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A good technical writing book for engineers?
5

A good technical writing book for engineers?

A good technical writing book for engineers?

(OP)
Hello all…

Can anybody recommend a good technical writing book for engineers?   I have been just following other peoples styles; it would be nice to reference something to make my writing better.

Thank you in advance.


Go Mechanical Engineering
Tobalcane

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

If you are in the UK then I can recommend two books very highly:
1. Writing Technical Reports - Bruce M Cooper ISBN 0 14 02.0676 0
2. The Complete Plain Words - Sir Earnest Gowers ISBN 0 14 02.0554 3

The first one shows how to layout your reports etc.
The second one stops you being too verbose and makes you state your case clearly and concisely.
Both are great for style.
Both are or were published by Pelican (Penguin) books, although they are probably out of print now. According to the price list on the back cover they were available in Australia and Canada, I don't know whether they are or ever were available in the US. They taught me a great deal and even my Managing Director (President to you US guys) comes to me for advice

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

(OP)
Thanks gaufridus!

I’m in the USA, but I will check to see if my local book store carries it

Thanks for responding!

Go Mechanical Engineering
Tobalcane

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?


Toblecane,

Both books are available from abebooks for $1 plus shipping, but from the UK. There are a few US sellers that are charging slightly more, but the shipping is probably less.

If you don't know know about abebooks, it's a very good source for current as well as out-of-print books.  It's especially useful for code and industry references.  I've ordered many books from a variety of sellers and have never had a problem.  Here's the link.

http://www.abebooks.com/

ps:  I ordered both.  My total was about $10.50, which includes shipping!

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

(OP)
Thanks casseopeia!

Go Mechanical Engineering
Tobalcane

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

Technically Write by Ronning

Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng

Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

(OP)
Thanks RDK!  I'll check that one out...

Did any body buy and used Technical Writing: For Engineers and Scientists by Barry J. Rosenberg ?

Go Mechanical Engineering
Tobalcane

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

I didn't get the Rosenberg book, but I have read the introduction chapter in 'Writing Technical Reports' by Bruce Cooper.  I love it already.  He begins by giving examples of poorly written reports by highly educated and intelligent scientists and engineers.  Mr. Cooper then analyzes  how the writing is deficient in its communication.  He also offers speculation on how this trend came about, and then provides his improved version.

Here are some quotes that I highlighted from that chapter.

In reference to a particularly bad writing sample, "(I)t typifies many of the common faults which are to be found in reports, the avoidance of the first person and the use of the passive voice..."

"Another reason for the adoption of language such as that in the example of the aeronautical engineer is the curious idea that objectivity can be only established by writing impersonally, that any intrusion of the observer somehow invalidates his findings."

"He adopts the impersonal style, with all its disadvantages, as an assurance of his own objectivity, or as a safeguard against being tied down too closely to what he has said."

I agree with everything so far.  My only warning  is that you have to bear in mind that the book was first published in 1964 and is written to and about MALE engineers and scientists exclusively.  Having been educated in a more PC environment, I find myself wincing just a bit.  Overall, I like what I've read.

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

Casseopia:   Glad you like the book - I hope you get something out of it.

I am a male and perhaps I am of a somewhat more mature age (but still not quite an adult in 1964)than you young PC folks. So I'm sorry if I caused you to wince but I'm afraid that's how it was in those days. I have never considered it from your point of view but would still recommend it.

I suspect that one of the curiosities you may also come across is that it was written by an Englishman; It would be interesting to know how its recommendations compare with, say, US (or anywhere else for that matter) practice .

It probably does need a PC update, but sadly books like that aren't usually written (or rewritten) every generation.

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

gaufridus,

You don't have to appologize.  Actually, a little wince now and then is nothing.  A reaction consisting of a snort, guffaw or groan would be much worse!...and so far there is nothing like that.

The book has actually weathered quite well.  So far I agree with everything presented, (I'm only on page 40 out of 172).  I have also found some useful reminders that I know I slip up on now and then, such as using chronology as the ordering device for my reports.  

As far as UK or US, my only observation is that I've had to look up a word in my British Dictionary, 'leaver'.  The exact quote is, "A person responsible for drafting safety regulations for perusal by secondary-modern leavers, who is himself normally passing on highly technical research work to well-qualified fellow scientists, will have to make some adjustment in approach and style."  (there's a wince or two in there caused by the superfluous 'is himself' and 'fellow').

 I take it that a 'leaver' is a recent graduate?

"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

(OP)
Thanks RWF7437

Im actualy working on my PE (ME) right now...

Go Mechanical Engineering
Tobalcane

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

Tobalcane,

Try the link anyway.  You don't have to take the course to view it or to print it out.  You don't have to pay anything unless you take the course for credit.  In my courses, as in many others on the PDH website, you will find much, FREE, useful information and references to other sources of information.

good luck on your PE exam

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

Tobalcane,

In school I used Technical Writing byt Gordon H. Mills & John A. Walter 5th edition  ISBN 0-03-062019-8  It is a good book that I still use today.

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

Please read Dialogues Concerning Two Sciences, by Galileo Galileu

RE: A good technical writing book for engineers?

(OP)
Thanks guys!

Go Mechanical Engineering
Tobalcane

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