Part I: The truth about what makes writing work -- Most people aim for the wrong target -- If you can say it, you can write it -- Forget yesterday -- write for today -- Planning is the magc ingredient -- To achieve your goal, look below its surface -- Cut to the chase : put the bottom line on top -- "Me" focused messages fail -- People are not the same : write for differences -- Tone makes -- or breaks -- your message -- Knowing your inside story is the key -- Forget outlines -- organize your thinking -- How to organize is your personal choice -- Every message you send has a psychological impact -- Effective messages lead with strength -- To succeed, cover your ground and remember "the ask" -- Your goal and audience determine the best way to communicate -- Part II: The truth about self-editing -- Th best writers don't write ; they rewrite -- Rhythm and transitions make writing move -- Less can be a whole lot more -- Passive thinking and jargon undermine clarity -- You don't need grammar drills to spot your writing problems -- Part III: The truth about successful e-mail -- Use e-mail to communicate in the fast lane -- powerfully -- Good subject lines say, "open sesame" -- Know your e-mail do's and don'ts -- Writing good progress reports is worth your time -- Part IV: The truth about letters -- Letters : they live! And you need them -- Letters build realtionships -- Cover letters matter, big time -- Part V: The truth about reports and proposals -- Good reports generate action -- Organizing complex projects isn't that hard -- Well-crafted propsals win -- The letter format lets you shortcut proposals -- Root grant appilications in "mission" -- yours and the funder's -- Part VI: The truth about web sites -- Writing is the missing factor in your competitors's web sites -- Web sites built on keywords and content build traffic -- A home page must crystallize who you are -- Part VII: The truth about new media -- Blogging and social media are powerful business tools -- To blog for yourself, be yourself, but carefully -- Good business blogging is edgy -- Tweeting and texting : the ultimate self-edit challenge -- E-letters focus marketing and reinforce branding -- Good PowerPoint is more than pretty faces : it starts with writing -- Part VIII: The truth about writing to self-market -- Strong resumes focus accomplishments, not responsibilities -- Fliers are easy all-purpose promotional tools -- It pays to think PR and send news releases -- Writing articles boosts your career -- The virtual world offers self-publishing power -- Part IX: The truth about tricks of the trade -- Good headlines help your writing work -- a lot -- Skillful interviewing is a major (but unrecognized) business asset -- Readers are global : try not to confuse them -- Clarity is next to godliness -- You can fix your own grammar goofs.