The Business Writing Center, Writing Courses, Writing Workshops, Writing Seminars

If you are an individual interested in writing training for yourself, please link to the Writing Course Catalog for Individuals.
If you are in a federal agency, please refer to the GSA catalog of courses that includes GSA arrangements and pricing.
Except for three self-instructional courses noted in this catalog, all Business Writing Center courses are instructor-led. Trainees may take the courses from anywhere in the world, at their own pace, and trainees have unlimited access to their instructor.
Click here to read about the Business Writing Center and enrollment.
Corporations and government agencies may purchase blocks of course reservations at the end of their fiscal years and assign any trainees to any courses at any time during the next six months.

BWC8-80 Eight-Hour Online Grammar Workshop
Available only for corporate enrollments of 5 or more trainees. The Eight-Hour Online Grammar Workshop requires no more training time than a standard six-hour to eight-hour workshop requires. A group could finish the training over two or three afternoons or more quickly, either working alone or as a group.
An instructor evaluates a pre-workshop writing sample and sends comments to the trainee for guidance. After the workshop, the trainee sends a post-training writing sample and the instructor comments on it to let the trainee know his or her skill level.

CONTENT
Pre-course writing sample
Lesson 1: Abbreviations
Lesson 2: Word Division
Lesson 3: Number Expression
Lesson 4: Capitalization
Lesson 5: Commas
Lesson 6: Other Punctuation
Lesson 7: Special Punctuation
Lesson 8: Spelling
Lesson 9: Confusing Words
Lesson 10: Subject/Verb Agreement
Lesson 11: Pronoun Agreement
Post-course writing sample

PREREQUISITES
No prerequisites.

TUITION
$95

TEXTS
All text materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately six to eight hours of study.

PURCHASE
Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm .

BWC8-21 Eight-Hour Online Business Writing
                     Workshop
Available only for corporate groups of 5 or more. The Eight-Hour Online Business Writing Workshop requires no more training time than a standard six-hour to eight-hour workshop requires. A group could finish the training over two or three afternoons or more quickly, either working alone or as a group.
An instructor evaluates a pre-workshop writing sample and sends comments to the trainee for guidance. After the workshop, the trainee sends a post-training writing sample and the instructor comments on it to let the trainee know his or her skill level.

CONTENT
Choose strategies.
Prepare and organize notes.
Organize.
Write a clear, meaningful subject line.
Write a clear, complete introduction.
Write a cordial beginning or buffer.
Write the explanations in blocks.
Use headings.
Create lists.
Present information in tables.
Write clear, complete explanations.
Use key terms consistently.
Write a conclusion that achieves your goals.
Use paragraphs to organize information.
Write concisely.
Combine sentences to show relationships. Separate sentences to make them clearer.
Write clear, simple, straightforward sentences.
Write strong, direct sentences.
Use words the reader will understand.
Use a spell checker and grammar checker.
Proofread.

PREREQUISITES
No prerequisites.

TUITION
$95

TEXTS
All text materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately six to eight hours of study.

PURCHASE
Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm .

BWC8-35 Eight-Hour Online E-mail Workshop
Available only for corporate groups of 5 or more. The Eight-Hour Online E-mail Workshop requires no more training time than a standard six-hour to eight-hour workshop requires. A group could finish the training over two or three afternoons or more quickly, either working alone or as a group.
An instructor evaluates a pre-workshop writing sample and sends comments to the trainee for guidance. After the workshop, the trainee sends a post-training writing sample and the instructor comments on it to let the trainee know his or her skill level.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Know What Is and Is Not Appropriate
Lesson 2: Use Short, Clear Sentences and Simple Punctuation
Lesson 3: Write Concisely
Lesson 4: Avoid Clumsy Phrases, Complex Vocabulary, and Stiff Language
Lesson 5: Format for Readability
Lesson 6: Proofread Your e-mails
Lesson 7: Write a Clear, Meaningful Subject Line
Lesson 8: Write an Informative Beginning
Lesson 9: Use Headings, Generalizations, and Paragraphs
Lesson 10: Write a Cordial, Informative Conclusion
Lesson 11: Write Enough but Not Too Much
Lesson 12: Follow Up

PREREQUISITES
No prerequisites.

TUITION
$95

TEXTS
All text materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately six to eight hours of study.

PURCHASE
Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm .

BWC35 Writing Clear, Effective e-mail (self-instructional course)
Available only for corporate groups of 5 or more. The purpose of the Writing Clear, Effective e-mail self-instructional course is to teach business writers how to write e-mail that has the impact the writer wants, motivates readers to respond as hoped, and accomplishes the writer's business objectives. It presents a highly structured approach to writing e-mail that can be applied to all e-mail and memos.
This course is self-instructional, meaning that it contains no instructor contact.
Trainees read the core lessons teaching them how to write e-mail that produces results. As they read the lessons, they complete online, interactive exercises.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Know What Is and Is Not Appropriate
Lesson 2: Use Short, Clear Sentences and Simple Punctuation
Lesson 3: Write Concisely
Lesson 4: Avoid Clumsy Phrases, Complex Vocabulary, and Stiff Language
Lesson 5: Format for Readability
Lesson 6: Proofread Your e-mails
Lesson 7: Write a Clear, Meaningful Subject Line
Lesson 8: Write an Informative Beginning
Lesson 9: Use Headings, Generalizations, and Paragraphs
Lesson 10: Write a Cordial, Informative Conclusion
Lesson 11: Write Enough but Not Too Much
Lesson 12: Follow Up

PREREQUISITES
No prerequisites.

TUITION
$39

TEXTS
All text materials are online.

DURATION
12 lessons, approximately 20 hours of study.

PURCHASE
Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm .

BWC80 Basic Business Grammar (self-instructional course)
Available only for corporate groups of 5 or more. The Basic Business Grammar self-instructional course course contains an overview of all of the areas of English usage important to business writers. The course begins with a pre-test to evaluate the trainee's knowledge coming into the course and ends with a post-test. Each lesson also has a pre-test and post-test. The courses is completely self-instructional, with no trainer contact.

CONTENT

Course Pre-test
Lesson 1: Proofreading Principles
Lesson 2: Grammar and Punctuation
Lesson 3: Omissions, Additions, Typos
Lesson 4: Number Accuracy
Lesson 5: Transposition Errors

Session 1 Diagnostic Test
Lesson 6: Abbreviations
Lesson 7: Number Expression
Lesson 8: Capitalization
Session 2 Diagnostic Test
Lesson 9: Commas
Lesson 10: Other Punctuation
Lesson 11: Special Punctuation
Lesson 12: Spelling
Lesson 13: Confusing Words
Session 3 Diagnostic Test
Lesson 14: Subject/Verb Agreement
Lesson 15: Pronoun Agreement
Lesson 16: Using Defined Terms Consistently
Lesson 17: Citing Sources
Session 4 Diagnostic Test

Course Post-test

PREREQUISITES
No severe basic writing skills problems.

TUITION
$39

TEXT
All materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately 12 to 18 hours of study.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished.

BWC85 Basic Grammar Essentials (short survey course)
The Basic Grammar Essentials course is a short survey course, meaning it contains an overview of all of the areas of English usage important to business writers in short explanations with examples. The course contains a pre-test to evaluate the trainee's knowledge coming into the course and ends with a post-test. Each lesson also has a pre-test and post-test. For an in-depth grammar survey course with readings from a grammar textbook, enroll in BWC100 Basic Grammar for Business.

CONTENT

Pre-course Writing Sample Evaluation
Course Pre-test
Lesson 1: Proofreading Principles
Lesson 2: Grammar and Punctuation

Practice Diagnostic Test
Lesson 3: Omissions, Additions, Typos
Lesson 4: Number Accuracy
Lesson 5: Transposition Errors
Session 1 Optional Practice
Session 1 Diagnostic Test
Lesson 6: Abbreviations
Lesson 7: Word Division
Lesson 8: Number Expression
Lesson 9: Capitalization
Session 2 Diagnostic Test
Lesson 10: Commas
Lesson 11: Other Punctuation
Lesson 12: Special Punctuation
Lesson 13: Spelling
Lesson 14: Confusing Words
Session 3 Diagnostic Test
Lesson 15: Subject/Verb Agreement
Lesson 16: Pronoun Agreement
Lesson 17: Using Defined Terms Consistently
Lesson 18: Citing Sources
Session 4 Diagnostic Test

Course Post-test
Post-course Writing Sample Evaluation

PREREQUISITES
No severe basic writing skills problems.

TUITION
$95 if you enroll for the course alone. $195 if you also enroll for BWC95 Basic Writing Essentials at the same time.

TEXT
All materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately 12 to 18 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within one month. If you enroll for both BWC85 and BWC95, you have three months to complete both courses in any order.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace.

BWC100 Basic Grammar for Business (in-depth survey course)

The Basic Grammar for Business course is for people who have a good command of the English language, but would like to have an in-depth knowledge of grammar. The course is an in-depth survey, meaning that it covers all of the major rules of grammar and usage. You will go through a large part of a grammar textbook during the course.
The course is not designed for the average business person who has usage problems. It is for the business person who already has good language skills, but would like to learn the grammar rules well enough to polish his or her own writing and even edit or proofread others' writing.
Alternative courses:
If you have usage problems in your writing, we recommend the individualized course in which you learn only the usage rules that pertain to specific problems you display. The course is the Basic Writing Skills Tutorial course.
If you have few usage problems but would like to learn to proofread your writing better and would like to have a general survey of the grammar rules without learning them in-depth, we recommend the Editing, Polishing, and Proofreading Business Writing course. It explains the most important grammar rules briefly and teaches basic proofreading skills.
List of usage areas covered in the Basic Grammar for Business course:

Developing clear, correct sentences

Writing subjects and verbs correctly

Avoiding dangling and misplaced modifiers

Using adverbs correctly

Using modifiers correctly

Avoiding passive voice
Using punctuation correctly

Using apostrophes correctly

Using semicolons correctly

Using periods after polite questions

Using dashes correctly

Using quotation marks correctly

Using colons correctly

Avoiding comma overuse

Commas with who and which

Commas in a series

Commas with parenthetical elements

Commas with introductory elements

Commas with dates

Commas with coordinating conjunctions

Commas with conjunctive Adverbs

Commas with conjunctions

Commas with restrictive and non-restrictive clauses

Commas with appositives
Using other usage skills correctly

Capitalizing correctly

Using numbers correctly

Keep constructions parallel

Using "who" and "whom" correctly
Proofreading effectively

Proofreading principles

Proofreading techniques

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language. Consistent problems in usage.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
$72

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 26 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC110 Basic Grammar Skills Tutorial (individualized tutorial)

The Basic Grammar Skills Tutorial course is for people who have a good command of the English language, but have basic usage problems such as consistent errors in grammar, syntax, punctuation, and spelling. It is suitable for nonnative speakers of English as well as people who are native speakers.
The course helps trainees learn new patterns to replace the old by using their own sentences as examples. The teaching, practice, and tests are based on the trainee's own writing as much as possible. It is highly individualized. The instructor carefully evaluates five writing samples and prescribes study and practice based on the trainee's unique needs. Trainees work on only the specific skills they need to learn.
The skills evaluated and taught are not limited to these, but most business writers need training in these areas:

• Abbreviations
• Adverbs
• Affect - Effect
• Apostrophes to Show Possession
• Articles
• Bolding
• Capitalization
• Colloquialisms
• Colons
• Commas and Periods with Quotation Marks
• Comma Overuse
• Commas in a Series
• Commas with "However," "Therefore," "Thus"
• Commas with Coordinate Adjectives
• Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
• Commas with Dates, States, Addresses, and Numbers
• Commas with Introductory Elements
• Commas with Nonrestrictive Appositives
• Commas with Nonrestrictive Elements
• Commas with Parenthetical Elements
• Commonly Confused Word Pairs
• Conciseness
• Consistency
• Contractions
• Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
• Ellipses
• Errors Unique to My Writing
• Formatting
• Fragment Sentences
• Gerunds, Infinitives, and Participles
• Hyphens and Dashes
• Hyphens with Compound Adjectives
• Hyphens with Numbers
• Hyphens with Prefixes and Compound Words
• Idioms and Word Usage
• Lists
• Modal Auxiliary Verbs
• Mood Shift
• Number (Singular or Plural)
• Numbers Format
• Omitting Space or Inserting Too Much Space
• Parallelism in Lists and Sentences
• Parentheses
• Passive Voice
• Periods
• Plurals
• Prepositions
• Pronoun Reference
• Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
• Pronouns
• Proofreading
• Questions
• Quotation Marks
• Run-on Sentences
• Run-ons Using "Therefore," "However"
• Semicolons
• Simple Sentence Structures
• Simple Vocabulary
• Slashes
• Spelling
• Subject/Verb Agreement
• Tense Endings
• Tense Shifts
• Tense
• "There," "Their," and "They're,"
• Using Case Correctly
• Using Key Words
• "Whom," "That," and "Which"
• Word Choice
• Word Omitted
• Word Unnecessary
• Wordiness
• Wording Problems

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language.

TUITION
$345

TEXTS
$72

DURATION
Five writing samples, approximately 24 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC310 Basic Grammar and Writing Skills
     for Business
The Basic Grammar and Writing Skills for Business course combines parts of the Basic Writing Skills course and Business Writing Skills courses. The focus is on providing the business writer who has some usage problems with the instruction to make his or her writing clear, effective, and correct. Business people with many basic writing skills problems should take the Basic Writing Skills course.
The course uses the lessons from the Business Writing Skills course without the 12 practice activities. The time the trainee would have spent on the practice activities is devoted to the grammar training in BWC310.
The training materials include an online index for continued use of the reference tools after the course is finished. Course materials remain online for the duration of the course and may be purchased after the course is finished.

BUSINESS WRITING CONTENT

Pre-write

Follow e-mail protocol.
Set goals.
Know your readers.
Choose strategies based on the goals and readers.
Use a standard letter format.
Use a standard memo format.

Prepare the Information

Learn how to overcome writer's block
Prepare notes for your e-mail, memo, letter, or report.

Organize the Writing

Have an organizational pattern in mind.
Use special organizational patterns for some messages.

Introduce the Content

For e-mails and memos, always write a clear, meaningful subject line.
For letters, use a "Subject" or "Re" line if your company customarily uses it.
Write a clear, complete e-mail introduction.
Write a clear, complete report introduction.
Write a clear, complete letter introduction.
Write a clear, complete memo introduction.
For e-mails, letters, and memos, write a cordial beginning or buffer.
State the contents of the e-mail, letter, or memo.
State the contents of the report.
For reports, state conclusions and recommendations in the introduction.

Write a Clear Document

Write the explanations in blocks.
Keep explanations of a subject together in one block.
Check each block for focus.
Check each block for completeness.
Open each block with a statement of the contents.
Use headings to open blocks.
Bold field or data names to identify them as blocks.
Create lists.
Open list blocks.
Mark the list items clearly.
Keep list items in a single list.
Keep list items in the same format.
For reports, present information in tables when possible.

Write Clear, Complete Explanations

Write to build conclusions in the reader's mind.
For reports, write clear, complete, relevant explanations.
Use key words consistently.
Fully explain each new concept word or phrase.
Use full phrases to define words clearly.

Write a Conclusion with Impact

Write a conclusion that achieves your goals.

Write Clear, Effective Sentences, Paragraphs, and Words
Use paragraphs to organize information.
Write concisely.
Combine sentences to show relationships. Separate sentences to make them clearer.
Write clear, simple, straightforward sentences.
Write strong, direct sentences.
For reports, write clearly and simply for non-technical readers.
Use words the reader will understand.
Prepare a Polished, Correct Final Draft

Use your spell checker and grammar checker.
Proofread.
Format the e-mail to be readable.

USAGE TRAINING CONTENT

Course Pre-test
Lesson 1: Proofreading Principles
Lesson 2: Grammar and Punctuation

Practice Diagnostic Test
Lesson 3: Omissions, Additions, Typos
Lesson 4: Number Accuracy
Lesson 5: Transposition Errors
Session 1 Optional Practice
Session 1 Diagnostic Test
Lesson 6: Abbreviations
Lesson 7: Word Division
Lesson 8: Number Expression
Lesson 9: Capitalization
Session 2 Diagnostic Test
Lesson 10: Commas
Lesson 11: Other Punctuation
Lesson 12: Special Punctuation
Lesson 13: Spelling
Lesson 14: Confusing Words
Session 3 Diagnostic Test
Lesson 15: Subject/Verb Agreement
Lesson 16: Pronoun Agreement
Lesson 17: Using Defined Terms Consistently
Lesson 18: Citing Sources
Session 4 Diagnostic Test

Course Post-test

PREREQUISITES
No severe basic writing skills problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXT
All materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC421 Business Report Writing
The Business Report Writing course teaches the skills required to write clear, explicit business reports. It focuses on the structure critical to all reports, so it provides the basic knowledge any report writer can use for any report.

CONTENT

Plan the Report

1. Set goals.
2. Know your readers.
3. Choose strategies based on the goals and readers.

Competency Examination 1
Submit a report.
Prepare Your Notes

4. Learn how to overcome writer's block.
5. Prepare notes for your report.

Organize the Writing

6. Have an organizational pattern in mind.
7. Use special organizational patterns for some messages.

Introduce the Content

8. Write a clear, complete report introduction.
9. State the contents of the report.
10. State conclusions and recommendations in the introduction.

Present Explanations in Blocks

11. Write the explanations in blocks.
12. Keep explanations of a subject together in one block.
13. Check each block for focus.
14. Check each block for completeness.
15. Open each block with a statement of the contents.
16. Use headings to open blocks.
17. Bold field or data names to identify them as blocks.

Competency Examination 2
Submit a report.
Present Lists Clearly

18. Create lists.
19. Open list blocks.
20. Mark the list items clearly.
21. Keep list items in a single list.
22. Keep list items in the same format.
23. Present information in tables when possible.
24. Consider information blueprinting to be explicit.

Competency Examination 3
Submit a report.
Write Clear, Complete Explanations

25. Write to build conclusions in the reader's mind.
26. For reports, write clear, complete, relevant explanations.
27. Use key words consistently.
28. Fully explain each new concept word or phrase.
29. Use full phrases to define words clearly.

Write Conclusions that Have Impact

30. Write a conclusion that achieves your goals.

Competency Examination 4
Submit a report.
Write Clear, Effective Paragraphs, Sentences, and Words

31. Use paragraphs to organize information.
32. Write concisely.
33. Combine sentences to show relationships.
     Separate sentences to make them clearer.
34. Write clear, simple, straightforward sentences.
35. Write strong, direct sentences.
36. Write clearly and simply for non-technical readers.
37. Use words the reader will understand.

Prepare a Polished, Correct Final Draft

38. Use your spell checker and grammar checker.
39. Proofread.

Competency Examination 5
Submit a report.

PREREQUISITES
No severe usage problems

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
All course materials are online.

DURATION
The course has 39 skill guidelines. It requires approximately 26 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC424 Writing Specialized Reports
The Writing Specialized Reports course teaches the skills required to write clear, explicit specialized business reports that have a format prescribed by the organization. The five competency examinations in this course all require the trainee to submit a specialized report he or she prepares as part of normal work activities. The trainer helps the trainee apply the general skills of business report writing to the specialized reports he or she writes.

CONTENT

Plan the Report

1. Set goals.
2. Know your readers.
3. Choose strategies based on the goals and readers.

Competency Examination 1
Submit an actual work report.
Prepare Your Notes

4. Learn how to overcome writer's block.
5. Prepare notes for your report.

Organize the Writing

6. Have an organizational pattern in mind.
7. Use special organizational patterns for some messages.

Introduce the Content

8. Write a clear, complete report introduction.
9. State the contents of the report.
10. State conclusions and recommendations in the introduction.

Present Explanations in Blocks

11. Write the explanations in blocks.
12. Keep explanations of a subject together in one block.
13. Check each block for focus.
14. Check each block for completeness.
15. Open each block with a statement of the contents.
16. Use headings to open blocks.
17. Bold field or data names to identify them as blocks.

Competency Examination 2
Submit an actual work report.
Present Lists Clearly

18. Create lists.
19. Open list blocks.
20. Mark the list items clearly.
21. Keep list items in a single list.
22. Keep list items in the same format.
23. Present information in tables when possible.
24. Consider information blueprinting to be explicit.

Competency Examination 3
Submit an actual work report.
Write Clear, Complete Explanations

25. Write to build conclusions in the reader's mind.
26. For reports, write clear, complete, relevant explanations.
27. Use key words consistently.
28. Fully explain each new concept word or phrase.
29. Use full phrases to define words clearly.

Write Conclusions that Have Impact

30. Write a conclusion that achieves your goals.

Competency Examination 4
Submit an actual work report.
Write Clear, Effective Paragraphs, Sentences, and Words

31. Use paragraphs to organize information.
32. Write concisely.
33. Combine sentences to show relationships.
     Separate sentences to make them clearer.
34. Write clear, simple, straightforward sentences.
35. Write strong, direct sentences.
36. Write clearly and simply for non-technical readers.
37. Use words the reader will understand.

Prepare a Polished, Correct Final Draft

38. Use your spell checker and grammar checker.
39. Proofread.

Competency Examination 5
Submit an actual work report

PREREQUISITES
No severe usage problems

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
All course materials are online.

DURATION
The course has 37 skill guidelines. It requires approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC420 Business Research Report Writing
The Business Research Report Writing Skills course teaches business researchers how to prepare reports summarizing the results of their research for use by internal clients in accomplishing business goals. One specific example of such a report is the report that presents information about a potential customer to enable account representatives, marketing specialists, and strategic planners to enhance or develop a business relationship with the potential customer.
The course teaches the researcher how to decide what information is pertinent and how to summarize or synthesize the information into a coherent presentation without interjecting bias.

CONTENT
Diagnostic 1: Initial diagnosis of writing ability
Lesson 1: The client and audience
Lesson 2: Objectives and specifications for the research report
Lesson 3: Methods of filtering and recording information
Lesson 4: Facts, conclusions, inferences, and judgments
Lesson 5: Paraphrasing, summarizing, synthesizing, and filtering objectively
Diagnostic 2: Writing objectively
Lesson 6: Organizing
Lesson 7: Using guideposts for clarity
Diagnostic 3: Synthesizing and organizing
Lesson 8: Writing clearly
Lesson 9: Bibliographic methods
Diagnostic 4: Complete sample report
Lesson 10: Editing
Lesson 11: Writing concisely
Lesson 12: Research report format and publishing
Lesson 13: Proofreading
Diagnostic 5: Final complete report

PREREQUISITES
Basic library research skills; no severe usage problems

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
$14.75

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 26 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC95 Business Writing Essentials
The Business Writing Essentials course teaches students how to write letters, e-mails, memos, and reports that people understand and take seriously. The course is designed to help students feel they can write an e-mail tomorrow morning confident that it will be understood and generate the desired response.
The course uses the same training materials as the Business Writing Skills course, but without the practice activities. The trainer evaluates four competency examinations. The reduced trainer time results in the reduced tuition. As with all other Business Writing Center courses, trainees still have unlimited access to the instructor to ask questions during the course.

CONTENT

Pre-write

Follow e-mail protocol.
Set goals.
Know your readers.
Choose strategies based on the goals and readers.
Use a standard letter format.
Use a standard memo format.

Prepare the Information

Learn how to overcome writer's block
Prepare notes for your e-mail, memo, letter, or report.

Organize the Writing

Have an organizational pattern in mind.
Use special organizational patterns for some messages.

Introduce the Content

For e-mails and memos, always write a clear, meaningful subject line.
For letters, use a "Subject" or "Re" line if your company customarily uses it.
Write a clear, complete e-mail introduction.
Write a clear, complete report introduction.
Write a clear, complete letter introduction.
Write a clear, complete memo introduction.
For e-mails, letters, and memos, write a cordial beginning or buffer.
State the contents of the e-mail, letter, or memo.
State the contents of the report.
For reports, state conclusions and recommendations in the introduction.

Write a Clear Document

Write the explanations in blocks.
Keep explanations of a subject together in one block.
Check each block for focus.
Check each block for completeness.
Open each block with a statement of the contents.
Use headings to open blocks.
Bold field or data names to identify them as blocks.
Create lists.
Open list blocks.
Mark the list items clearly.
Keep list items in a single list.
Keep list items in the same format.
For reports, present information in tables when possible.

Write Clear, Complete Explanations

Write to build conclusions in the reader's mind.
For reports, write clear, complete, relevant explanations.
Use key words consistently.
Fully explain each new concept word or phrase.
Use full phrases to define words clearly.

Write a Conclusion with Impact

Write a conclusion that achieves your goals.

Write Clear, Effective Sentences, Paragraphs, and Words
Use paragraphs to organize information.
Write concisely.
Combine sentences to show relationships. Separate sentences to make them clearer.
Write clear, simple, straightforward sentences.
Write strong, direct sentences.
For reports, write clearly and simply for non-technical readers.
Use words the reader will understand.
Prepare a Polished, Correct Final Draft

Use your spell checker and grammar checker.
Proofread.
Format the e-mail to be readable.

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with no serious usage problems.

TUITION
$147 if you enroll for the course alone. $195 if you also enroll for BWC85 Basic Grammar Essentials at the same time.

TEXT
All text materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately 12 to 18 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within two months. If you enroll for both BWC85 and BWC95, you have three months to complete both courses in any order.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace.

BWC210 Business Writing Skills
The Business Writing Skills course teaches trainees how to write letters, e-mails, memos, and reports that people understand and take seriously. The course is designed to help trainees feel they can write a document tomorrow morning confident that it will be understood and generate the desired response.
The training materials include an online index for continued use of the reference tools after the course is finished. Course materials remain online for the duration of the course and may be purchased after the course is finished.

CONTENT

Pre-write

Follow e-mail protocol.
Set goals.
Know your readers.
Choose strategies based on the goals and readers.
Use a standard letter format.
Use a standard memo format.

Prepare the Information

Learn how to overcome writer's block
Prepare notes for your e-mail, memo, letter, or report.

Organize the Writing

Have an organizational pattern in mind.
Use special organizational patterns for some messages.

Introduce the Content

For e-mails and memos, always write a clear, meaningful subject line.
For letters, use a "Subject" or "Re" line if your company customarily uses it.
Write a clear, complete e-mail introduction.
Write a clear, complete report introduction.
Write a clear, complete letter introduction.
Write a clear, complete memo introduction.
For e-mails, letters, and memos, write a cordial beginning or buffer.
State the contents of the e-mail, letter, or memo.
State the contents of the report.
For reports, state conclusions and recommendations in the introduction.

Write a Clear Document

Write the explanations in blocks.
Keep explanations of a subject together in one block.
Check each block for focus.
Check each block for completeness.
Open each block with a statement of the contents.
Use headings to open blocks.
Bold field or data names to identify them as blocks.
Create lists.
Open list blocks.
Mark the list items clearly.
Keep list items in a single list.
Keep list items in the same format.
For reports, present information in tables when possible.

Write Clear, Complete Explanations

Write to build conclusions in the reader's mind.
For reports, write clear, complete, relevant explanations.
Use key words consistently.
Fully explain each new concept word or phrase.
Use full phrases to define words clearly.

Write a Conclusion with Impact

Write a conclusion that achieves your goals.

Write Clear, Effective Sentences, Paragraphs, and Words
Use paragraphs to organize information.
Write concisely.
Combine sentences to show relationships. Separate sentences to make them clearer.
Write clear, simple, straightforward sentences.
Write strong, direct sentences.
For reports, write clearly and simply for non-technical readers.
Use words the reader will understand.
Prepare a Polished, Correct Final Draft

Use your spell checker and grammar checker.
Proofread.
Format the e-mail to be readable.

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with no serious usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXT
All text materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately 24 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC21 Business Writing Skills (self-instructional course)
The Business Writing Skills self-instructional course teaches trainees how to write letters, e-mails, memos, and reports that people understand and take seriously. The course is designed to help trainees feel they can write a document tomorrow morning confident that it will be understood and generate the desired response.
The course is self-study, meaning there is no instructor contact during the course.

CONTENT

Pre-write

Follow e-mail protocol.
Set goals.
Know your readers.
Choose strategies based on the goals and readers.
Use a standard letter format.
Use a standard memo format.

Prepare the Information

Learn how to overcome writer's block
Prepare notes for your e-mail, memo, letter, or report.

Organize the Writing

Have an organizational pattern in mind.
Use special organizational patterns for some messages.

Introduce the Content

For e-mails and memos, always write a clear, meaningful subject line.
For letters, use a "Subject" or "Re" line if your company customarily uses it.
Write a clear, complete e-mail introduction.
Write a clear, complete report introduction.
Write a clear, complete letter introduction.
Write a clear, complete memo introduction.
For e-mails, letters, and memos, write a cordial beginning or buffer.
State the contents of the e-mail, letter, or memo.
State the contents of the report.
For reports, state conclusions and recommendations in the introduction.

Write a Clear Document

Write the explanations in blocks.
Keep explanations of a subject together in one block.
Check each block for focus.
Check each block for completeness.
Open each block with a statement of the contents.
Use headings to open blocks.
Bold field or data names to identify them as blocks.
Create lists.
Open list blocks.
Mark the list items clearly.
Keep list items in a single list.
Keep list items in the same format.
For reports, present information in tables when possible.

Write Clear, Complete Explanations

Write to build conclusions in the reader's mind.
For reports, write clear, complete, relevant explanations.
Use key words consistently.
Fully explain each new concept word or phrase.
Use full phrases to define words clearly.

Write a Conclusion with Impact

Write a conclusion that achieves your goals.

Write Clear, Effective Sentences, Paragraphs, and Words
Use paragraphs to organize information.
Write concisely.
Combine sentences to show relationships. Separate sentences to make them clearer.
Write clear, simple, straightforward sentences.
Write strong, direct sentences.
For reports, write clearly and simply for non-technical readers.
Use words the reader will understand.
Prepare a Polished, Correct Final Draft

Use your spell checker and grammar checker.
Proofread.
Format the e-mail to be readable.

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with no serious usage problems.

COST
$39

TEXT
All text materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately 20 hours of study.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your self-study materials will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished.

BWC520 Coaching through Writing
     Actual Documents
In the BWC520 Coaching through Writing Actual Documents course, the instructor evaluates drafts of actual documents and coaches the business person through revising them to produce a polished final draft. The documents may be business plans, proposals, personnel documents, any type of report, newsletter articles, e-mail, memos, letters, or any other business document. The participant learns while producing high-quality final documents under the direction of an experienced business-writing consultant.
The number of documents depends on their length, but normally the course goes through three longer documents or up to six shorter.

PREREQUISITES
None

TUITION
$395

TEXTS
Vary

DURATION
The work varies because the course is individualized. All work must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your instructor will contact you and work with you to develop your individualized course of study. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC410 Editing Skills
The Editing Skills course teaches trainees how to manage editing projects and rewrite to polish documents. Trainees learn how to

edit sentences to make them clear, concise, cohesive, and elegant
develop paragraphs that are clearly organized
select vocabulary that is accurate and descriptive
edit for organization so you can produce documents that readers cannot misunderstand

CONTENT

Lesson 1: Prepare for Editing
Lesson 2: Edit to Give the Document Focus
Lesson 3: Edit to Give the Document Cohesiveness
Lesson 4: Edit the Introduction, Format, and Conclusion
Competency Examination 1
Lesson 5: Edit Paragraphs for Focus and Continuity
Lesson 6: Edit Paragraphs for Emphasis and Variety
Competency Examination 2
Lesson 7: Know the Basic Structure of a Sentence
Lesson 8: Build Meaningful Sentences
Lesson 9: Write Effective Sentences
Lesson 10: Add Sentence Variety
Lesson 11: Work with Problem Sentences
Competency Examination 3
Lesson 12: Write Concisely
Lesson 13: Use Precise Words
Lesson 14: Use Clear Words for Concepts
Competency Examination 4

PREREQUISITES
Requires good English language skills with few or no consistent usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
All text materials are online.

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC220 Explicit Business Writing
The Explicit Business Writing course teaches trainees the best practices explained in the book, Explicit Business Writing: Best Practices for the Twenty-First Century.

CONTENT
Trainees master all of the following skills and demonstrate mastery in writing examinations:

Plan and organize.

Have clear objectives.
Provide information that suits the reader's knowledge of the subject, educational background, technical expertise, need for concrete explanations, and need for depth of knowledge.
Include everything every intended reader needs to achieve your objectives.
Respond to requests by providing precisely what the person asked for under the conditions specified.
Give readers the information they need at the specific points where they need it for maximum understanding.
When readers have differing needs or abilities, write different versions or sections of the document to match the readers' needs and abilities.
Present topics in the same order throughout and link all the contents in each part.

Build the communication infrastructure.

In e mails, letters, and memos, write thanks, commendations, and genuine statements of good will that build teams and partnerships with clients.
Present the information with consideration for the reader's possible reaction to the subject and you.
Use the tone and level of formality that fit the objectives and the reader.
Ask for and give feedback on the clarity and relevance of documents and writing.

Prepare readers to understand and act.

Write e mail subject lines using words that alert the reader to the contents, required action, or critical information in the e mail.
In the introduction, explain everything readers need to know to understand fully why they are receiving the document.
In the introduction, describe all actions the reader is expected to perform and any critical information the reader must know.
Summarize conclusions and recommendations at the beginning.
Write a clear statement of the contents at the end of the introduction so readers know what to expect and can prepare for reading.

Provide a clear framework that guides readers.

Put the information into clearly defined blocks that the reader can read, understand, and remember, one block at a time.
For each information block, write an explicit opening statement the reader can use to begin putting the block's details into a framework.
For lists with items that are each several paragraphs or pages long, open the lists with statements of the contents and open each list item with a description of the item's contents.
For lists with items that are a few lines long, break out the lists with numbers and bullets.
Present information in a clear visual blueprint so readers can see the organization as they read.
Use tables to organize the information so readers can place the details into a clear framework.
End the document with a conclusion that helps readers achieve your objectives.
Include feedback loops that reflect the importance of the content and your assessment of the likelihood this reader will understand or act as expected.

Use explicitly clear explanations.

Write concrete, detailed descriptions of problems and issues.
Write requests that state directly, unambiguously, and completely what you are requesting.
Use key terms consistently.
Fully explain the concept behind every new key term as the reader encounters it.
Have a clear focus for the document and for each part.
Communicate technical subjects clearly to non technical readers.
Write instructions and procedures that are complete and concrete.
Provide sufficient, relevant evidence for statements.

Write clear, concise paragraphs, sentences, and words.

Write concisely.
Write clear, focused, organized paragraphs that help readers identify, understand, and remember concepts.
Write sentences that are complete, simple, clear, and straightforward.
Use only simple punctuation.
Use words every intended reader will understand.

Write a final draft that has correct usage (grammar, punctuation, and spelling) and uses clear formatting.

Polish and proofread all documents.
Use formatting that makes the text easy to read.

PREREQUISITES
Requires good English language skills with few or no consistent usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
Explicit Business Writing: Best Practices for the Twenty-First Century, provided free.

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC225 Explicit Business Writing with
     Additional Training
BWC225 Explicit Business Writing with Additional Training is a thorough, in-depth, competency-based course that teaches all the best practices that business-writing professionals now know create explicit e-mail, memos, letters, and reports. It is competency based, so it teaches the skills to a mastery level. The training is sufficiently thorough that graduates are able to edit others' work and teach the principles. As such, it is suitable for training trainers. We know of no other training program in business writing that teaches these best practices and no other that teaches business writing skills to a mastery level of competence.
The course is taught by Robert Craig Hogan, Ph.D., author of the book, Explicit Business Writing: Best Practices for the Twenty-First Century. The course includes a free copy of the book and teaches all of the best practices explained in the text. It contains 39 activities and 17 competency examination writing samples that Dr. Hogan evaluates. As such, it requires the amount of work expected in a three-credit-hour college course.

CONTENT
Trainees master all of the following skills and demonstrate mastery in writing examinations:

Plan and organize.

Have clear objectives.
Provide information that suits the reader's knowledge of the subject, educational background, technical expertise, need for concrete explanations, and need for depth of knowledge.
Include everything every intended reader needs to achieve your objectives.
Respond to requests by providing precisely what the person asked for under the conditions specified.
Give readers the information they need at the specific points where they need it for maximum understanding.
When readers have differing needs or abilities, write different versions or sections of the document to match the readers' needs and abilities.
Present topics in the same order throughout and link all the contents in each part.

Build the communication infrastructure.

In e mails, letters, and memos, write thanks, commendations, and genuine statements of good will that build teams and partnerships with clients.
Present the information with consideration for the reader's possible reaction to the subject and you.
Use the tone and level of formality that fit the objectives and the reader.
Ask for and give feedback on the clarity and relevance of documents and writing.

Prepare readers to understand and act.

Write e mail subject lines using words that alert the reader to the contents, required action, or critical information in the e mail.
In the introduction, explain everything readers need to know to understand fully why they are receiving the document.
In the introduction, describe all actions the reader is expected to perform and any critical information the reader must know.
Summarize conclusions and recommendations at the beginning.
Write a clear statement of the contents at the end of the introduction so readers know what to expect and can prepare for reading.

Provide a clear framework that guides readers.

Put the information into clearly defined blocks that the reader can read, understand, and remember, one block at a time.
For each information block, write an explicit opening statement the reader can use to begin putting the block's details into a framework.
For lists with items that are each several paragraphs or pages long, open the lists with statements of the contents and open each list item with a description of the item's contents.
For lists with items that are a few lines long, break out the lists with numbers and bullets.
Present information in a clear visual blueprint so readers can see the organization as they read.
Use tables to organize the information so readers can place the details into a clear framework.
End the document with a conclusion that helps readers achieve your objectives.
Include feedback loops that reflect the importance of the content and your assessment of the likelihood this reader will understand or act as expected.

Use explicitly clear explanations.

Write concrete, detailed descriptions of problems and issues.
Write requests that state directly, unambiguously, and completely what you are requesting.
Use key terms consistently.
Fully explain the concept behind every new key term as the reader encounters it.
Have a clear focus for the document and for each part.
Communicate technical subjects clearly to non technical readers.
Write instructions and procedures that are complete and concrete.
Provide sufficient, relevant evidence for statements.

Write clear, concise paragraphs, sentences, and words.

Write concisely.
Write clear, focused, organized paragraphs that help readers identify, understand, and remember concepts.
Write sentences that are complete, simple, clear, and straightforward.
Use only simple punctuation.
Use words every intended reader will understand.

Write a final draft that has correct usage (grammar, punctuation, and spelling) and uses clear formatting.

Polish and proofread all documents.
Use formatting that makes the text easy to read.

PREREQUISITES
Requires good English language skills with few or no consistent usage problems.

TUITION
$595

TEXTS
Explicit Business Writing: Best Practices for the Twenty-First Century, provided free with the course.

DURATION
39 activities and 17 competency examinations, requiring 50 to 60 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your course materials will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC430 Grant-Writing Skills
The Grant Writing Skills course teaches trainees how to develop grant proposals from conception of the concept through publishing the proposal. The course pertains to proposals for private companies, non-profit agencies and foundations, and government agencies. Trainees produce a grant proposal for a hypothetical or real granting entity. If trainees are currently working on grant proposals, the proposals will be used as the projects in the course.

CONTENTS
Lesson 1: Course Introduction
Lesson 2: Getting to Know Granting Agencies
Lesson 3: Preparing to Develop the Grant
Lesson 4: Developing the Grant Idea
Lesson 5: Developing the Statement of Purpose
Lesson 6: Developing the Statement of Need
Lesson 7: Developing the Project Description
Lesson 8: Developing the Qualifications
Lesson 9: Developing the Budget
Lesson 10: Packaging
Lesson 11: Procedures for Preparing the Grant
Lesson 12: Variations on the proposal format
Lesson 13: Evaluation of Sample Proposals

PREREQUISITES
Good English language skills with few or no usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
$27.00

$34.95

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 36 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC510 Individualized Writing Course
The Individualized Writing course is developed based on the trainee's needs and/or wishes to pursue an area of writing skills. This course is taught by Dr. Robert Craig Hogan, director of the Business Writing Center and author of Explicit Business Writing: Best Practices for the Twenty-First Century. Trainees may have a clear conception of what they would like to learn, or may ask the instructor to diagnose their writing and develop an individualized course of study.
Trainees may combine portions of existing writing courses. For example, one trainee wanted to learn business writing skills and how to edit. The instructor combined lessons from the two courses into an individualized course of study.

PREREQUISITES
None

TUITION
$395

TEXTS
Vary

DURATION
The work varies because the course is individualized. All work must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your instructor will contact you and work with you to develop your individualized course of study. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC600 Writing Coaching for Executives
     and Managers
The Writing Coaching for Executives and Managers course is oriented toward executives and managers who want the individual attention and focused training that will help them write with impact and effectiveness. Dr. Robert Craig Hogan, director of the Business Writing Center, teaches the course. He has been a manager and upper-level executive in several companies and has taught writing skills to executives for 25 years.
The course is developed based on the participant's needs and wishes to pursue an area of writing skills. Usually, participants submit writing they are preparing for actual work situations. Dr. Hogan works with them to learn how to improve the writing. The training may include reading assignments from online materials and texts.
Participants may combine portions of existing writing courses to form a course.

PREREQUISITES
None

TUITION
$395

TEXTS
Vary

DURATION
The work varies because the course is individualized. All work must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your instructor will contact you and work with you to develop your individualized course of study. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC140 Writing Coaching for Executive
     Nonnative Speakers of English
The Writing Coaching for Executive Nonnative Speakers of English course is oriented toward executives and managers who are nonnative speakers of English and want the individual attention and focused training that will help them write with effectiveness and polish their language usage. Dr. Robert Craig Hogan, director of the Business Writing Center, teaches the course. He has been a manager and upper-level executive in several companies and has taught writing skills to executives for 25 years.
The course is based on the participant's ability with the English language. Participants submit writing from actual work situations. Dr. Hogan works with participants to help them learn how to improve their language usage and writing. The training will include reading assignments from a grammar textbook.

PREREQUISITES
None

TUITION
$395

TEXTS
Grammar Text: $72

DURATION
Approximately five writing samples. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your instructor will contact you and work with you to develop your individualized course of study. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC130 Individualized Writing for Nonnative
     Speakers of English

The Individualized Writing for Nonnative Speakers of English course is for people who have a good command of the English language, but have basic usage problems resulting from speaking English as a second language.
The course helps trainees learn new patterns to replace the old by using their own sentences as examples. The teaching, practice, and tests are based on the trainee's own writing as much as possible. It is highly individualized. The instructor carefully evaluates five writing samples and prescribes study and practice based on the trainee's unique needs. Trainees work on only the specific skills they need to learn.

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language.

TUITION
$345

TEXTS
$72

DURATION
Coaching through five writing samples. The instructor evaluates one sample at a time, provides a report on errors and skills needed for each sample, coaches the person through learning the skills, provides assignments from the grammar textbook, and tests whether the skills have been learned. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC320 Editing, Polishing, and Proofreading
     Business Writing
The Business Writing Center developed the Editing, Polishing, and Proofreading Business Writing course to provide business writers with the skills they need to be able to understand basic grammar rules and proofread their own and others' writing. It is not so rigorous as the Proofreading Skills course, but teaches more grammar and proofreading skills than are included in the Business Writing Skills course.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Edit to Give the Document Cohesiveness
Lesson 2: Edit Paragraphs for Focus and Continuity
Competency Examination 1
Lesson 3: Know the Basic Structure of a Sentence
Lesson 4: Build Meaningful Sentences
Lesson 5: Write Effective Sentences
Lesson 6: Add Sentence Variety
Lesson 7: Work with Problem Sentences
Competency Examination 2
Lesson 8: Write Concisely
Lesson 9: Use Clear Words for Concepts
Competency Examination 3
Lesson 10: Proofreading Skills
Lesson 11: Typos, Accuracy, Transpositions
Lesson 12: Abbreviations, Numbers, Capitalization
Lesson 13: Commas, Other Punctuation, Spelling
Lesson 14: Subject/Verb, Pronouns

PREREQUISITES
Good command of English with few basic usage problems. The course is not for business people who need to learn how to avoid basic problems in grammar, syntax, punctuation, and spelling. Those with such writing problems should enroll in the BWC110, Basic Writing Skills Tutorial.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
Materials are online.

DURATION
13 lessons and four competency examinations require approximately 36 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC485 Legal Writing Skills
The Legal Writing Skills course trains anyone working in the legal profession to write effectively, especially attorneys.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Have clear objectives
Lesson 2: Know the reader
Competency exam 1
Lesson 3: Use content to accomplish objectives
Lesson 4: Check organization and reorganize
Lesson 5: Write clear openings for new information
Lesson 6: Use explicit guideposts for readers
Competency exam 2
Lesson 7: Use strategies to have the impact you want
Lesson 8: Quote and cite correctly
Competency exam 3
Lesson 9: Use key words, definitions, explanations, and examples
Lesson 10: Write using clear, simple words
Lesson 11: Write clear, simple sentences
Competency exam 4
Lesson 12: Write clear, simple paragraphs
Lesson 13: Write concisely
Competency exam 5
Lesson 14: Use an attractive, easy-to-follow format
Lesson 15: Proofread for correctness
Competency exam 6

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with few usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXT
$10.88

DURATION
15 lessons, approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC440 Proofreading Skills

The Proofreading Skills course contains clear, thorough explanations of the proofreading process, proofreader's marks, and tricks of the proofreading trade. It takes trainees through a comprehensive review of basic English usage to help them locate writing errors even experienced proofreaders may not notice.
The Proofreading Skills course has six diagnostic tests. To graduate from the course, the participant must have achieved an average of at least 70 percent on the six diagnostics.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Introduction to Proofreading
Lesson 2: Proofreader's Marks
Lesson 3: The Proofreading Process
Proofreading Diagnostic Test 1 - Test of General Skills
Lesson 4: Spelling, Word Division
Lesson 5: Abbreviations, Capitalization
Proofreading Diagnostic Test 2 - Spelling, Word Division, Abbreviations, Capitalization
Lesson 6: Numbers, Figures
Lesson 7: Subject/Verb Agreement
Proofreading Diagnostic Test 3 - Numbers, Figures, Subject/Verb Agreement
Lesson 8: Pronoun Agreement and Selection
Lesson 9: Punctuation
Proofreading Diagnostic Test 4 - Pronoun Agreement and Selection, Punctuation
Lesson 10: Mood and Voice
Lesson 11: Modifiers and Connectives
Proofreading Diagnostic Test 5 - Mood and Voice, Modifiers and Connectives
Lesson 12: Format, Publishing
Lesson 13: Case, Tense
Proofreading Diagnostic Test 6 - Final Examination

PREREQUISITES
Good command of the English language with no basic usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
$32.95

$72

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE
More information is available about the course. Click here to read it.

BWC450 Public Relations and Copywriting
The Public Relations and Copywriting Skills course teaches the sophisticated skills required to be a successful writer of public relations materials and advertising copy.
The course teaches trainees how to

write sentences that have impact
identify a company, product, and service identity
know the audience and competition
write press releases, feature stories, and backgrounders
write brochures and flyers
write newsletters
write ads for magazines and trade publications
write for television, radio and audio-visual media
write speeches and presentations
write sales letters and direct mail

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Introduction - Writing for Public Relations and Advertising
Lesson 2: Writing to Motivate
Lesson 3: Preparing for Writing
Lesson 4: The News Release
Lesson 5: The Feature Story
Lesson 6: Photos and Illustrations
Lesson 7: Leaflets and Brochures
Lesson 8: Television, Radio, and Audio-visual Media
Lesson 9: Sales Letters and Direct Mail
Lesson 10: Writing Print Advertisements
Lesson 11: Avoiding Copy Problems and Generating Inquiries
Lesson 12: Writing the Headline
Lesson 13: Writing Copy that Communicates and Sells
-- Final Exam

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with no serious usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
$14.40
$10.85
$86.40

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 26 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC215 Recording and Writing Meeting Minutes
The Recording and Writing Meeting Minutes course takes you through every step in the process of deciding with your company what types of minutes to take, preparing for taking minutes, recording your notes, writing the notes into clear minutes, and distributing the minutes.
The course teaches you how to

Decide on conventions and protocol for the organization's minutes
Choose a format and methods of distribution
Prepare for taking minutes
Record meeting information in notes
Write the minutes using appropriate vocabulary
Write the minutes using clear, effective sentences
Write the minutes using clear, simple punctuation

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Decide on Conventions and Protocol
Lesson 2: Types of Minutes
Lesson 3: Choosing Format and Methods of Distribution
Exam 1: Competency Examination 1
Lesson 4: Preparing for Taking Minutes
Lesson 5: Recording Meeting Information
Exam 2: Competency Examination 2
Lesson 6: �Using Appropriate Vocabulary �
Lesson 7: Writing Effective Sentences
Lesson 8: �Using Clear, Simple Punctuation
Exam 3: Competency Examination 3

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with no serious usage problems.

TUITION
$175

TEXTS
All course materials are online.

DURATION
8 lessons, approximately 12 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC120 Review of Common ESL Problems

The Review of Common ESL Problems course is for people who have a good command of the English language, but have basic usage problems resulting from learning English as a second language. It requires the trainee to review all of the standard ESL problem areas. For a more individualized course that focuses only on the skills the trainee needs, we recommend BWC130: Individualized Writing for Nonnative Speakers of English.
The course reviews English usage rules in the following areas that cause problems for nonnative speakers of English:

Singulars and plurals

count and non-count nouns
determiners with singular and plural nouns
using "one of," nouns as adjectives, and "States" in names or titles
using nouns with irregular plurals

Articles

using "a," "an," and "the" with singular count nouns
using articles with plural nouns and non-count nouns
using "the" with proper nouns and gerunds

Word order

understanding standard and inverted word order
understanding placement of adjectives
understanding placement of adverbs

Prepositions

recognizing prepositions
using prepositions with expressions of time and place
using prepositions in phrasal verbs
using prepositions in common expressions

Gerunds, infinitives, and participles

using gerunds and infinitives as subjects
using a gerund, not an infinitive, as an object after certain verbs
using an infinitive, not a gerund, as an object after certain verbs
knowing how meaning changes when certain verbs are followed by a gerund or an infinitive as an object
understanding that meaning does not change whether a gerund or an infinitive follows certain sense verbs
choosing between "ing" and "ed" forms for adjectives

Modal auxiliary verbs

conveying ability, necessity, advisability, possibility, and probability with modals
conveying preferences, plans, and past habits with modals
recognizing modals in the passive voice

Other ESL problem areas

noun and adjective suffixes
not repeating subjects with personal pronouns in the same clause
using "to" and "for" with indirect objects
phrasing indirect questions
changing verb form in only one verb in a verb phrase
not omitting pronoun subjects
not omitting "it" included in an expletive
revising long sentences
using only one end punctuation mark

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language.

TUITION
$295

TEXT
$72

DURATION
Thirteen lessons, approximately 24 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC465 Writing Clear Instructions and Procedures

The Writing Clear Instructions and Procedures course teaches the skills required to write instructions and procedures such as how to complete a transaction, use software, install hardware, or change a defective part.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Evaluate your readers.
Lesson 2: Perform a task analysis.
Lesson 3: Identify tasks, steps, and actions.
Lesson 4: Anticipate errors and identify remedies.
     Competency Examination 1
Lesson 5: Write the introduction and conclusion.
Lesson 6: Write the tasks, steps, actions, possible errors, and remedies.
     Competency Examination 2
Lesson 7: Use speed boxes and other aids.
Lesson 8: Use visual aids when possible.
     Competency Examination 3
Lesson 9: Use clear, simple sentences.
Lesson 10: Use vocabulary the readers understand.
     Competency Examination 4
Lesson 11: Create a visual blueprint.
Lesson 12: Test accuracy and usability.
Lesson 13: Edit and proofread.
     Final Competency Examination

PREREQUISITES
Good command of the English language with no basic usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
All course materials are online.

DURATION
12 lessons, approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC425 Writing Clear, Objective Audit Reports
The Writing Clear, Objective Audit Reports course teaches the skills required to organize data from audits into clear, objective reports.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Understanding the readers and expectations
Lesson 2: Objectives and specifications for the research report
Lesson 3: Facts, conclusions, inferences, and judgments
Lesson 4: Moving data to messages objectively
Lesson 5: Organizing
Lesson 6: Using guideposts for clarity
Lesson 7: Writing clearly
Lesson 8: Writing user-friendly audit reports
Lesson 9: Editing
Lesson 10: Writing concisely
Lesson 11: Audit report format and publishing
Lesson 12: Proofreading

PREREQUISITES
Good command of the English language with no basic usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
All course materials are online.

DURATION
12 lessons, approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC422 Technical Writing
The Technical Writing course teaches business writers how to prepare letter reports and technical reports about subjects that require technical explanations, diagrams, charts, and jargon understood by technical readers. The term, "technical writing," is often used mistakenly to describe other forms of business writing, especially those in the list that follows. For each of these forms of business writing, click on the link in the "Course devoted to it" column to see the course devoted to teaching the skills specific to that form of writing. It will open a new window, so to return to this page, close the window.

Type of writing Course devoted to it

business correspondence and standard business reports BWC210 Business Writing Skills

user's manuals and other computer-user support materials BWC460 Writing Computer User Manuals and System Documentation

business research reports BWC420 Business Research Report Writing Skills

audit reports BWC425 Writing Clear, Objective Audit Reports

The course teaches the technical writer how to present technical information to technical readers so they understand the concepts and can apply them in their work. The course is not intended to explain technical subjects to non-technical readers. The Business Writing Skills course teaches the skills required to explain any concepts to non-technical readers using clear, straightforward, simple explanations.

CONTENT
Diagnostic 1: Initial diagnosis of writing ability
Lesson 1: The client and audience
Lesson 2: Objectives and specifications for the technical report
Lesson 3: Methods of selecting information
Lesson 4: Formats for the major types of technical documents
Lesson 5: Presenting technical explanations clearly
Diagnostic 2: Writing clearly
Lesson 6: Organizing
Lesson 7: Using guideposts for clarity
Diagnostic 3: Synthesizing and organizing
Lesson 8: Writing clearly
Lesson 9: Using visual devices
Diagnostic 4: Complete sample report
Lesson 10: Editing
Lesson 11: Writing concisely
Lesson 12: Format and publishing
Lesson 13: Proofreading
Diagnostic 5: Final complete report

PREREQUISITES
No severe usage problems

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
All texts are provided online.

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 34 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC800 Train the Trainers

Dr. Robert Craig Hogan, director of the Business Writing Center, trains a company's trainers to use the Business Writing Center suite of training materials to train their own employees. Dr. Hogan has a background in training trainers, has published a book teaching administrators how to help teachers teach more effectively, and has served as the training specialist working with faculty in two universities and a medical school.
In this train-the-trainers course, Dr. Hogan helps the trainers decide the sets of materials they would like their employees to go through and guides them through the materials as though they were taking the course themselves. During the experience, he helps them understand the discipline of writing instruction and how to present the materials to trainees.

CONTENT
The training materials the trainers select from the online suites of training materials and courses.

PREREQUISITES
None.

TUITION
$495

TEXTS
All course materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately 32 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm .

BWC340 Writing Effective Business Letters

The Writing Effective Business Letters course teaches you how to communicate clearly and effectively in business letters. It explains the basic skills necessary to be so clear you cannot be misunderstood, then applies that to different types of letters.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Decide your purpose and audience.
Lesson 2: Organize your writing.
Lesson 3: Write so your readers cannot possibly misunderstand.
Lesson 4: Use words and sentences that readers understand easily.
Lesson 5: Convey your message in as few words as possible.
Lesson 6: Edit and proofread your writing.
Lesson 7: Apply the skills to letters of request, persuasion, and response.
Lesson 8: Apply the skills to good news and bad news messages.

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with few basic usage problems.

TUITION
$175

TEXTS
All course materials are online.

DURATION
Approximately 16 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC460 Writing Computer User Manuals and
     System Documentation
The Writing Computer User Manuals and System Documentation course teaches the skills of writing computer system documentation, user's manuals, installation guides, and quick-reference guides. It teaches a task-oriented approach to developing user support materials: all of the writing is done from the user's point of view, not the system's. The goal of computer user support materials is to make the user successful and satisfied with the system.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Introduction to Writing User Support Materials
ASSIGNMENT: Submit a writing sample
Lesson 2: Understanding Users
Lesson 3: Planning the Project
Lesson 4: Doing the Task Analysis
Lesson 5: Working with Subject-Matter Experts
Lesson 6: Writing Steps and Actions So Users Cannot Misunderstand
Lesson 7: Using Illustrations, Screens
Lesson 8: Writing Online Help and Tutorials
Lesson 9: Choosing a Reader-friendly Format
Lesson 10: Writing the Quick-Reference Guide
Lesson 11: Usability Testing
Lesson 12: Editing, Proofreading, and Style
Lesson 13: Publishing the Manuals

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with no serious usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXT
$68.33

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 34 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC370 Writing Effective Sales Letters

The Writing Effective Sales Letters course teaches sales professionals how to write letters that move a potential customer to action by understanding the customer's needs and desires. Good sales copy is not a matter of simply communicating a message to the potential customer. It moves the person to feel the motivation, excitement, and conviction of the writer and to want the product or service the sales person is promoting.
Central to writing effective sales letters is having the sales mentality, which links the sales letter writer to the potential customer so intimately that both move to the same rhythm.
This course uses three books:

A sales-letter book that is has a practical approach to understanding the reader and purpose
A book that focuses on writing letters in general to customers when sales are always an issue
A direct-sales book that teaches the skills of writing direct mail that has impact

CONTENT
Lesson 1: The importance of pre-writing
Lesson 2: Opening with a Gambit that Builds Trust
Lesson 3: Getting Your Sales Letter Delivered, Looked At, and Read
Lesson 4: Handling Pricing Issues So They Don't Short Circuit the Sale
Lesson 5: Copywriting and Writing a Powerful First Draft
Lesson 6: Rewriting to Laser Guide Your Message
Lesson 7: Using Strategies: Answering Questions and Objectives, Sparking Immediate Action, Following the Effective Letter Checklists, Using Graphic Enhancements
Lesson 8: Using Strategies: Skipping Apologies, The "Yes" Plan, The No Plan, Thank You, Used and Abused
Lesson 9: Rewriting: Rewriting for Passion and Clarity, Getting a Pretest, Bringing Your Letter to Life, Changing Graphic Enhancements
Lesson 10: Writing to Persuade
Lesson 11: Writing a Motivating Sales Plan
Lesson 12: Opening and Closing to Give the Message Impact
Lesson 13: Editing, Polishing, and Sending

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with no serious usage errors.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
$8.95
$17.95
$8.98

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 32 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC350 Writing Effective Workplace e-mail
The purpose of the Writing Effective Workplace e-mail course is to teach business writers how to write e-mail that has the impact the writer wants, motivates readers to respond as hoped, and accomplishes the writer's business objectives. It presents a highly structured approach to writing e-mail that can be applied to all e-mail and memos.
Trainees read the core lessons teaching them how to write e-mail that produces results. As they read the lessons, they write and submit e-mails. The instructor critiques the e-mails, commenting on the use of all writing skills as well as those taught specifically in the online e-mail writing course.
The Comprehensive course is more extensive than the Essentials course and has more writing samples that are evaluated by the instructor.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Know What Is and Is Not Appropriate
Lesson 2: Use Short, Clear Sentences and Simple Punctuation

Competency Examination 1

Lesson 3: Write Concisely
Lesson 4: Avoid Clumsy Phrases, Complex Vocabulary, and Stiff Language
Lesson 5: Format for Readability
Lesson 6: Proofread Your e-mails

Competency Examination 2

Lesson 7: Write a Clear, Meaningful Subject Line
Lesson 8: Write an Informative Beginning

Competency Examination 3

Lesson 9: Use Headings, Generalizations, and Paragraphs
Lesson 10: Write a Cordial, Informative Conclusion

Competency Examination 4

Lesson 11: Write Enough but Not Too Much
Lesson 12: Follow Up

Competency Examination 5

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with few usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
All text materials are online.

DURATION
12 lessons and 5 competency examinations, approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC495 Writing Skills for Technical Call
     Center Representatives
This special course was developed in cooperation with Service Strategies, Inc., a company that specializes in working with technical call centers. It consists of two courses: one focusing on writing and the other focusing on the approach to the customer and structure of electronic messages to customers.

CONTENT

Course 1: Basic Writing Skills
Lesson 1-1 Write in Blocks
Lesson 1-2 Write Enough, But Not Too Much
Lesson 1-3 Mark the Blocks Clearly
Lesson 1-4 Use Words the Reader Understands
Lesson 1-5 Use Sentences the Reader Understands
Lesson 1-6 Write Concisely
Lesson 1-7 Use Aids to Understanding
Lesson 1-8 Write Clear Procedures
Lesson 1-9 Edit and Proofread
Lesson 1-10 Know the Commonly Confused Words
Lesson 1-11 Avoid the 30 Most Common Business Writing Errors

Course 2: Writing Customer-Support Messages
Lesson 2-1 Step 1: Interpret the Customer's Message
Lesson 2-2 Step 2: Decide the Next Action
Lesson 2-3 Next Action 1: Pick Up the Phone and Call
Lesson 2-4 Next Action 2: Escalate the contact
Lesson 2-5 Next Action 3: Request Further Information
Lesson 2-6 Next Action 4: Solve the Problem
Lesson 2-7: Write the Subject Line
Lesson 2-8: Write the Greeting
Lesson 2-93: Acknowledge the Customer's Feelings
Lesson 2-104: Assure the Customer You're Working for Him or Her
Lesson 2-11: State the Problem
Lesson 2-12: Explain the Next Step or Status
Lesson 2-13: Describe Possible Causes (for Problems)
Lesson 2-14: Explain Remedies and Actions
Lesson 2-15: Explain Customer Actions
Lesson 2-16: Write the Next Step or Options
Lesson 2-17: Write a Cordial Closing
Lesson 2-18 Follow Up
PREREQUISITES
No severe usage problems.

TUITION
$345

TEXTS
All materials are online.

DURATION
32 lessons, approximately 36 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Contact the Business Writing Center for details.

BWC360 Writing Successful Business Proposals
The Writing Successful Business Proposals course teaches the skills required to prepare successful business proposals for potential customers or clients. It teaches the structure of a business proposal as a series of Actions into which you will place persuasive information. It then teaches methods of persuasion and effective, clear, correct writing.
The course stresses the competitive nature of proposals and the need to understand the readers and decision-makers.
You will practice writing the essential parts of a business proposal and will produce at least one complete business proposal. You may use a proposal you are actually preparing for your business.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Your orientation toward proposals
Lesson 2: Analyzing the potential customer or client
Lesson 3: Developing strategies for producing a successful proposal
Lesson 4: Developing themes and persuading
Lesson 5: Writing the situation and objectives
Lesson 6: Writing the methods
Lesson 7: Writing the qualifications
Lesson 8: Writing the costs and benefits
Lesson 9: Writing: beginning and revising
Lesson 10: Special techniques: headings, lists, tables, graphs, charts
Lesson 11: Format and appearance
Lesson 12: Producing the finished document
Lesson 13: Evaluations, reviews

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with no serious usage errors.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
$29.95
$26.95

DURATION
13 lessons, approximately 32 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC470 Plain English Writing Skills
The Plain English Writing Skills course is responding to the movement in law, business, government, medicine, finance, and academics to simplify contracts, reports, legal documents, research explanations, and other writing that is often fogged by gobbledygook, business-eze, lawtalk, unnecessarily complex and stilted phrasing, and jargon so thick the reader isn't able to penetrate it to get to the meaning.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: You must want to use plain English
Lesson 2: Plain English--what it is and what it isn't
Lesson 3: Know your audience
Lesson 4: Know the information you need to communicate
Lesson 5: Write concisely--avoid unnecessary detail and explanations
Lesson 6: Avoid conventions that confuse--acronyms, abbreviations, jargon, defined terms
Lesson 7: Use simple, plain English words
Lesson 8: Write plain, simple sentences

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with no serious usage errors.

TUITION
$175

TEXTS
All course materials are online

DURATION
8 lessons, approximately 16 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC480 Legal Proofreading Skills
The Legal Proofreading Skills course trains anyone working in the legal profession to proofread effectively. It begins with a review of proofreading principles and techniques. The course then goes through a review of English usage, ending with a lesson on legal definitions and another on checking citations. The course includes pre- and post-tests for the course and each lesson.

CONTENT
Lesson 1: Proofreading principles
Lesson 2: Proofreading techniques
Practice diagnostic test
Lesson 3: Omissions, additions, typos
Lesson 4: Number accuracy
Lesson 5: Transposition errors
Lesson 6: Abbreviations
Lesson 7: Word division
Lesson 8: Number expression
Lesson 9: Capitalization
Lesson 10: Commas
Lesson 11: Other punctuation
Lesson 12: Special punctuation
Lesson 13: Spelling
Lesson 14: Confusing words
Lesson 15: Subject/verb agreement
Lesson 16: Pronoun agreement
Lesson 17: Using defined terms consistently
Lesson 18: Citations

PREREQUISITES
Basic command of the English language with few usage problems.

TUITION
$175

TEXTS
Online

DURATION
18 lessons, approximately 16 to 24 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC423 Writing Technical Explanations
     for Non-technical Readers

The Writing Technical Explanations for Non-technical Readers course teaches the skills required to write technical explanations for readers who are not specialists in the subject and don't know the jargon.

CONTENT

Lesson 1:       Communicate technical subjects clearly to non-technical readers.

Lesson 2:     Provide information that suits the reader's knowledge of the subject, educational background, technical expertise, need for concrete explanations, and need for depth of knowledge.

Lesson 3:     Include everything every intended reader needs to achieve your objectives.

Lesson 4:     Give readers the information they need at the specific points where they need it for maximum understanding.

Lesson 5:     When readers have differing needs or abilities, write different versions of the document or sections within the document to match the readers' needs and abilities.

Lesson 6:     Write the information in clearly defined information blocks that the reader can read, understand, and remember, one block at a time.

Lesson 7:     For each information block, write an explicit opening statement the reader can use to begin putting the block's details into a framework.

Lesson 8:     Present information in a clear visual blueprint so readers can see the organization as they read.

Lesson 9:     Use tables to organize the information so readers can place the details into a clear framework.

Lesson 10:     Use key terms consistently.

Lesson 11:     Fully explain the concept behind every new key term as the reader encounters it.

Lesson 12:     Write clear, focused, organized paragraphs that help readers identify, understand, and remember concepts.

Lesson 13:     Write sentences that are complete, simple, clear, and straightforward.

Lesson 14:     Use only simple punctuation.

Lesson 15:     Use words every intended reader will understand.

PREREQUISITES
Good command of the English language with no basic usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
All course materials are online.

DURATION
12 lessons, approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC427 Writing Interesting, Informative
          Web Pages
The Writing Interesting, Informative Web Pages course teaches the skills required to write Web pages that Web surfers will read for content. If you are interested in writing copy that will entice readers to buy products or services, the course BWC428 Writing Online Copy for Web Pages includes extensive training in writing Web copy.
BWC427 uses one book that is an online copywriter's handbook, but which has a thorough review of the techniques necessary to make any online text interesting and readable. You will write Web text for your own Web site using the skills, and you will receive coaching and feedback from the trainer. If you do not have a Web site, the Business Writing Center will help you select a domain name and establish a site. Cost for the domain name and the first year of Web hosting is approximately $68. You will own the domain name and site. The course will use the pages you develop for your Web site in your training.

CONTENT

Lesson 1:       Setting Up Your Web Site

Lesson 2:       Writing for the Internet

Lesson 3:     Adapting Existing Print Materials to the Web

Lesson 4:     Using Visuals on Your Web Copy

Lesson 5:     Creating an Effective Web Site

Lesson 6:     Home Pages and Splash Page

Lesson 7:     Guest Books, Forums, Shopping Carts, and Other Web Pages

Lesson 8:     Organizing the Page Content

Lesson 9:     Write Clear, Simple Text

Lesson 10:     Write Concisely

Lesson 11:     Proofread Carefully

PREREQUISITES
Good command of the English language with no basic usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXT
$19.95

DURATION
11 lessons, approximately 24 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

BWC428 Writing Online Copy for Web Pages
The Writing Online Copy for Web Pages course teaches the skills required to write Web pages that promote products and services. The course also includes training in how to write Web pages that Web surfers will read for content. If you are interested solely in writing interesting Web content, the course BWC427 Writing Interesting, Informative Web Pages contains the training in how to write Web pages that surfers will entice readers to stop and read.
BWC428 uses two of the foremost textbook available today that teach the skills of writing Web promotional copy. You will write Web advertising copy using the skills and receive coaching and feedback from the trainer. If you are actually writing Web pages now, the course will use those pages in your training.

CONTENT

Lesson 1:       Writing for the Internet

Lesson 2:     Fundamentals of Persuasive Online Copy

Lesson 3:     Strategies for Generating Sales

Lesson 4:     Adapting Existing Print Copy to the Web

Lesson 5:     Illustrating Your Web Copy

Lesson 6:     Creating an Effective Web Site

Lesson 7:     Home Pages and Splash Page

Lesson 8:     Guest Books, Forums, Shopping Carts, and Other Web Pages

Lesson 9:     Internet Direct Mail

Lesson 10:     Advertising on the Internet: Banner and E-Zine Ads

Lesson 11:     Electronic Newsletters: E-Zines

Lesson 12:     Web Documents

Lesson 13:     Web Promotions

Lesson 14:     Writing Web Pages to Inform

Lesson 15:     Writing Clear, Simple Text

Lesson 16:     Proofread Carefully

PREREQUISITES
Good command of the English language with no basic usage problems.

TUITION
$295

TEXTS
Text 1: $19.95, Text 2: $21.95

DURATION
16 lessons, approximately 30 hours of study. All lessons must be completed within four months. You may have a one-time two-month extension if you need the time to finish the course.

ENROLLMENT AND START DATES
Enrollment is currently open. Fill out the registration form at https://www.writingtrainers.com/register/regiformdata.htm . Your syllabus will be online as soon as possible after registration is finished. Complete lessons at your own pace, as long as you finish them within six months.

Type of writing	Course devoted to it
business correspondence and standard business reports	BWC210 Business Writing Skills
user's manuals and other computer-user support materials	BWC460 Writing Computer User Manuals and System Documentation
business research reports	BWC420 Business Research Report Writing Skills
audit reports	BWC425 Writing Clear, Objective Audit Reports

Lesson 1:		Communicate technical subjects clearly to non-technical readers.
Lesson 2:		Provide information that suits the reader's knowledge of the subject, educational background, technical expertise, need for concrete explanations, and need for depth of knowledge.
Lesson 3:		Include everything every intended reader needs to achieve your objectives.
Lesson 4:		Give readers the information they need at the specific points where they need it for maximum understanding.
Lesson 5:		When readers have differing needs or abilities, write different versions of the document or sections within the document to match the readers' needs and abilities.
Lesson 6:		Write the information in clearly defined information blocks that the reader can read, understand, and remember, one block at a time.
Lesson 7:		For each information block, write an explicit opening statement the reader can use to begin putting the block's details into a framework.
Lesson 8:		Present information in a clear visual blueprint so readers can see the organization as they read.
Lesson 9:		Use tables to organize the information so readers can place the details into a clear framework.
Lesson 10:		Use key terms consistently.
Lesson 11:		Fully explain the concept behind every new key term as the reader encounters it.
Lesson 12:		Write clear, focused, organized paragraphs that help readers identify, understand, and remember concepts.
Lesson 13:		Write sentences that are complete, simple, clear, and straightforward.
Lesson 14:		Use only simple punctuation.
Lesson 15:		Use words every intended reader will understand.

Lesson 1:		Setting Up Your Web Site
Lesson 2:		Writing for the Internet
Lesson 3:		Adapting Existing Print Materials to the Web
Lesson 4:		Using Visuals on Your Web Copy
Lesson 5:		Creating an Effective Web Site
Lesson 6:		Home Pages and Splash Page
Lesson 7:		Guest Books, Forums, Shopping Carts, and Other Web Pages
Lesson 8:		Organizing the Page Content
Lesson 9:		Write Clear, Simple Text
Lesson 10:		Write Concisely
Lesson 11:		Proofread Carefully