Spreading the word:experiences of writing

a plain-language newsletterSarah Carr, 13 October 2010

Introducing Pikestaff

• Free e-newsletter of 2,000–2,500 words

• Written by me, edited by Martin Cutts

• Started January 2007

• Have now published 41 issues

• Emailed to 2,000 customers and colleagues

• Reader survey completed summer 2010

PROCESS method

PLC’s five-stage approach to writing:

• Purpose

• Content

• Structure

• Style and language

• Revision of everything

Purpose

• What you want to achieve

• Target readers

• Title and logo

• Frequency and timing

• Method of distribution

• Promoting the publication

Content

• Overall length

• Article types and lengths

• Regular slots

• Encouraging contributions from others

• Ensuring factual accuracy

• Archiving content

Structure

• Organising topics and items

• Navigational aids

• Graphics

• Layout and design

Style

• Language used

• Explaining technical jargon

• Ensuring accuracy

Revision of everything

• Editing and proofreading

• Dealing with any errors that slip through

For more information • To subscribe to Pikestaff, visit

www.clearest.co.uk and click on ‘Newsletter’.

• To contact me, email

sarahcarr@carrconsultancy.co.uk.

• For further reading, try Producing Successful

Magazines, Newsletters and e-Zines, by Carol

Harris, How To Books, 2004.