English 421: Technical Writing

In his post "'The Way' to Get White Paper Experience," Michael Stelzner responds to a question posed by a reader.  How do you learn how to write a white paper?  Stelzner suggests three steps to become an effective white paper writer.  First, look at other white papers and observe what the authors do.  What tricks do they use to communicate effectively?  Second, write a white paper.  Sometimes the most effective way to learn is by doing.  Finally, sell a white paper.  Market a white paper to an existing customer or volunteer to write your own.

Above all, Stelzner stresses experience.  Good writing does not happen overnight.  If you are serious about writing white papers, you need to practice and practic a lot.  While being able to learn quickly would be preferrable, good writing takes time and effort.  Thus, Stelzner suggests that the serious writer should continually repeat the three steps listed above.