Book Review: Managing Your Documentation Projects

By T.A. Seelen

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the prospect of managing a large-scale documentation project? Have you wondered just how you would go about it, given the opportunity?

Joann T. Hackos has written a practical book that may be for you. This book has something for all, regardless of skill level or specialty, beginning writers and seasoned professionals, alike.

Hackos' book, Managing Your Documentation Projects, is a logically approached enterprise. Broken down into a real, usable, step-by-step process, following her clear guidelines could very well help your own project's success.

A Few Extra Bonuses
Bonus guideline tips positioned throughout are a helpful addition I particularly enjoyed. Additionally, some real treats appear in the Appendices. Found on pages 571-586, these practical pieces appear:

• Information-Plan Template
• Audience-Analysis Checklist
• Environment-Analysis Checklist
• Content-Specifications Template
• Project Wrap-Up Report

Many Successes
We all want to succeed in our endeavors. Why not add this well written and informative resource to your writing and/or project management library? By doing so, you can only put yourself in the position of being a winner.

Tim Seelen is a Technical Writer for Precision Countertops' Granite division, in Tualatin, Oregon. Tim is also a co-manager of the company's Web site and does computer-assisted manufacturing for the Granite/Stone Engineering division. Tim can be contacted at tim.s@precisioncountertops.com.