The whole process, in order.
BEFORE WRITING
Decide who reads this and why Decide what you know that a general source does not
Gather your specifics: numbers, examples, experience
BRIEFING
Reader, purpose, tone, length, what to include, what to avoid Paste your style brief
STRUCTURING
Ask for an outline Edit the outline yourself Remove sections that say nothing
DRAFTING
Section by section Supply your specifics as you go Do not accept the first version
EDITING
Cut the preamble and the summary Remove hedged generalities Add your examples and opinion Read it aloud
VERIFYING
Every fact, figure, name, quotation and citation Every link Internal consistency
FINAL CHECK
Remove your business name. Could a competitor publish it? Would you sign your name to it?
AFTER PUBLISHING
Note the date Review annually
