Welcome to this Business Writing Guide. Introducing business communication resources, this guide will help you effectively write business correspondence, resume, reports, and more.
[Maxwell, G. W. (2007). Writing Skills in Business. In B. S. Kaliski (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Business and Finance (2nd ed., Vol. 2, pp. 775-778). Macmillan Reference USA.]
2. Documenting a proposal
3. Formatting a manuscript when a report exceeds three pages (not memo or letter format)
You can use some instructional resources to learn business writing principles and skills:
Lynda.com is a leading provider of online training with a focus on technology, software, and business skills, on topics such as 3D and animation, audio and music, business, CAD, design, development, education and e-learning, IT, marketing, photography, video and web.
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) 
Log in using your QC CAMS account. Explore "Business" topic or search "Business Writing," "writing a resume" within the database, you may find courses of interest:
These online video courses are taught by industry experts with business and creative skills.
Purdue Online Writing Lab outlines the general guidelines and key tips for business writing.
This guide is created by by Kenneth G. Brown, Ph.D. and David J. Barton, B.A., Department of Management and Organizations, University of Iowa, which includes documents, paragraph, sentence guidelines, the writing Process, and examples of business letters and memos.
BusinessWritingBlog site provides articles about business writing authored by professional writers offering unique perspectives and expertise.
How to Write Effective Business English by
Unlearn bad habits, sharpen your emails and improve your written communication throughout your business with How to Write Effective Business English. An easy-to-follow guide on how to write with confidence, whether or not English is your first language.With new chapters on writing well across all disciplines, writing globally, and the impact of social media on workplace communication, this new edition prepares you to clearly liaise with your colleagues and to your target market in order to get your point across.Not only is this for individuals who want to better their craft and build their confidence, but it's also for multinational companies where communication is vital. Whether you're fluent in English or still learning, all speakers can iron out areas where there are common misconceptions, and bring those skills into their workplace.Fiona Talbot informs you on how to format your prose to cater for a business world, by using case studies from L'Oréal, Loaf Furniture and Octopus Energy to demonstrate how English is used internationally in business and to teach you how to address different scenarios, whilst putting your best foot forward. Express yourself in business in a clear manner on all platforms, and get your message across with impact.
Business Communication for Success by
Provides a comprehensive, integrated approach to the study and application of written and oral business communication to serve both student and professor. The first three chapters form the core foundation for the study of oral and written business communication. The next sequence of chapters focus on the process of writing, then oral performance with an emphasis on results. The final sequence focuses on contexts where business communication occurs, from interpersonal to intercultural, from groups to leadership.
Writing for the Workplace by
Employers consider communication as one of the most critical skills for workers today. Writing for the Workplace: Business Communication for Professionals is an easy-to-follow guide that provides strategies for effective professional communication. Written to address the needs of both students entering the workforce and business professionals looking to improve their written communication, the book offers guides to compose typical workplace documents, from effective e-mails and convincing reports to winning presentations and engaging resumes. This concise book offers busy readers concrete strategies to improve their workplace writing.
Clear and Concise by
How well do you write? Good communication is a skill required by all professionals. Whether you're preparing reports, conducting reviews or simply writing emails, expressing your ideas clearly and persuasively is fundamental to your success in the workplace. Susan McKerihan has spent over twenty years assisting corporate clients to perfect their written communications. In Clear & Concise she shares her secrets, using real - world examples to show how to avoid common writing traps, such as wordiness, ambiguity and repetition. By eliminating these habitual errors from your work and by using a logical top - down structure, you can improve the readability of your writing. And when your words are lucid and focused, your thinking becomes sharper, and you become more impressive and more productive. Clear & Concise is the only writing guide you will ever need.
Business Communication by
A unique approach to a hands-on course, written by the same author of Business and Administrative Communication, this completely new approach is devised and created with the assistance of a community college colleague. The innovative module structure allows instructors to focus on specific skills and provides greater flexibility for short courses and different teaching approaches. While grounded in solid business communication fundamentals, this paperback takes a strong workplace activity orientation which helps students connect what they learn to what they do or will do on the job.
Created by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center.
A guide to help you learn steps to write business letters for applying for a job application and more.
Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue
Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue
These online video courses are taught by industry experts with business and creative skills.
Created by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center.
The guide demonstrates steps to write business letters for applying for a job application and more.
The Elements of Resume Style by
There are so many vital questions when it comes to building a résumé today, but only one way to be assured you're getting the right answers--by asking a hiring expert. Building your résumé should be one of the easier parts to the job interview process, but it's actually becoming one of the most stressful aspects. What kind of résumé will spark the employer's interest? Which kind most often get passed over? How far back are we supposed to go? How can we best explain those time gaps in between jobs? Are the rules different for online résumés? Scott Bennett has hired hundreds of people in a variety of industries, and he knows firsthand the insights that will catch an employer's eye, as well as what dangers to avoid if you want to survive the first cut. Learn how to craft clear, compelling, targeted résumés and cover letters that actually work! In The Elements of Résumé Style, you will be provided: More than 1,400 action words, statements, and position descriptions that help sell your skills and experience Hundreds of words, phrases, and vague claims to avoid Advice for handling employment gaps, job-hopping, and requests for salary history and requirements Sample résumés, response letter, inquiry letter, informational interview request letter, references, Surprising tips for acing the interview In today's competitive environment, competition is intense no matter the field or position. The often overlooked first hurdle to jump over is no doubt the résumé. The time-tested tools in The Elements of Résumé Style will make sure yours stands out--helping to get you the job you deserve!
How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job by
How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job is the ultimate guide to securing a government job, internship, or fellowship. Written by a successful career coach who has climbed the federal career ladder herself and served as a hiring manager, the book steers applicants through every stage of their job searches-from finding unadvertised openings and getting interviews to sealing enviable deals and even get ting promoted. Drawing on interviews with more than 100 federal hiring managers, the book reveals the secrets to impressing these gatekeepers online, on paper, and in person-information that is available nowhere else. The updated second edition includes more get-ahead tips; new templates for writing winning applications; expanded directories for internships, fast-track management training programs and fellowships; and the latest helpful websites. Complete with a companion CD filled with sample r'sum's, checklists, and templates, this indispensable book gives readers theinside scoop on landing some of the nation's most secure, well-paying, and rewarding jobs-in all 50 states and abroad!
Writing That Works with 2009 MLA and 2010 APA Updates by
Click here to find out more about the 2009 MLA Updates and the 2010 APA Updates. Combining clear advice on the writing process and almost 250 model documents from real workplace settings, Writing That Works sets the standard for business writing books. It reflects today’s electronic workflow, addresses the most current types of business documents, in print and online, and provides practical, informative guidelines on designing documents, considering audience and purpose, and using digital technology in the workplace. The free companion Web site supports and expands upon the information in every chapter and offers tutorials, additional model documents, expanded Digital Tips, and much more.
Resumes That Work by
Updated for the 90s job market, this dynamic guide will help you get the job you want. With over 40% new and revised material, the unique workbook format gives you the latest time-tested strategies for developing attention-grabbing, professional resumes. Simple, straightforward instructions, combined with step-by-step exercises and examples, map out definite career plans and show you how to create a resume that presents you in the best possible light. Goals are defined; resume writing dos and don'ts are explained; and the effective use of employment resources are discussed.
Purdue Online Writing Lab introduces what a memo, the parts and format of a memo.
George Mason University Writing Center explains what a business memo is and what is important to include in it.
Purdue Online Writing Lab Shows what a memo should look like.
Writing a Business Letter by
Writing is an important skill that kids use almost every day. The goal of the Write it Right series is to make kids writing experts. Writing a Business Letter is full of tips and tricks to help kids craft a professional letter, from forming an opinion to addressing the envelope. This book includes a table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, activities, and instructions.
Writing Online by
Online writing plays a complex and increasingly prominent role in the life of organizations. From newsletters to press releases, social media marketing and advertising, to virtual presentations and interactions via e-mail and instant messaging, digital writing intertwines and affects the day-to-day running of the company - yet we rarely pay enough attention to it. Typing on the screen can become particularly problematic because digital text-based communication increases the opportunities for misunderstanding: it lacks the direct audio-visual contact and the norms and conventions that would normally help people to understand each other. Providing a clear, convincing and approachable discussion, this book addresses arenas of online writing: virtual teamwork, instant messaging, emails, corporate communication channels, and social media. Instead of offering do and don't lists, however, it teaches the reader to develop a practice that is observant, reflective, and grounded in the understanding of the basic principles of language and communication. Through real-life examples and case studies, it helps the reader to notice previously unnoticed small details, question previously unchallenged assumptions and practices, and become a competent digital communicator in a wide range of professional contexts.
Writing Business Letters Across Languages by
"This book discusses the most widespread and acceptable approaches to writing business letters in a readily understandable fashion, exploring rules and conventions based on actual contemporary practices. Emphasis is placed on types of business letters across languages, patterns of thinking, cross-cultural communication, the effect of style, tone and the mechanics of writing, and grammar. This book is written for all kinds of readers, particularly students and teachers involved in writing business letters for translation purposes, in addition to executives, small business owners, secretaries, and salespersons who are involved in cross-cultural communication.Because of its multifaceted nature, this book serves not only as a practical and comprehensive guide to business correspondence, but also as a tool that helps professionals write business letters and understand their counterparts within the contexts of other languages. It provides various examples from Arabic, English and French, covering a wide range of situations and offers practical advice on wording, content, style, and structure. A list of business terms and their definitions is included at the end of this book to help readers understand their meaning and implications across cultures."
AMA Handbook of Business Letters by
Why write a business letter from scratch? Updated and expanded, this trusted resource contains ready-to-use correspondence for today s situations."
"Unlike purely imaginative writing, report writing follows a fairly definite pattern that includes the following steps: (1) choosing a topic, (2) assembling facts, (3) taking notes and keeping records, (4) organizing information, and (5) writing and documenting the report."
"The word report is so neutral that it can mean any type of research paper." But in a business setting, a report is a piece of informative writing that describes a set of actions and analyzes any results in response to a specific brief.
Understanding how to make report readable, featured, and effective will help you in business writing.
The key differences between essays and reports:
| Reports | Essays |
| Informative and fact-based | Argumentative and idea-based |
| Formally structured | Semi-structured |
| Usually written with a specific purpose and reader in mind | Not written with a specific reader in mind |
| Written in style appropriate to each section | Written in single narrative style throughout |
| Always include section headings | Usually do not include sub-headings |
| Often use bullet points | Usually do not include bullet points |
| Often includes tables or graphs | It depends on research methods |
| Offer recommendations for action | Offer conclusions about question |
| Uses a clear structure | Uses a clear structure |
| Based on evidence (data, other reports, experiment results...) | Based on evidence (books, journal articles...) |
| Written in appropriate professional language | Written in appropriate academic language |
| Has a clear introduction and conclusion | Has a clear introduction and conclusion |
Purdue OWL: Basics about how to write clearly and design for a report, proposal, or technical document.
University of Richmond Writing Center: The components of a business proposal.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County: The components and organization of a report.
Purdue OWL: The qualities of a good abstract and how to write an effective one.
U.S. Small Business Administration: What to include for both shorter- and longer-formatted business plans, with sample business plans to look at as well!
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: A detailed outline of important things to include in your business plan.
Your First Business Plan by
Offers step-by-step instructions for writing a business plan and includes a sample plan and tips on avoiding common mistakes.
How to Write a Business Plan by
Whether you are starting or selling your own business, business plans are an essential and unavoidable part of the business cycle. How to Write a Business Plan, 4th edition gives you the expert guidance you need to make an impact with your written plan, including advice on researching competitors, how to present your management skills and experience and how to effectively communicate your strategic vision.Along with glossary of key terms and brand new advice on producing cash and profit forecasts, How to Write a Business Plan, 4th edition, contains all the help you'll need to get it right first time.
Successful Business Plan by
The number one business plan guide of all time. This essential step-by-step guide for anyone launching or expanding a business has been used by over two million entrepreneurs. It includes expert help, worksheets to jumpstart the process, a sample business plan, tips on impressing funders, winning tips for competitions, secrets to successful crowdfunding, building a global business, and much more. Used in over 1000 business schools worldwide and loved by entrepreneurs, this guide covers every aspect of a successful business plan, from business strategy, winning over investors or lenders, and much more.
Writing a Business Letter by
Writing is an important skill that kids use almost every day. The goal of the Write it Right series is to make kids writing experts. Writing a Business Letter is full of tips and tricks to help kids craft a professional letter, from forming an opinion to addressing the envelope. This book includes a table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, activities, and instructions.
Writing Online by
Online writing plays a complex and increasingly prominent role in the life of organizations. From newsletters to press releases, social media marketing and advertising, to virtual presentations and interactions via e-mail and instant messaging, digital writing intertwines and affects the day-to-day running of the company - yet we rarely pay enough attention to it. Typing on the screen can become particularly problematic because digital text-based communication increases the opportunities for misunderstanding: it lacks the direct audio-visual contact and the norms and conventions that would normally help people to understand each other. Providing a clear, convincing and approachable discussion, this book addresses arenas of online writing: virtual teamwork, instant messaging, emails, corporate communication channels, and social media. Instead of offering do and don't lists, however, it teaches the reader to develop a practice that is observant, reflective, and grounded in the understanding of the basic principles of language and communication. Through real-life examples and case studies, it helps the reader to notice previously unnoticed small details, question previously unchallenged assumptions and practices, and become a competent digital communicator in a wide range of professional contexts.
Writing Business Letters Across Languages by
"This book discusses the most widespread and acceptable approaches to writing business letters in a readily understandable fashion, exploring rules and conventions based on actual contemporary practices. Emphasis is placed on types of business letters across languages, patterns of thinking, cross-cultural communication, the effect of style, tone and the mechanics of writing, and grammar. This book is written for all kinds of readers, particularly students and teachers involved in writing business letters for translation purposes, in addition to executives, small business owners, secretaries, and salespersons who are involved in cross-cultural communication.Because of its multifaceted nature, this book serves not only as a practical and comprehensive guide to business correspondence, but also as a tool that helps professionals write business letters and understand their counterparts within the contexts of other languages. It provides various examples from Arabic, English and French, covering a wide range of situations and offers practical advice on wording, content, style, and structure. A list of business terms and their definitions is included at the end of this book to help readers understand their meaning and implications across cultures."
AMA Handbook of Business Letters by
Why write a business letter from scratch? Updated and expanded, this trusted resource contains ready-to-use correspondence for today s situations."
APPENDIX B: Presentations and Report Writing by 
Business Communication by 
Business Report Guides by 
The Essential Guide to Business Communication for Finance Professionals by 
Fundamentals of Writing for Marketing and Public Relations by 
How to Write Effective Business English by 
Improving Writing Skills: memos, letters, reports, and proposals by 
Producing Written and Oral Business Reports by 
Report Writing for Business by 
Writing Business Proposals and Reports by 
Research Methods for Business and Management by 
Teaching business, technical and academic writing online and onsite : a writing pedagogy sourcebook by 
Writing for Peer Reviewed Journals by Journal Title OneSearch - Use OneSearch to see if QCL owns the title you need and how to access it if you already have citation information about the articles you need, or you just want to browse a specific journal title.
Article Types - It's important for any research to evaluate information sources and learn the difference among different types of articles, such as Academic/Scholarly, Popular, and Trade journal articles.
NAICS - The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) has been used for industries in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico since 1997. You can use the classification codes to identify companies to learn their business.
Accounting and Taxation
Accounting Review
CPA Journal
Journal of Accountancy
Journal of Accounting Research
Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations
Journal of Advertising
Journal of Advertising Research
Journal of Consumer Marketing
Journal of Consumer Research
Journal of Marketing
Journal of Marketing Research
Public Relations Review
Business (General)
Business Horizons
Journal of Business Research
Journal of Retailing
Journal of World Business
Review of Business
Business (Small Business)
Journal of Business Venturing
Journal of Small Business Management
Economics
Cambridge Journal of Economics
International Economic Review
Journal of Econometrics
Journal of Economic Literature
Journal of Economic Perspectives
Journal of Economic Theory
Journal of Monetary Economics
Review of Economic Studies
Finance
Financial Analysts Journal
Institutional Investor
Journal of Finance
Management, Administration, and Human Resources
Academy of Management Journal
Journal of Human Resources
Journal of Management
Journal of Organizational Behavior
Real Estate
Journal of Real Estate Research
Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics
Real Estate Economics
For example:
Business Communication – Kitty O. Locker, Jo Mackiewicz, Jeanine Elise Aune, and
Donna S. Kienzler
13th Edition, ISBN13: 9781264067510*
For example:
(Subject) "Business writing" AND (Title contains) "report"
(Subject) "Business writing" AND (Title contains) "letter"
Use business databases to find Business Articles in business journals and magazines.
The collection includes key business and economics periodicals such as The Economist and Sloan Management Review that focuses on global business trends.
Catalogue Link: OneSearch.
Newspaper Articles -- Use Business Newspaper databases to find newspaper articles.
Note: Local newspapers are an ideal source of information on local companies, industries, and issues that you would not find in business journals and magazines written at the national and international level.
Other Useful Sources -- Some topical research may not be specifically business related and may require looking at other types of article databases.
Academic Search Complete is a multidisciplinary database of scholarly journals, magazines, and news sources. It is a good starting point for research in all areas of study.
Catalogue Link: OneSearch.
A robust database that provides full-text, indexing, and abstracts for many top communication journals covering all related disciplines, including media studies, linguistics, rhetoric, and discourse.
Catalogue Link: OneSearch.
Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints is the premier online resource covering today's hottest social issues, from capital punishment to immigration to marijuana.
Founded in 2004, Globethics is to equip individuals and institutions for ethical thinking, decision-making and action through higher education and policy engagement from cross-cultural and global perspectives.
Weekly reports on a topic that is either newsworthy or an issue of broad interest in the public policy sphere; from the Washington reporting service Congressional Quarterly Inc.
Catalogue Link: OneSearch
It is important to know if a company is private or public. There is limited financial information available on private companies. If the company is a division or subsidiary of a public company, you will probably have to look under the parent company's name to find any financials.
Nexis Uni - Company Dossier
Nexis Uni offers intuitive searching for all levels of research experience, empowering students to Access discipline-focused pages with curated news, featured publications, and relevant court cases for Political Science, Business, and Criminal Justice majors.
Catalogue Link: OneSearch.
Mergent Market Atlas offers a wealth of detail on company financials, ratios, business segments, descriptions, sustainability, officers and directors. Powerful and intuitive search capabilities combined with an easy to learn and use interface provide quick access to a multitude of company, industry, index, ESG and economic data views and reports. NOTE: The Mergent Online interface remains accessible through Spring 2025.
Catalogue Link: OneSearch.Find background information on the major industries:
Explore industries in
Detailed company and industry profiles including SWOT reports, market share reports, and financial reports.
Catalogue Link: OneSearch
Use NAICS code to find competitors in an industry of interest:
Mergent Market Atlas offers a wealth of detail on company financials, ratios, business segments, descriptions, sustainability, officers and directors. Powerful and intuitive search capabilities combined with an easy to learn and use interface provide quick access to a multitude of company, industry, index, ESG and economic data views and reports. NOTE: The Mergent Online interface remains accessible through Spring 2025.
Catalogue Link: OneSearch.Generally, business reports can be written to inform, solve a problem or make a proposal. They carry information and analyze it. Sometimes you can analyze applying a theoretical framework (e.g., SWOT, PESTLE, Porter's diamond etc.). Sometimes you have to devise your own analytical questions, breaking down the issue into its components, studying them closely, and seeing how they interact with (influence/are influenced by) other components.
What’s the Best Business Proposal Format? - goes over the basics of writing a business proposal
Write Your Way to a Win: Business Proposal 101 - how to develop a sound, clear, and precise business proposal
Analysing Quantitative Data for Business and Management Students by 
Designing and Managing a Research Project by Research Methods for Business and Management by 
Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association by 
Style Guide for Business Writing by American Psychological Association (APA) supports the dissemination of information to aid in the development of science and scholarly research.
The OWL resources will help you learn how to use the American Psychological Association (APA) citation and format style. This section contains resources on in-text citation and the References page, as well as APA sample papers, slide presentations, and the APA classroom poster.
