Re: Writing samples: what to look for

[DURL <durl -at- BUFFNET -dot- NET>]

        Depends on the context the writer's sending me samples in.
        If you're just mailing me work samples, in anticipation of meeting
to see about working w/ me, all I want is max *3 pages*. I'd like diverse
stuff--a page of procedures, a technical article excerpt, and a page of
nonfiction writing, so I can get a feel for your writing ability.
        If you're coming in, *ask* what I'm interested in. I expect to see
a portfolio, and would hope to see an in-depth copy of something relative
to the work at hand. Also, a copy you can leave with me that I don't have
to return--even if it's not the whole document--is much appreciated.
        Word of caution: some TWs find any non-TW samples a major
turn-off. Try to know your audience!!
        Mary

Mary Durlak  Erie Documentation Inc.
East Aurora, New York (near Buffalo)
durl -at- buffnet -dot- net

On Wed, 21 Jan 1998, Documentation Dept. wrote:

> I've got a few questions to add to the writing sample thread:
>
> 1)  What if a writer has updated part of a manual (say sections 1-3)
> and then completely rewritten another section?  Would you want to see
> only the rewritten section or would you prefer to see the earlier
> sections  for context, so long as the writer said up front "This part
> I edited, this part I wrote."
>
> 2)  How broad a range of samples do you want to see, and would you be
> interested in non-work-oriented samples?  For example, what if the
> prospective writer wrote how-to articles for a hobby group - would you
> also want to see samples of that writing?
>
> Nea Dodson
>
> ==
> DocDept -at- yahoo -dot- com
> Computer Based Systems, Inc.
> EPA/EPCRA
> The opinions expressed are mine only, and do not
> necessarily reflect those of CBSI or EPA/EPCRA
>
>
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