A style guide is essential for writers and editors who produce publications and help projects—but it's not the whole story.

Many writers and editors swear by a style guide when organizing, editing and writing their publications. Well-known style guides include the Chicago Manual, the AP Style guide and the Microsoft manual for electronic and technical publications. Many corporations adapt elements of these to produce their own, distinctive style guides.

One of the most useful documents I've found when comparing help authoring tools is one by Matthew Ellison of Ellison Consulting, Ltd.: Comparison of HAT Paradigms and Workflows at http://www.writersua.com/ohc/suppmatl/suppmatl07/ellison_tools.pdf

Why was it helpful? It examines:

What have I learned or gained most from TECHWR-L (and other tech writer email lists)?

1) connection and communication with a community of skilled, caring people

2) continual learning about the field of technical communication and its tools from those who use them and do the job

During my research on HATS for beginners like me, I found these great resources:

List of available HATs for help authors who use MS Word at:
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=AvailableTools

List of reviews on many of these HATS:
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=SoftwareReviews

I’ve also gotten good insight by emailing authors of software reviews. Many have responded within days and have been helpful.

Mostly however, I’ve found that trying the application is the best way to determine if it’s right for my projects and purposes.

Hi all, My mission: create a user-friendly sales training manual. I am wondering if anyone can offer some tips, or point me toward someone who can advise me on what software might be appropriate for this venture. We are thinking about a mostly online, easily revisable and hyperlinked format. I know nothing abour HAT software, and wonder if it is too much technology, if it is even appropriate for this venture?