Writing for the Web by Crawford Kilian and Do The Web Write by Dan Furman

I've got two reviews for books serious bloggers or bloggers for profit would enjoy along with those who run a business website.Enjoy!

Writing for the Web 4th Edition by Crawford Kilian

Stars: *****

Self-Counsel Press (2009)
Nonfiction/Writing Skills

Summary: The basics of writing for the web (portfolio, company website, blog and so forth.) Creating an effective website with content people will want to read and come back to.

This is a great resource for anyone writing for the web but very helpful for those with blogs too. This isn't for those who are blogging just for fun. If you want to monetize your blog or even just be taken seriously in your niche then you need to write well.

Topics Include:

History, Hypertext and Interactive Communiction (how communication has changed with the internet and how reading on the computer is different from reading print materials.)

Structuring Your Website

Organizing Website Content (making it scanable, navigation, headings, style and display, bullets etc..)

Writing Good Webtext (Grammar lessons specific to web writing)

Editing Webtext (Spellcheck but also reading level, keeping in mind international readers, business speak and more)

Corporate Webwriting (challenges specific to corporate websites)

Writing for Blogs (challenges specific to blog writing)

Advocacy and Marketing on the Web (persuasion, propoganda and more)

Frequently Asked Questions (Can I make money as a freelance writer on the web?, can I create my own e-zine?, Can I copyright my webwriting?, How can I attract visitors to my site? and more.)

The book also includes exercises. After you learn a little bit, there is an exercise to try to drive the point home. They are not required of course but I did most of them and I found them fun. But then I love to read about spelling and grammar so you may not agree.


The book contains a section about being careful with biased terms that I haven't seen in other books or websites about writing for the web:

"As a webwriter you may want to challenge your readers, but challenges shouldn't include gratuitous pokes in the eye. Terms that seem perfectly natural to you may be deeply offensive to others. Is that because you're OK and your readers are thin-skinned idiots? Or because you don't have enough respect for your readers to address them in a civil manner?" - pg 101

The author talks about avoiding pointless or irrelevant personal information, faint praise, gender bias (fireman instead of firefighter), being careful when mentioning sexual orientation, ethnic terms, disabilities and age.

Some of what I read I already knew but I did learn a lot too. I think grammar and spelling is important so I cringe when I see someone write affect instead of effect or something like that. If you are blogging for yourself or for family, it doesn't matter. However if you are blogging for others, I think it's your duty to make it proper and readable. This book covers some commons mistakes in spelling and grammar but that's not all it teaches. The explanations in chapter one about webtext being different  from print text and even different from what webtext was when the web came out, is very important and something I think all serious bloggers and website owners should read.

Highly Recommended

Links of Interest:  Writing for the Web Blog, Writing Fiction, Ask the English Teacher, Writing for the Web at Self Counsel Press (17 page preview),

Other Reviews:  NONE YET

Buy Writing for the Web at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Do The Web Write by Dan Furman

Stars: *****

Self-Counsel Press (2009)
Nonfiction/Business

Summary: Writing/marketing for business websites. Focus on writing and layout (not design) to bring in the customers and money. Comes with a CD-ROM

Did you catch the title? Do the Web Write instead of Right? It's a play on words done purposely. It's about web writing done right.

When I was sent this book I didn't think I would be able to get much use or enjoyment out of it as I don't have a business. My blog is like my business but I don't need customers to contact me about a service nor do I sell a product of my own. However I zipped through the book cover to cover and enjoyed every minute of it. Some of it I can use in regards to my blog but even the parts that I can not use, I enjoyed reading.

I LOVE Dan Furman's writing style. He is a copywriter which means he writes for other people's websites. It's no wonder he is succeeding at this, if I had the money, I'd have him help me write. With this book I can improve my writing and blog and if I ever do have my own business, I know what book I'll be turning to again.

There is humour throughout the book and he's funny:

"It goes without saying that ALL rules should be at least thought about for every page (hmmm ... I guess since I said it, it doesn't go without saying anymore ....)" - pg 103

While talking about analyzing your website visitor and figuring out what they want.

"So here's my retort: Why stop there? Since we're psychoanalyzing my web visitors, let's dig deeper, shall we? What do we all REALLY want? Why do we get dressed? Why do we shower (well, some of, anyway?) Why go to work? Why put up with idiot bosses? Let's address these wants in my new headline to make Mr. Hype happy.


'SLEEP LATE EVERY DAY, HAVE TONS OF GREAT SEX, MAKE MILLIONS WITHOUT WORKING, AND EAT ANYTHING YOU WANT WITHOUT GAINING AN OUNCE!'" - pg 54, emphasis not mine

This guy had me chuckling quite a few times which I imagine is not usual for a book on business.Check out the right side of Dan Furman Online (see below) for more giggles.

The book contains lots of topics such as: website conversion, fundamentals of a successful website, page order and information to include, 11 Rules of Effective Website Writing, Writing for your home page, Writing for your other pages (about us, why use us, products/services), all about FAQ, SEO and traffic writing (blogs, articles, press releases, pay-per-click ads), alternate landing pages/microsites
sites and more. Dan provides screen shots of (mostly) his websites to illustrate what he means which is really helpful if you don't understand something. The topics that might be a little confusing such as SEO, Dan explains very clearly.

The book comes with a CD-ROM but my CD-ROM drive is broken so I wasn't able to check it out. However it contains digital copies of some of his forms or samples.

Highly Recommended

Links of Interest: Dan Furman Online, Do the Web Write at Self Counsel Press (first 12 pages preview), Clear-Writing,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Do The Web Write at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*I received a copy of both of these books for review. All reviews are honest and are not affected by how I aquired them.

Armchair BEA: Approaching Publishers and Authors

In honour of Armchair BEA and the Book Blogger Convention that I wasn't able to go to, I present a post on approaching publishers and authors yourself when you see a book or a bunch of books you'd like to review.

I review for a LOT of different publishers, authors and publicists and not all of them contacted me first. I approached more publishers than approached me. It can be a little scary at first, especially if you haven't been reviewing for others that much yet. My first few times I felt like I was sending an email to the Prime Minister/President, especially for the bigger publishers.

First of all realize you will not be corresponding with the head of the company. Requests for book reviews go to publicity/public relations.

To Approach Publishers

Step 1: Find the website for the publisher you want to approach. (NOTE: For some of the bigger publishers, make sure you are contacting the proper one for where you live. If you live in Canada, you should be contacting Random House Canada or Harper Collins Canada.)

Step 2: Look around, usually near the bottom of the page, but not always, for a contact section, or Media section.

Step 3: Usually there are different emails for many different people in the company. If one says for book review requests (media only) than that's the one you want. If nothing says that, then look for the title of Publicity or Public Relations (PR.) If there is only one contact email, use that one. If you still can't figure it out, try the most basic email such as info@publisher.net or inquiries@publisher.net.
NOTE: It may say for media only or accredited only or something similar. Don't let this scare you away. Most publishers work with bloggers and you are going to clearly state that you are such. If they don't want to work with you, they will say so, no harm done. 

Step 4: Open up your email and make the subject line something like these:

If you are requesting a certain book
"Review Request: Book Title and Book Author (ISBN)"

If you are requesting to work with them in general
"Interested in a possible blogger-publisher relationship"
"Book Reviewer looking to work with [Publisher name]"

Step 5: Make your email fairly professional and to the point. Don't ramble. If possible, address the PR person by name. Try one of these:

Dear [PR Name],
To the Publicity Department (use if being sent to generic email address)
To Whom it May Concern (last resort)

I usually open my email by saying:

"I am an Independent Book Reviewer at http://smsbookreviews.blogspot.com and I often review books for other publishers, publicists and authors."

Obviously if you are new to reviewing, you will have to word yours a little differently.

Then say something nice about the publisher and why you want to review for them (but keep it truthful) such as:

"Looking through your catalogues I see many books I own/have read and enjoyed in the past."
"Some of my favourite books are from [Publisher Name]"
"I'm always looking to support publishers from [Country Name]"
"I just came across your website but already see quite a few books that catch my eye."

Continue stating something about how you would love to review some of their books which would help generate public interest. Direct them to your review policy and state why your blog would be a good fit.

End with something like:

"Thank you for taking the time to consider this matter"
"Thank you and I look forward to hearing back from you."
"I realize you are very busy but when you get a chance, I'd love to hear your thoughts."

Step 6: Read over your message again, check for spelling and grammar and check AGAIN. Make sure it sounds right and it's to the correct email. If you are requesting a specific book, include your mailing address so that if they decide to send it to you, they don't have to email you back and wait again for your address. If you are requesting to work with them in general, I wouldn't include your address. Send!

I've received a response in as little as the next day and as long as 3 months later and some never responded at all so you may want to send a message to a bunch of different publishers. The ones that didn't respond were smaller publishers and this was when working with bloggers was new so they may have said to themselves, "A blogger is not media and not eligible for review copies" and ignored me. Things may change if I approached them again now.

To Approach Authors

First of all realize that very few authors have enough copies of their book to send to you. Most authors I've approached forwarded my email to their publisher who sent me the book. I have received books straight from authors too though. I usually approach authors after seeing their book on TV or in a magazine and it spikes my interest. If I can easily find the publisher, I contact them but sometimes it's a small publisher or I can't find a way to contact them.  Also the author is usually more gung ho at the idea of having me review their book and it's usually a yes when I approach them.

The Following ADDED June 1, 2010
For Twitter Users

Ruth reminded me in the comments about contacting publishers or publicists through twitter.I've done this a few times. One time the publisher was offering a review copy to any book blogger who followed them, just be DMing your address. Another time I saw a conversation between a publisher and another book blogger, offering her a review copy. So I contacted and said I've love to review the book too and they said yes. One or two other times I saw a publisher tweeting about a new book so I replied back saying I'd love to review said book on my blog. I got a review copy each time I contacted someone on twitter. Take a chance!

Armchair BEA: Interview with Felicia of Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

Armchair BEA is for those of us who can't attend BEA (Book Expo America) or BBC (Book Blogger Convention) for real.

In honour of Armchair BEA, I go to interview a fellow book blogger. I interviewed Felicia of Geeky Blogger's Book Blog.


Can you tell me a little bit about what your home life is like? Significant Other? Kids? House? Apartment? Urban? Rural? 

My name is Felicia, 38 years old (young), single, and have 2 very lovable yet exact opposite of each other dogs.  I live right outside of a metropolitan area in the "burbs".  It is a nice quiet community and I love my house just because of the huge backyard! Most of my life revolves around my family, friends, and dogs.

When you are not blogging, what are you doing? 

Oh gosh so very little of my life is actually blogging (though I love it)!  Most of the time, I am reading, playing WOW (world of warcraft), going to book signings, attending meetups from meetup.com, hanging with friends, or watching TV (which I do a lot of---my friends and family call me a walking IMDB-Internet Movie Database).

I see you review a lot of Paranormal Romance. I personally don't read that genre so I'm curious, what do you like about it? If you were trying to sell me the genre, what would you say?  

I probably wouldn't try to sell anyone on any genre.  That is the fantastic thing about the wide range of books offered these days, everyone can find at least one that speaks to them.  Most of them overlapping with others, so you are never limited in your reading options.  As with most readers though, I tend to read several different genres and often at once.  My main is PNR but I also read quite a bit of non-fiction, historical romance, and mystery/thrillers.  I think what I like (LOVE) about PNR is it combines all my favorite fiction genres: romance, mystery/thriller, and paranormal settings.  However, if there is a good story, I will read it.  

How did you choose the name Geeky Blogger? Why do you consider yourself a geek?  

I am a professional geek!  I actually work in the information technology field, play World of Warcraft in my spare time, can wax on and on about most things Microsoft (hey it is what pays my bills), and even way back in high school competed in UIL events such as Math Studies and Journalism.  I love and embrace the fact that I am geek, nerd, "insert whatever you want to call it here".  My other nickname is The History Chic (which is also geeky) but I have used that for years in the history groups I belong too (yep I go to Renaissance Faires and even dress up when I attend).

How do you like your Kindle? How long have you had it? Do you use it more often than reading regular books? 

I *heart* my Kindle. I got it about this time last year (May 2009).  I could go on and on about how it has enhanced my reading experience for hours.  Basically, for me, it is a fantastic way to keep my library with me most of the time. Since I am a multi-reader, I always have choices without lugging around 4 to 5 books at a time.  Even when I don't have my Kindle with me (which is rare), I have a Kindle app on my phone and they sync with each other.  I basically bought one because I don't have a lot of storage space for books and needed a workable solution to that problem.  I am one of those people that "re-read" books, so not keeping them was not an option.  The kindle made it easy for me to keep all my favorite series.  Of course, it created a "it is to easy to buy books" problem but I am working on that.  As far as reading "regular" books--I mostly don't unless I win them or they are not offered on Kindle.  I do still by "paper" books when I want to collect them, want them signed, or want the hardback version of them.  I don't really buy that many paperbacks anymore though.

I've never read any Jane Austen and have no intention to do so. What made you pick up one of her books? What do you like about her style? 

I grew up in a really small town with a really limited library.  This was the 70's and early 80's so most of the books were very strong male role models with women filling the "supportive" roles.  Austen was the first author I read (assigned in school or picked up in the library-can't remember which came first) that had strong, opinionated, forceful women that did not play a supportive roles in their own lives.  They could have romances, take a stand, push for what they wanted, and still have rich fulfilling relationships with people in their lives. I have since read many books that have strong female characters but she is the one I hold near and dear to my heart.

I see from your Good Reads that you read a lot of books at once like me. Do you have certain types of books that you only read before bed, or a book that is only for when you are out and about or anything like that? Or do you just sit down to read and pick a random book from your reading pile? 

I am very random!  I always have several books started at once because I read what I am in the mood for.  I have audiobooks to listen to while at work, 2 to 3 different books going on my kindle, and then if someone mentions a book that I think I might be interested in, I could read the first few chapters.  I have always read like that since I was young.  With the rare exception, I very seldom sit down and read a book cover to cover unless it is one that have been waiting to come out or it just "hooks" me. 

Tell me about your dogs. 

My dogs are my children.  I have a 13 (almost 14) year old pug who was a rescue from a puppy mill.  She has been a part of my life for 12 years and is just the best snobby brat on the planet.  Tonks (yes named from Harry Potter) is a Lab/Pyrenees mix (120 pounds) and is the sweetest dog on the planet.  When I got her she was 7.7 pounds and then she just spurted up to a 120 while I was paying attention.  She is most like me--a little bit clumsy, very curious, and sometimes can be the laziest thing on the planet.  She loves her mom though :)

On one of your other blogs, Bits N Bytes of a Geeky Blogger , you do a weekly meme called Tasty Tuesdays. I've enjoyed the recipes although I haven't tried any yet. Do you like to cook? What are a few of your favorite meals? 

I love to cook and when I joined Weight Watchers, I found that I could eat more if I cooked it myself.  I am all about good food!  I am subscribed to a huge amount of magazines just for the recipes.  I love fish, chicken, beef, veggies, and learning to love fruits.  I also like simple meals though and find that you don't always have to spend large amounts of time in the kitchen to whip up a good meal :) My favorite meal is Talipia Fish Tacos with avocado and pico.  It is quick, filling, and good for you (though it tastes like it is a cheat meal)!  I love it!

How long have you been blogging and which blog did you start first? What made you want to start blogging? 

I started Bits N Bytes of a Geeky Blogger (previously named Confessions of a Geeky Blogger) in July of 2006, it was a way of dealing with a bunch of transitions going on in my life: a breakup, buying a house, transitions at my old job, and really trying to carve where I fit in the world.  My travel blog started after I went overseas the first time and everyone wanted to know what I was seeing.  This was a way to keep my family/friends up to date on my travels.  Then my book blog started in Jan 2009, the first time I signed up for the 100 book challenge.  I just needed a way to keep up with what I read and blogging is something I am very comfortable with :)  I am in the process of "branding" all my blogs though they are hobbies so I am not as stressed over that as maybe I should be.  I just like really cool layouts.  So far my book blog has been done and my personal blog is in the process of being re-done.  I am lucky I found a designer that gets me!

Thanks for the great questions!  I had a great time answering them.