Intentional Design Inc.

The Elements of Content Strategy

This week, I’m taking a break from content strategy deliverables. It’s mostly because I’ve started a new gig – can you believe that I’m an employee for the first time in 10 years? – and didn’t have a chance to follow up with the folks who offered to contribute their deliverables, and I didn’t have a chance to think about what else I could contribute.

However, I’m providing the net best thing – a book review of Erin Kissane’s The Elements of Content Strategy. Kissane has brought together content strategy principles, methodologies, and deliverables in context for aspiring practitioners. This is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to transition to the field of content strategy.

Don’t know if you’re ready to transition to working as a content strategist? Read this book. Someone who is comfortable translating what Kissane has brought together, and interpret it into a work methodology should be comfortable enough to try their hand at it. If you have the “aha, that makes sense” moment, this will give you the framework to develop a strategy in your own workplace. If you read this and wonder where you fit your writing and editing tasks in, then you’re probably not there yet.

The book isn’t just for the next generation of content strategists. I can see this being useful when you’re sitting in that late-night stupor after working several late nights in a row, and have a complete blank on what to do next. A quick flip-through can give you that push, the “oh yes, of course, why didn’t I think of that before?” I wasn’t prepared to like this book – it was too thin and full of clever puns and metaphors – but after finishing it, I can see this being a staple on the bookshelf closest to my desk for those difficult moments when I need a shot of inspiration.

Read an excerpt:
http://www.alistapart.com/articles/a-checklist-for-content-work/

Like the book? Come back and leave a comment to tell me what you find helpful!