Varieties of business writing

I’ve come across a few business writing resources recently, specifically:

• How to write a business letter that gets results: Discusses basic business letter structure and tips and tricks for better letters. [http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/how-to-write-a-business-letter-that-gets-results.html]
• The ultimate article pitch [http://freelanceswitch.com/finding/the-ultimate-article-pitch/]
• 12 tips for better writing [http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/12-tips-for-better-business-writing.html]:
  • Less is more
  • Avoid jargon
  • Write once, check twice
  • Write once, check twice (yes, it’s in there twice for a reason!)
  • Pay special attention to names, titles and genders
  • Save templates
  • Be professional, not necessarily formal
  • Remember the 5 W’s (and the H)
  • Call to action
  • Don’t give too many choices
  • What’s in it for your reader?
  • Hire a freelancer: “Writing is most likely not your strong suit – if it’s important, hire someone for whom writing is their strong suit.” (I like this one!)

[Links last checked December 2009]