Brief Contents Preface Acknowledgements Introduction List of Illustrations and Examples Processes Chapter 1 Public Policy is Language Use Chapter 2 Communicating in Policymaking Practices Chapter 3 Definition: Describe the Problem Chapter 4 Evaluation: Analyze and Advise Chapter 5 Legislative History: Know the Record Chapter 6 Position Paper: Know the Arguments Chapter 7 Petition, Proposal, Letter: Request Action Chapter 8 Brief, Opinion, Ordinance: Inform Governance Chapter 9 Testimony: Witness in a Public Hearing Chapter 10 Public Comment: Influence Administration Conclusion: Ethics for Policy Communicators Appendix: Writing Clearly Suggested Reading Index Contents Preface Acknowledgements Introduction List of Illustrations and Examples Processes Chapter 1 Public Policy is Language Use Illustration 1: Administering Policy - Milk Labeling Illustration 2: A Policy Cycle - Financing Government Operations Illustration 3: Legislating Policy - State Constitutional Amendment Chapter 2 Communicating in Policymaking The Policy Communication Culture-Actors, Practices, Functions General Method for Communicating in Policy Work Two Checklists: Features of Effectiveness and Measures of Excellence Example Practices Chapter 3 Definition: Describe the Problem How to Get a Problem On (or Off) the Policy Agenda Four Examples Chapter 4 Evaluation: Analyze and Advise Sketch: Critical Reading and Writing in Policymaking Culture Illustration: Congressional Committee Hearing (Agroterrorism) How to Critically Evaluate Policy and Analyze Policy Discourse Two Examples Chapter 5 Legislative History: Know the Record Illustration: Searching Government Records Strategically for a Purpose How to Conduct Government Records Research and Write a Legislative History Two Examples Chapter 6 Position Paper: Know the Arguments How to Argue Policy Illustration: Arguing to Propose Changes in University Policy on Alcohol and Drug Use Illustration: Arguing to Oppose a Change in Federal Drug Control Policy Illustration: Arguing to Permit or Not Permit a Municipal Zoning Action Three Examples Chapter 7 Petition, Proposal, Letter: Request Action How to Request Action on Behalf of a Group Three Examples Chapter 8 Brief, Opinion, Ordinance: Inform Governance How to Inform Policymaking in a Briefing Memo, Opinion Statement, or Ordinance Three Examples Chapter 9 Testimony: Witness in a Public Hearing How to Deliver Oral Testimony Based on a Written Statement Three Examples Chapter 10 Public Comment: Influence Administration How to Write a Public Comment Three Examples Conclusion Ethics for Policy Communicators Appendix: Writing Clearly Suggested Reading Index

"Any course that deals with policy and expects students to write policy papers could use this book. The focus on succinct writing and ethics gives the book advantages."--Anna Marie Schuh, Roosevelt University "I added Smith's book two years ago and it has been a great hit. I have seen improvements in [students'] ability to communicate in written form in more appropriate ways (context specific) and in appropriate forms given the context of policy professionals providing their assessments, etc. This is a well-done task-forward, example-driven text on techniques for better written communication (and required knowledge for competence in this area) for Public Policy courses and other related courses." -Dennis Patterson, Texas Tech University "I highly recommend this text to colleagues. Its ability to explain meaning-making and why this is important in public policy messaging is a vital component of training students to be future public service leaders."--Matt Bagwell, Tarleton State University

Selling point: Illustrations and scenarios from policy workplaces and writers' experiences Selling point: Writing samples by professionals, students, and citizens with commentary Selling point: A general method for communicating in policy work, with checklists to guide planning, producing, and assessing documents Selling point: Specific instruction for selected document types Selling point: Demonstration of techniques for writing clearly