Book 9: Technical Communication – I

 

A textbook for Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi.

Book 8: Enhancing Personal and Professional Skills – II

This is textbook for a BBA course at Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune.

Book 7: Choosing the Right Career

Table of Contents of the Book: Choosing the Right Career

 

Some people instinctively know which career they want to go into. For many, the decision is not always so simple. Choosing a right career is not an easy job as many of you may think it to be. Many people think they know the right way to go about selecting an occupation, but they often wind choosing a career that is unsatisfying. When deciding which career you want to take up, it is important to take the time to think about what appeals to you, and decide which jobs fit in with your talents and strengths. Since you will be spending a major portion of you day at work, try to choose a career that will keep you stimulated and interested in the long term.

The book tries to demystify the misconception most of you may have about careers. It does not tell you how to look out for a career, instead it will help you do a self-introspection, make career assessment, and decide what is right for you. How? Check it out!

 

Chapter 1. Career Myths

Chapter 2. Making your Choice

Chapter 3. Career Assessment

Chapter 4. General Skills Sought by Employers

Chapter 5. Planning your Career

Chapter 6. Career Decision

Chapter 7. Career Choice

Chapter 8. Changing Jobs

Chapter 9. Searching Strategies

Chapter 10. Guidelines

Chapter 11. Coping with Stress

Chapter 12. Career Listing

 
 
Details for Purchasing the Book:
 
Published: 20th December 2009
Publisher: Himalaya Publishing House (October 2009)
Pages: 200
Cost Rs 125/-

Can purchase it by contacting their local offices at:

• Delhi (011-23270392, 011-23278631)
• Pune (020-244966333, 24496323)
• Bangalore (080-22281541, 080-22385461)
• Hyderabad (09848130433)
• Chennai (044-28144004, 044-28144005)
• Nagpur (0712-2721215)
• Mumbai (022-23877178)

Also available at:

•   http://jws.himpub.com/himalaya/jsp/bookDetail.jsp?bookID=1175

Book 6: The Art of Writing Effective Emails

Table of Contents of Book: The Art of Writing Effective Emails

The book aims to teach and enforce the basic rules of writing emails. Students are used to writing very informal emails following no punctuation or capitalization rules. They carry this habit to the organizations when they join and end up writing an email that doesn`t convey the message it is supposed to.

This book contains suggestions and guidelines about writing effective emails which will help you avoid any potential embarrassment at work. It also tells you what to do and what not to do when writing emails. Concentrating at small details, you may never have thought about, can do a lot of wonders. How? Check it out!

Chapter 1. An Overview

Chapter 2. Netiquette

Chapter 3. CCING Mails

Chapter 4. Write Subject Lines

Chapter 5. Email signature

Chapter 6. Email Productivity Tips

Chapter 7. Guidelines

Chapter 8. Email Program

Chapter 9. Emoticon Dictionary

Details for Purchasing the Book:

Publisher: Himalaya Publishing House (Dec 2009)
Pages: 100
Cost Rs 98/- for the paperback

Can purchase it by contacting their local offices at:

• Delhi (011-23270392, 011-23278631)
• Pune (020-244966333, 24496323)
• Bangalore (080-22281541, 080-22385461)
• Hyderabad (09848130433)
• Chennai (044-28144004, 044-28144005)
• Nagpur (0712-2721215)
• Mumbai (022-23877178)

 Also available at:

• http://www.himpub.com/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=960&
• http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ITEMDU (eBook format)

Book 5: Interview Skills

Table of Contents of the Book: Interview Skills

Great interview skills are not developed overnight. They improve with time and correct application. People who consistently succeed at interviews are those who take the time to prepare their own answers rather than simply using answers they have read or heard elsewhere. Those answers should only act as a guideline and be a point of reference. It is important for you to know that the more you think about your answers and the more you practice them, the better you will become in answering the interview questions.

Whether you have recently passed out from college or you are an experienced professional, this book will show you how to prepare highly effective answers and how to deliver them in a confident manner while establishing a good rapport with interviewers. The book aims to make you aware of the realities of the interview process and help you in improving your interview skills. It discusses the myths regarding interview, common interview mistakes, different interviewing techniques and lots more.

This book contains suggestion and guidelines about attending and facing interviews. It also tells you what to do and what not to do during an interview. In addition to teaching you how to respond to popular interview questions, this book also tells you the need to establish rapport and trust during the course of the interview. How? Check it out!

Chapter 1. Interview: An Overview

Chapter 2. Interviewing Techniques

Chapter 3. Types of Interview

Chapter 4. Interview Myths

Chapter 5. Common Interview Mistakes

Chapter 6. Ten Steps to Getting Prepared

Chapter 7. Telephone Interviews

Chapter 8. A Dozen Tips for the Ceremony

Chapter 9. Building Rapport and Trust

Chapter 10. Negotiating THE Salary

Chapter 11. Do`S and Don`ts

Appendix A. Questions You May Be Asked

Appendix B. Answers to Common Questions

Appendix C. Interview Forms

Details for Purchasing the Book:

Published: 5th December 2009
Publisher: Himalaya Publishing House (October 2009)
Pages: 230
Cost Rs 150/-

Can purchase it by contacting their local offices at:

• Delhi (011-23270392, 011-23278631)
• Pune (020-244966333, 24496323)
• Bangalore (080-22281541, 080-22385461)
• Hyderabad (09848130433)
• Chennai (044-28144004, 044-28144005)
• Nagpur (0712-2721215)
• Mumbai (022-23877178)Also available at:

Also available at:

• http://www.himpub.com/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=3162&

• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NWKAVNQ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

• https://compare.buyhatke.com/books/interview-skills-english-1st-edition-hatke9788184885040

Book 4: The Art of Writing a Resume

Table of Contents: The Art of Writing a Resume

There are many perceptions about writing resumes. Though there is no dearth of books on this subject, there is definitely a lack of good reference books written by people with industry experience those who actually review the resumes, conduct interviews, and select candidates. After interviewing and recruiting technical writers for many years, I have come to recognize quickly what impresses me and what does not, what makes me consider a candidate, what makes me call a candidate for an interview, and what immediately closes the door on the candidate. The information presented here is base on my experiences with resumes.

Chapter 1. Resume-What is it?

Chapter 2. Myths and Misconceptions

Chapter 3. Errors While Creating Resumes

Chapter 4. Formatting The Resume

Chapter 5. Contents of A Resume

Chapter 6. An Electronic Resume

Chapter 7. Cover Letter

Chapter 8. 25 Tips For Creating Resume

Chapter 9. Fudging Resume

Appendix A. Resume Questions

Appendix B. Action Verbs

Appendix C. Quick Summary

This book is different because it is the result of practical experience. Moreover, it does not directly start telling you how to create a workable resume. Instead, it will tell you:

•  The purpose of the resume.
• What it is and what it is not.
• The commonly made errors while creating resumes.
• The myths and the misconceptions associated with the resumes.
• Some tips on creating usable, focussed, and impressive resumes.
• How to create an impressive resume.
• The importance of using action words.

It will make you think out of the box and will help you make a well thought about the decision before you start writing a resume. Once you understand the skills and characteristics that most employers seek, you can tailor your job search communication your resume, cover letter, and interview language to showcase how well your background aligns with their requirements.

Details for purchasing the Book:

 Publisher: Himalaya Publishing House (Feb2010)
Pages: 132
Cost Rs 92/-Can purchase it by contacting their local offices at:

•  Delhi (011-23270392, 011-23278631)
• Pune (020-244966333, 24496323)
• Bangalore (080-22281541, 080-22385461)
• Hyderabad (09848130433)
• Chennai (044-28144004, 044-28144005)
• Nagpur (0712-2721215)
• Mumbai (022-23877178)

You can also buy it from:

• http://www.himpub.com/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=1497&
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECZGCR4/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

Book 3: Remote Working In Documentation Team

Table of Contents of Book: Remote Working In Documentation Team

There are many books in the market about managing documentation teams, but unfortunately, none of them cater to the needs of the Indian managers or the remote management who plan to set up documentation teams in India. When discussing the documentation management in a wider perspective, we have to consider the differences in the work culture in India and the western/European countries.

This book has been written keeping in mind the business mindset in India, the work culture that is practiced here, the basic skills and experiences of the technical writers, and their educational background. This book tries to focuses specifically on a number of requirements that are crucial for virtual teams that operate because of business requirements across the boundaries of time, space, and culture, without the benefits of real-time and face-to-face interaction.

It also tries to provide a framework of key principles that addresses some of the common challenges faced by such teams and the management who work remotely/virtually and help them work and collaborate successfully across boundaries.

Chapter 1. Remote Working

Chapter 2. Remote Management

Chapter 3. Collaborative Work

Chapter 4. Challenges of Remote Management

Chapter 5. Recruitment Problems

Chapter 6. Management Differences

Chapter 7. Effective Remote Management

Chapter 8. Strategic Planning

Chapter 9. Guidelines for Remote Working

Chapter 10. Developing Managerial Qualities

Chapter 11. Characteristics of a Good Manager

Chapter 12. Management Mantras

Chapter 13. Ethics of Technical Publication

Chapter 14. Conducting Performance Reviews

Who Can Use This Book

This book can be used by:

1. The Indian managers, who are responsible for recruiting technical writer(s) for a startup team. If you are responsible for setting up a documentation group, this book will give you a basic idea about the skill sets and the other details you may not be aware of to help you in recruiting the right candidate to work in a global setup.
      – Types of remote team
      – Challenges and pitfalls of remote team
      – Working with the managers and teams in remote locations.
2. Remote managers (managers in other countries) who:
      – Are planning to set up documentation teams in India.
      – Are planning to outsource or off-shore work to India.
      – Work in coordination with the team located in India.
3.  Remote and Indian managers will find this book useful as it explores how to make a dispersed team successful, including:
      – How to successfully manage a remote team
      – Using technology in remote teams
      – Other tips for successfully managing the remote team.
      – Working with the managers and teams in distant locations.

How Will This Book Help You

This book will give you an overview of the management perspective. This book contains information about:

• The difference about working in a local team and international remote teams
• Communicating effectively
• The importance and role of the local manager
• The impact of cultural diversity
• Team spirit, relationship, and trust
• Setting up an international remote team
• Work culture, remote working, and other work-related topics.
• Hiring, training, and motivating the writers.
• The dynamics of international meetings
• Developing cooperation and trust across teams in various locations
• Remotely involving, coaching and developing team members

Details For Purchasing the Book:

Publisher: Himalaya Publishing House (July 2009)
Pages: 265

Cost Rs 270/- for the paperback

Rs 850/- for hardbound

Can purchase it by contacting their local offices at:

• Delhi (011-23270392, 011-23278631)
• Pune (020-244966333, 24496323)
• Bangalore (080-22281541, 080-22385461)
• Hyderabad (09848130433)
• Chennai (044-28144004, 044-28144005)
• Nagpur (0712-2721215)
• Mumbai (022-23877178)

Also Available at:

• http://www.himpub.com/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=1998&

Book 2: Technical Writing—Management Perspective

Table of Contents of Book: Technical Writing—Management Perspective

There are many books in the market about the transition to management roles and about managing documentation teams, but unfortunately, none of them cater to the needs of the Indian managers or the senior writers who are getting into the management roles. The books written on this subject by non-Indian authors are very informative and useful, but when discussing the documentation management in a wider perspective, we have to consider the differences in the work culture, management policies, and recruitment processes in India and the Western/European countries. This book has been written keeping in mind:

• The business mindset of people in India.
• The work culture that is practiced in India.
• The basic skills and experiences of the technical writers.
• Career prospects and advancement in the local market.
• Management policies including recruitment, advancement, conflict management, working from home, etc.

Chapter 1: Skills of a Technical Writer

Chapter 2: Technical Writing As a Career

Chapter 3: Transition to Management

Chapter 4: Recruitment Process

Chapter 5: Conducting Interviews

Chapter 6: Probable Questions

Chapter 7: Understanding the Documentation Process

Chapter 8: Collaborative Writing

Chapter 9: Starting a Documentation Team

Chapter 10: Building an Efficient Team

Chapter 11: Maintaining a Documentation Team

Chapter 12: Need for translation

Chapter 31: Planning for translation

Chapter 14: Setting up a Localization Team

Chapter 15: Translation Process

Chapter 16: Translation Guidelines

Chapter 17: Translation Checklist

Chapter 18: Making the Documentation Team Visible

Chapter 19: Setting the Growth Path

Chapter 20: Conflict Management

Chapter 21: Working from Home

Who Can Use This Book

This book can be used by senior writers, team leaders, recruitment managers, and human resources personals:

• The Indian managers, not related to documentation, who are responsible for recruiting technical writer(s) for a startup team. If you are responsible for hiring technical writers to help in setting up a documentation group, this book will give you a basic idea about the skill sets and the other details you may not be aware of, to help you in recruiting the right candidate.
• Remote managers, that is, managers in other countries who want to get an insight into the recruitment process, technical writing as a career, and management policies followed in India.
• Senior writers who are:

              – Transiting to management roles.

              – Responsible for recruitment.

– Setting up a documentation team, but with no recruiting/mentoring experience.

Details For Purchasing the Book:

Publisher: Oxford Publishers
Pages: 300
Cost: Rs 395/-

Available at:

• Bangalore – Sapna Book House, Gangarams Book Bureau, Higginbotham
• Pune – Pragati Book Centre, Universal Bookseller
• Chennai – Higginbotham
• Noida – Galgotia
• Hyderabad – Universal Book Showroom, Koti & Book Selection Centre

You can also buy from:

• https://www.amazon.in/Technical-Writing-Perspective-Sajitha-Jayaprakash/dp/8120417402

Book 1: Technical Writing

Table of Contents of Book: Technical Writing

In the last few years, there has been a sudden increase in the need for technical writers in India. These days many multinational companies having their development centers in India are setting up their documentation teams here. Though many organizations are ready to hire freshers and provide them with in-house training, it is often difficult to find someone who fits in the bill. This is due to a lack of understanding of the job profile and the attitude of some of the freshers toward technical writing as a career.

Though there is no dearth of books on this subject, there is definitely a lack of good reference books specific to the Indian audience that teaches them about the basic requirements of technical writing. These aspects are taken for granted in other countries where technical writing has been a career option for more than 2-3 decades. So, the books by foreign authors do not focus on the basic requirements of the Indian readers.

This book is dedicated to all those who want to know about technical writing.

Part I: Introduction

1. Frequently Asked Questions
2. Introduction to Technical Writing
3. Skills of a Technical Writer
4. Documentation Types

Part II: Documentation Development Life Cycle (DDLC)

5.   Documentation Process
6.   Integrating DDLC with SDLC
7.  Planning the project
8.  Determining the Audience
9.  Writing
10. Reviewing the Documents

Part III: Post-Writing Process

11. Technical Editing
12. Indexing
13. Looking Back and Ahead-Postmortem

Part IV: Styles and Standards

      14. Good Documentation
15. Quality and Usability of Documents
16. Setting the Standards and style
17. Guidelines

Part V: Structure of the Document

18. Organizing Information
19. Structuring the Information
20. Parts of a Documents
21. Structuring Various Documents

Part VI: Technical Writer At Work

22. Becoming a Technical Writer
23. Technical Writing as a Career
24. Writing an Impressive Resume
25. Attending an Interview
26. At work
27. Team Culture

Part VII: Language and Checklists

28. A Dozen Punctuation Rules
29. 20 Rules of Effective Writing
30. Frequently Misused Words
31. Checklists

Part VIII: Appendices

A. Localization
B. Graphical User Interface
C. Technical Writing Tools
D. A Comparative Study: Chak De India

Who Can Use This Book

This book covers all the basic aspects of technical writing and so, it is a one-stop reference point for the new writers and even those who are pursuing a career in this field. This book is not restricted to the technical writers. It can be used by anyone.

• Freshers who want to know about the job profile to help them to take an appropriate decision about choosing technical writing as a career.
• Writers already in the field and who want to improve their knowledge and skills. This will help them understand the different aspects of the work and the job profile.
• Technical translators so that they understand the process of documentation.
• Marketing executives, to get an understanding of the fundamentals of audience analysis and to create marketing materials and proposals.
• Managers (not related to documentation) who are responsible for recruiting technical writers and setting up a documentation team.
• Recruiting managers, to understand the skills required for a technical writer.
• Institutions conducting courses in technical writing can use this as a reference book or textbook.
• Anybody who wants to understand the basic concepts of technical writing.

Details for Purchasing the Book:

Publisher: Himalaya Publishing House (March 2008)
Pages: 570
Cost Rs 375/- for the paperback
Rs 1450/- for hardbound

Can purchase it by contacting their local offices at:

• Delhi (011-23270392, 011-23278631)
• Pune (020-244966333, 24496323)
• Bangalore (080-22281541, 080-22385461)
• Hyderabad (09848130433)
• Chennai (044-28144004, 044-28144005)
• Nagpur (0712-2721215)
• Mumbai (022-23877178)

Also available at http://www.himpub.com/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=5343&NB=&Book_TitleM=Technical%20Writing