture and media professions in the UK. For more general rules, he generally focuses on what not to do. While the book is targeted to readers who may not know how to write a business letter or speak in front of a group, additional classroom curriculum is implied; readers are told they will fail utterly as professionals if they do X, but what to do instead is often not explained here. For this reason, beginning writers will also need a writer's style manual. This book is strongest in the details of how public relations firms and media businesses work, for instance the specific duties of a subeditor (and the qualities a text needs before it will be considered news). The book has chapters covering everything from business email conventions to libel laws, advertising codes to annual reports to social media to how to speak in person with an educated accent. Much of this information is specific to the laws, practices, and cultures of the UK, and will be useful for readers doing business there; readers doing business in the US should consult a US text. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)