Quick tip: Fix a draft white paper that’s too short
So you’ve written a draft white paper, but it’s way too short. Now your reviewers and your sponsor are complaining. Can you expand it? Yes, you can. And here are some practical tips on how. But first, check out these one-page “white papers” What do you think? Are they long enough to be convincing? Or…
Read MoreQuick tip: Fix a draft white paper that’s too long
So you’ve written a draft white paper, but it’s way too long. Now your reviewers and your sponsor are complaining. So can you shorten a draft that’s way too long? Yes, you can. And here are five practical tips how. What’s too long, anyway? Technical people may read a white paper 30 or 40 pages…
Read MoreWhat ChatGPT says about white papers (updated fall 2024)
Every writer is talking about the ground-breaking AI program, ChatGPT. We’re all wondering whether it means the end of our careers or the start of a new and exciting chapter. So I decided to ask the source. Early in 2023, I interviewed ChatGPT 3.5 on the issues every writer is concerned about: What it can…
Read MoreQuick tip: 6 easy hacks for ChatGPT [with sample prompts]
After using ChatGPT for a time, we learn a few hacks to get better results. Here’s a quick roundup of six easy ways to pump up your prompts: The first three are common tips you may have heard already. The last three are strange “emotional engineering” to push the AI further. Plus, a bonus tip…
Read MoreQuick tip: How to make better lists
Every white paper includes a list or two. No wonder. Lists have many benefits: Lists help us compare and contrast Lists gather together a lot of data Lists can be scanned at a glance Designers and UX researchers have known for decades that lists are a good way to “chunk” info into shorter pieces. Those…
Read MoreWhite Paper World 46: August 22, 2024
Quick tip: How to write better lists You asked: Do white papers work in B2C? White paper sample: An excellent B2C guide Meet the author: Helen McCrone 9:30 minute read. 17:14 minute listen: Quick tip: How to write better lists 3 minute read. Every white paper includes a list or two. No wonder. They…
Read More20 top tips for white paper designers
First time ever designing a white paper? You can make that a smash hit or a total flop. It’s as simple as that. White paper readers don’t demand anything fancy. They just want a document that’s easy to scan, easy to read, and professional. If you give them that, they’ll likely scan it to pick…
Read MoreWhite Paper World 45: August 7, 2024
Quick tip: Don’t go mobile-first for white papers Buyer beware: Would you sign this contract? July book winner: Karl Fort Read in 7 minutes. Listen in 13:39 minutes: Quick tip: Don’t go mobile-first for white papers 2 minute read For years, we’ve heard that everything online should be mobile-first. But I don’t believe this applies…
Read MoreQuick tip: Don’t go mobile-first with white papers
For years, we’ve heard that everything should be mobile-first. But I don’t believe this applies to long-form content like white papers. I’m not a luddite. I have an iPhone and I read my email on it. But when I find a white paper on my phone, I send the link to my desktop. That way,…
Read MoreQuick tip: Don’t sign any contract like this?!
I was recently invited to guest on a podcast for entrepreneurs. 1.5 minute read And I almost agreed… until I saw their Terms & Conditions. They asked to own and make unrestricted use of my voice and likeness, real or edited, for all time, in any medium, for no money. Check out this clause in…
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