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Shaun Fawcett Profile and Articles
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1). Letters of Recommendation – Writing Tips and Strategies
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
In addition to standard letter-writing dos and don'ts, there are a number of basic guidelines that apply specifically to most situations related to the writing of letters of recommendation. These are usually more "situational" than "how-to" in nature.
These recommendation letter guidelines are important to both note and apply, since writing letters of recommendation is always a somewhat tricky and delicate matter.
2). Letters of Recommendation - Writing Power Phrases
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As a result of writing literally hundreds of letters of recommendation over the years, I have learned that there are certain common elements and approaches that are applicable to almost all such letters.
If you look closely at most recommendation and reference letters you will notice that there are certain "types" of phrases that recur over and over again, throughout the various letters.
3). Letters of Recommendation Defined
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As I point out on the main page of my recommendation-reference-central.com Web site there is a great deal of general confusion about the differences and similarities between letters of recommendation and letters of reference. For instance; which is which, and why? How are they different? In what ways are they similar?
It's confusing enough for the average person who only has to write one of these letters every once in a while.
4). Letter of Recommendation or Letter of Reference – Which Is It?
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
Of the more than two million annual visitors to my two main "writing help" Web sites, over 60% of them are looking for some type of letter-writing assistance, and of those, 50% are seeking help with writing a "letter of recommendation" or "letter of reference."
Why do so many people need help with recommendation letters over and above all other types of letters, you might ask? Well, the main reason is this - they are BY FAR the most difficult letters to write.
5). Letters of Reference Defined
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As I point out on the main page of my Web site, recommendation-reference-central.com, there is a great deal of general confusion about the differences and similarities between letters of reference and letters of recommendation. For instance; which is which, and why? How are they different? In what ways are they similar?
It's confusing enough for the average person who only has to write one of these letters every once in a while.
6). Resignation Letters: Don’t Let Yours Backfire
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
It turns out that “tips and templates on how to write resignation letters” is among the most sought-after information at my Writing Help Central Web site.
So, when I looked into the subject more closely, I was surprised to find that there is not a lot of guidance available in guide book form on how to write a proper and appropriate resignation letter.
7). Go With the Flow: Write With Transition Words and Phrases
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
One of the most common weaknesses I see in day-to-day writing is poor logical flow from one idea or point to the next. This usually takes the form of a bunch of seemingly unrelated phrases thrown together with little or no sense of sequence, continuity, or relativity.
Although the overall subject may be obvious, the words to describe it seem to be scattered on the page like an almost random set of unconnected thoughts.
8). Use Real-Life Templates For Writing Success
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
At some point along the way, most of us have used what are commonly called "fill-in-the-blank" writing templates. We might have used them to write a letter, format an essay, or set-up a resume or CV.
You know what I'm talking about here. It's those form letter templates that you see in many writing texts and workbooks.
9). Letters of Reference – Writing Tips and Strategies
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
In addition to standard letter-writing dos and don'ts, there are a number of basic guidelines that apply specifically to most situations related to the writing of letters of reference. These are usually more "situational" than "how-to" in nature.
These reference letter guidelines are important to both note and apply, since writing letters of reference is always a somewhat tricky and delicate matter.
10). 7 Tips For Writing Thank You Letters With Class
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
When I first started tracking the information preferences of people visiting my Writing Help Central Web site I was surprised to find how many folks were seeking information on how to write thank you letters. In fact, “thank you letter” information and sample templates are the fifth ranked destinations at that Web site.
11). Letters of Reference - Writing Power Phrases
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As a result of writing literally hundreds of letters of reference over the years, I am aware that there are certain common elements and approaches that are applicable to almost all such letters.
If you look closely at most reference and recommendation letters you will notice that there are certain "types" of phrases that recur over and over again, throughout the various letters.
12). How To Write Cover Letters That Work
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
Frequently there is confusion about the exact meaning of the term "cover letter".
That's because when most people use that term, they don't realize that there are TWO main types of cover letters. There are "document transmittal cover letters", and there are "resume cover letters".
Some people have even gone so far as to name ALL letters “cover letters”.
13). When To Say Thank You In Writing
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
When I first started tracking the information preferences of people visiting my Writing Help Central Web site I was surprised to find how many folks were seeking information on how to write thank you letters. In fact, “thank you letter” information and sample templates are the fifth ranked destinations at that Web site.
14). Beware of Automatic Letter Generators
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
If you’ve spent any time online looking for letter writing help you have no doubt come across software programs that “automatically generate” various types of letters.
There are two typical ways in which these software letter generators work:
Basic Letter Generators
The most basic type of letter generator presents you with a list of letters that you can choose from.
15). E-Mail 101: The Dos and Don’ts
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
You would be amazed at some of the pure gibberish that arrives in my e-mailbox on a regular basis.
I first published a version of this article three years ago, but based on what comes into my e-mailbox every day, many people need a refresher on the basics of composing e-mails.
When sending e-mail, some folks seem to think that because they aren’t dealing directly with another person (or as directly as they would be face-to-face or by telephone), all forms of civility and basic respect for the other person (i.
16). Admission Essays: Don’t Shoot Yourself In the Foot
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
I got seriously involved in the college admission essay-writing business shortly after I published my eBook on recommendation letters, Instant Recommendation Letter Kit, a few years ago.
People who bought that book for help with their recommendation letters soon started asking me if I would review their admission essays and/or personal statements for them.
17). 10 Secrets For Everyday Writing Success
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
During my 30-year career in a variety of professional positions in both the private and public sectors I have written literally thousands of letters and memos and hundreds of reports. If I had to boil–down everything I’ve learned about practical day-to-day writing for both personal and business purposes into 10 key points, this would be my “Top 10 List".
18). Book Publishing: Problems With The Traditional Model
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
As many small-time authors and self-publishers have discovered the hard way, the traditional book publishing model is fraught with problems that conspire against an individual author/publisher making a decent living from their work.
The traditional model normally involves two basic choices: 1) use a commercial publisher, or 2) self-publish.
19). Online Book Publishing: Boost Your Sales With Online Publishing
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
This is the first in my series of articles that explain the Online Publishing Model and how small-time authors and/or self-publishers can use the OPM as a viable alternative to the often archaic and dysfunctional traditional book publishing model.
Typically, you will create your book/ebook in a source word processing program such as MS-Word or WordPerfect.
20). Online Book Publishing: Digital Fulfillment Delivers
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
This is another in my series of articles that explain the Online Publishing Model and how small-time authors and/or self-publishers can use the OPM as a more lucrative alternative to the often archaic and dysfunctional traditional book publishing model. In short, using the OPM you'll make more book sales and you’ll net more profits, faster.
21). 9 Tips For Writing Better Business Letters
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
It’s quite amazing how often business people fail to follow basic guidelines when it comes to writing their business correspondence. That might explain why so many people come to my writing help Web sites looking for help with their business letter writing. Just as businesses need to be focused and efficient to thrive and succeed, so too does the primary tool of most businesses — the business letter.
22). Business Letters: Do You Really Know What They Are?
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
My two “writing help” Web sites receive well over two million visitors per year looking for information and templates to help them with their writing. With that many visitors I get a pretty accurate idea of exactly what people are looking for in the way of letter writing help. In fact, a significant number of people arrive at my site based on the search phrase “business letter”.
23). Book Publishing: There Had To Be A Better Way
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
I have detailed at length in articles, books and websites, the many problems with the traditional book publishing model. Here’s a quick review of the more significant downsides of that model:
• You'll have to give away half of your book's value right up-front by being forced to discount the cover price by as much as 60% (Hard to believe isn't it!).
24). Book Publishing: Vanity Publishers Will Take You To The Cleaners
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
Many more people than you might think believe that they have a book or two inside of them, and they are yearning to get it out. In fact, almost every day I get e-mails from folks asking for help or information on how to write and publish a book or ebook.
These folks aren’t planning to be the next Hemingway or anything like that – they’re just regular people who have a story to tell or some information to share.
25). Online Book Publishing: Sales-Mini-Sites Are Mandatory
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
This is another in my series of articles that explain the Online Publishing Model and how small-time authors and/or self-publishers can use the OPM as a more lucrative alternative to the often archaic and dysfunctional traditional book publishing model. In short, using the OPM you'll make more book sales and you’ll net more profits, faster.
26). 10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume
Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the coverletter, are the master keys to opening the prospectiveemployer's mind and door so th
27). 7 Secrets For Beating Writer's Block
Most people can easily identify with the dreaded "writer'sblock". It is a well-known phenomenon that just abouteveryone has faced at one point
28). Business Letters: Keep Them Short and To The Point
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
If you ever draft letters, or any other documents where brevity is important, you'll want to pay close attention to these little practical "tricks of the trade".
The following is an abridged excerpt from a chapter I have included in a couple of my Writing Kits.
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Anyone who has read any of my articles on the subject of letter writing or resume writing will know how important I believe it is to minimize the number of pages, preferably limiting them to one page wherever possible.
29). Online Book Publishing: The Many Benefits of the OPM
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
This is another in my series of articles that explain the Online Publishing Model (OPM) and how small-time authors and/or self-publishers can use the OPM as a more lucrative alternative to the often archaic and dysfunctional traditional book publishing model. In short, using the OPM you'll make more book sales and you’ll net more profits, faster.
30). You Too Can Write A How-To Book (or eBook)
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
Are you aware that how-to books are among the easiest books to write? Yes, that’s right, they really are!
After all, how hard can it be to write about something you already know really well, something that you are passionate about? Heck, you may not even need to do any research! What other kind of author has that luxury?
As.
31). Online Book Publishing: Print-On-Demand Will Double Your Sales
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett
This is another in my series of articles that explain the Online Publishing Model and how small-time authors and/or self-publishers can use the OPM as a more lucrative alternative to the often archaic and dysfunctional traditional book publishing model. In short, using the OPM you'll make more book sales and you’ll net more profits, faster.
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