Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications

I rated this book so highly for two reasons. First, the dictionary format makes it very easy to look up words. Access is everything when you're in a hurry. Second, the information is presented effectively and efficiently--lots of visuals and examples with succinct explanations--just what you want in a book of this type.

In short, it is an essential reference for technical communicators who write books and online help for Windows-based applications. Good luck trying to uphold standards without it.


Superb   July 12, 2004
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

This third edition reflects the changes in the world of writing manuals, not just for print but also online (the web, online help, etc). While it's been a few years since the previous edition, Microsoft has made up for that by changing the book's format and including three "ebooks" on the CD (the style guide itself, Microsoft Computer Dictionary, and the Microsoft Networking Dictionary) that comes with the book.

The previous edition had all subjects alphabetized, which has changed somewhat in this edition has changed that. The book's first part is devoted to alphabetized subjects (called the Usage Dictionary). However the book's first part is devoted to other writing topics, ones which the book's authors obviously felt deserved their own major sections. Subjects like "documenting the user interface," format and layout, global content, indexing, common style issues, grammar, and punctuation. All topics in the book's first part are discussed throughly. And topics not discussed in the first part are addressed alphabetically in Part 2 of the book titled the "Usage Dictionary." The book's Table of Contents lists each item in the Usage Dictionary for easy referral.

I also liked how the authors recognized the changing world of documentation in the introduction where they point out how people using computers can be anyone from "home users," who use their computer for simple tasks, all the way to software developers, who produce programs for computers.

While this is intended for writers documenting Windows software, it serves well on its own as an excellent style guide.


Serves a Specific Purpose   December 17, 2006
 8 out of 13 found this review helpful

Honestly...I have been a technical writer for over 20 years and only recently even looked at this book. Granted, I found that how I learned to write was right on target. However, I think following this book to the letter is not a good idea. This book should be nothing more than a high-level reference for any "wannabe" tech writer. Technical writing is far more than proper capitalization (internet vs. Internet) or how you refer to something (dialog vs. dialog box). It's about your target audience, the message you're trying to convey, and the benefit to the end user. This book does not cover that: that comes from real world experience, training, and mentoring. I've seen too many people use this as their "bible" for technical writing when it shouldn't be.

As long as you keep in mind that this book will not teach you to be technical writer - only help bring continuity to your work allowing it to fall in line with others - then buy it.