WORKING WORDS is a collection of 'chats' about aspects of writing and editing. It is not a textbook, but is a companion to books on grammar, style, punctuation, plain English, editing, and the business of being a freelance writer or editor or, indeed, a self-editor. Many of the 'chats' are a direct result of requests from working editors, would-be editors and people who didn’t learn the 'whys' and 'wherefores' of English grammar at school.

Elizabeth Manning Murphy JP BA (Hons) FCES AFAIM DE is a trained linguist, a comunication consultant, an editor and a trainer in effective writing. She writes for The Canberra editor and is the author/co-author of many books on effective writing, office skills, job-hunting and language.

'Again and again, one marvels at solid content accessibly expressed, at the work of someone who clearly loves to share and impart knowledge accumulated through long reflection and experience' Isabelle Delvare, President, Professional Editors' Group, South Africa. (Extract from a review first published in the grou's newsletter, PEGboard, December 2011.)

'This is a very interesting and straightforward companion for people concerned with good written English and editing. It addresses important issues about style, grammar and punctuation, and combines these elements in a chatty, accessible and practical way. There's also very useful content about liaison and communication, which is especially valuable for beginning editors' Dr Paul Hetherington, Writing Program, University of Canberra