TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Thank you for the reply, Don. I admit, I do love intellectual challenges.
From: Don Cunningham [mailto:doncunningham79 -at- yahoo -dot- com]
Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2012 3:45 PM
To: Cardimon, Craig; 'techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com'
Subject: Re: Question about "How To" Articles
In 1981 Writer's Digest Books published a book by Raymond Hull (co-author of the Peter Principle) titled How to Write "How-To" Books and Articles. I've written an article on teaching how to write instructional material (Dwight Stevenson, ed. Courses, Components, and Exercises in Technical Communication. Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English, 1981) and a chapter on writing instructions (How to Write for the World of Work, 7th ed. Boston: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2005). But I've never used the term "How-to," "How-To," or "How To," although the term is certainly a useful one.
What fun you will have writing that series. Instructions is one of the most intellectual challenging kinds of writings and presentations.
Good luck,
Don C.
Donald H. Cunningham
Professor Emeritus of English
Auburn University
Fellow, Society for Technical Communication
Fellow, Association of Teachers of Technical Writing
I need to compile/write a series of How To pieces.
At the moment, I'm using "'How To' Articles" just to call them something.
But now I'm wondering: Should they be How-To Articles or "How To" Articles?
With hyphen or with quotes?
Cordially,
Craig
Information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Writer Tip: Create 10 different outputs with Doc-To-Help -- including Mobile and EPUB.
Looking for the archived Techwr-l email discussions? Search our public email archives @ http://techwr-l.com/archives
Information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Writer Tip: Create 10 different outputs with Doc-To-Help -- including Mobile and EPUB.