Testimonials for Lynda McDaniel & Words at Work

Words at Work

McDaniel presents all of the material in the book clearly, concisely, and with a healthy dose of encouragement based on the optimistic belief that “everyone can learn to write well” and that “bad writers just stopped too soon.” There are some good suggestions even for seasoned writers, such as “Exciting to Write = Exciting to Read,” a section of specific ways to add interest and vitality to writing. The examples she uses demonstrate that even business writing can be done with flair. While McDaniel makes a sales pitch for her services at the end of the book, it’s a small price to pay for the wisdom she imparts. The book’s readability is proof positive that the author’s counsel is sound. A timely manual that business people at any level will find useful.   Read full review     
                              —Kirkus Discoveries Review

Good writing skills are a solid predictor of career success and in this excellent and engaging reference, McDaniel’s mantra is ‘You CAN improve your writing.’ If you want or need to become a better writer, you need this book. Words at Work will help you banish your fears of writing while providing you with all the tools you’ll need to confidently tackle any writing task you’re called on to handle.
                             —Peter Bowerman, Author, The Well-Fed Writer series, www.wellfedwriter.com  

This book is a joy to read, and packed full with helpful hints and tips from the first sentence to the last. ... Whether you write emails or reports at work, or you just like to blog in your spare time, this book is for you and should be treated as a must-read. 
                            —Clare Swindlhurst, Blue Archipelago, www.clareswindlehurst.com


As a professional, I have had the opportunity to read and use the wisdom from many self help books, and the key is finding one that is timely, doesn’t demean and is immediately useful. McDaniel achieves this by teaching you the process from beginning to end, including the little used rough draft and self-critique. In order to become a good writer, you need to become your audience. McDaniel shows you how to see your writing through the eyes of others, how to target your audience and how to make more out of less. I found her insight, experience and teaching style a very nice blend. Whether you are just starting out, well seasoned or just wondering if your style is helping or hurting, Words at Work will give you the answer. It is a great desk reference that I completely recommend.       
                           —Gregory J. Saunders, Allbooks Reviews

Words at Work is a short storybook full of true tales from the writing life of a successful publicist, journalist, and writing coach.  In it, she introduces us to the key lessons anyone needs to effectively connect with others through words on paper and screen.  Along the way she introduces us to her mentors, and by doing so, makes them our own, and in the process her book becomes a gift.
                            —Dan Kennedy, Results That Matter (www.ResultsThatMatter.com), Seattle, Washington

If you want—or need—to become a better writer, then get yourself a copy of Words at Work. Lynda McDaniel provides a treasure chest of practical information, but she offers readers so much more than “instruction.” Using stories from her own journey as a writer and consultant, Lynda’s chapters lead by example and take the “dry” out of commercial and business writing. No other book I know explains timeless writing concepts—active versus passive voice, creating strong leads, using similes, and choosing vivid verbs—with such delightful style and sense of fun. Most of all, Lynda’s stories and examples will nudge even the most insecure writers to push aside their fears and trust their ability to write well. Lynda reminds us that “bad writers stopped too soon.” Concise and entertaining, Words at Work is definitely a keeper. You’ll go back to it again and again for inspiration and practical advice.  —Virginia McCullough (www.virginiamccullough.com), award-winning author. 

Words at Work is fabulous, fabulous, fabulous.  I couldn’t put it down.  I’m going to recommend it in my writing and graduate-reading courses.  It’s so readable, and the style is lively and thoughtful.  Words at Work is a perfect example of what Lynda is talking about—and she obviously knows what she’s talking about.  I just love it.   
                           —Dr. Irene Willis, educator, author, and poet; most recent collection, Those Flames.

Creative writing takes time and talent; but the basics can be learned.  Words at Work will equip executives and creative types alike with the tools to make your writing come alive.  
                           —Andrew Glasgow, Executive Director, American Crafts Council

What's wonderful about Words at Work is how grounded in real-life experience it is. No hocus-pocus or hokum. It's going to be very valuable resource for those who want to improve their business and professional writing. And it was a nice refresher for me too! (I'm a professional writer/editor.) 
                             —Anne Simpkinson, online managing editor, Guideposts.com

Coaching & Training

Lynda is indeed a gem. I’m glad to be working with her to clearly express my business vision, goals, and offerings. Originally, I felt overwhelmed by the task of revamping my existing web site and creating volumes of new copy. Not anymore. I get empowered from every interaction with Lynda. Not only does she make my copy glisten, she boosts my confidence and lets me know that she is excited to work with me. Just by posting small extracts of the new copy on my site, I was able to attract a new client. I am so grateful to have Lynda as a success partner.
                            —Melody Ivory, Melody Ivory, Inc., Seattle, Washington

Excellent content and very useful workbooks. Now [that I’ve taken your workshop] I want to offer this class to my staff.
                            —Doris Curd, First Choice Health, Seattle, Washington

People are still talking here about your presentation!  I am writing to thank you for your insights and your time.  We are truly grateful for your guidance.
                              —Tom Hudson, Principal
                                  CollinsWoerman, Seattle, Washington

I have been praised and applauded since completion of the training. I have pulled out the [desk reference] booklet, which sits right on my desk, and I use as a reminder. I will never forget this very useful training!
                              —Andrea Ota, Customer Service
                                 Cutter & Buck, Seattle, Washington

As a professional writer, I have worked with many fine editors through the years, but for sheer editing and coaching wizardry, Lynda McDaniel has no peer. Her quick wit not only makes her a delight to work with but enhances her effectiveness as an instructor. Her own rich and successful career as a writer has prepared her well for leading others around the pitfalls of writing and for helping her clients meet – and enjoy – the challenges of getting words to sing.
                             —Thomas Orton, author
                                Seattle, Washington

Thank you for your compelling presentation at Marketing Mondays! Your simple tips have already made an impact on how I write--especially with e-mail.
                             —Jessica Estrada
                                Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce

We take writing for granted, but Lynda's presentation gave me just enough pause to think, 'Oh yeah - I need to pay more attention.' Her presentation was great—she got her points across very well.
                             —HRnovations
                                 Bellevue, Washington

Lynda has helped me look at my writing in a fresh way and passed on one tip and technique after another, all of which improved my work. Her advice, based on more than 25 years of experience as a journalist, continues to enrich my approach to every writing project I take on.
                           —Virginia McCullough, award-winning author
                               Green Bay, Wis.

I've been writing voraciously! I'm using the tips and tools learned in the class. My writing is crisper and more succinct.
                           —R. Baker, VP of Medical Management
                               First Choice Health, Seattle, Washington

Thanks for speaking at Rotary today. You made me proud. It’s always nice to have a hands-on learning experience. You were great.
                             —John Germain, president,
                                Burien-White Center Rotary

Writing & Editing

When I was working on my new website I was frustrated because my sales copy was choppy and awful.  I decided to have Lynda write it. Wow, what an improvement! She took my copy and made it sound so compelling and professional. Now I know who I will go to whenever I need help with my writing. Thanks Lynda!
                             —Nan Calvo

You did a great job in asking some very targeted questions, and the variety of responses that you got is fabulous. Thanks for taking on this meaty assignment, and for handling it so well!
                             —Sara Baker, editor
                                 NICHE magazine

I really enjoy working with you. I always know that you will take a topic, work hard on it, get it back by deadline, and give me something that will teach readers something of value.
                             —Carol Kline, editor
                                Journal of the American Chiropractic Association

'Believe it or Not' is the most beautiful, comprehensive brochure the Georgia Society to Prevent Blindess has had in its history. I want to thank you for the creative talent and community dedication that made it possible.
                            —Annette Sage, Executive Director
                               Georgia Society to Prevent Blindness

Wow, lady! You are good! Everything looks great. Thank you, Lynda!
                            —Lisa Edwards, CEO
                               Bloom Where You Are Planted

One of the new interns is fact-checking your story, and she was afraid something was wrong because she wasn't finding any mistakes! I said, no, that's just a good writer for ya!"
                            —Beth Luce, editor
                               Northwest Meetings & Events

[The article you submitted:] I love it, love it, love it.  Lots of clever writing touches.
                           —Chuck Luce, editor
                              Arches, University of Puget Sound

The edits were perfect. They really strengthened the paper. Thank you very much.
                           —Jim Miller,
                               Hilander YMCA

WOW...and that doesn't even to express our feelings for the job you did! The bios are OUTSTANDING!
                          —Wendy Ogryzek and June Bachman, owners
                              bWyse LLC, Redmond, Washington