the white paper writing experts

the white paper writing experts

The Art of White Paper Writing: A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals

1. Introduction to White Papers

An effective white paper contains three elements: clear, accurate research that evaluates a significant issue; a conceptual, creative approach to the issue, synthesizing information in new ways to support a principal line of inquiry, argument, or concept; and unmistakable language, both stimulating and accessible. A white paper focuses on a particular issue and provides either “one-stop” expert knowledge and documentation or an approach to solutions. It also presents a point of view and provides convincing arguments that educate readers in the principles, problems, and methods that surround the chosen issue. A white paper’s function is generally research, documentation, and file taking, but sometimes it contains opinions, briefs, and proposals that evolve from the research.

White papers, also known as briefing papers and information papers, are documents that present expertly formulated truths about issues of current concern. A paper whose purpose is primarily factual is labeled as a white paper, whereas one that is primarily factual, but also reflects an individual’s judgment and opinion, is labeled as a decision paper. This guide helps professionals learn how to analyze, organize, write, and revise white papers.

2. The Importance of White Papers in Business and Academia

The sales and marketing departments are constantly in need of white papers. The average company has constant needs for white papers: to present its point of view, to demonstrate thought leadership, to provide information for channel partners and websites. Conversely, the academic community has yet to fully appreciate the production of white papers. Many academics consider white papers to devalue or corrupt the process of research or writing. The problem arises from the vastly different objectives and expectations regarding writing. Within our commercial world, we expect readers to have their attention constantly savaged and to require validation of a given point in seconds hundreds of times daily.

White papers exist in the nexus-level interstice between research and public relations, and they draw upon the strengths of both fields. Drawing upon research suggests to the reader that the writer is making decisions based upon facts, case studies, or logic rather than impulsive assertions. Public relations are all about persuading the reader, the audience, or the decision-maker. In similar fashion, white papers seek to persuade the reader that the writer or the organization holds the correct position. Persuasive and factual, white papers present evidence in text, charts, tables, and infographics.

3. Key Elements of an Effective White Paper

1. Executive Summary 2. Problem Definition/Introduction 3. Current Practices and Problems 4. Proposed Solution 5. Solution Views and Features 6. Advantages of Proposed Solution 7. Technical Concepts and Technology Used 8. Conclusion 9. Cost/Benefit Analysis 10. Bibliography

Typically, a white paper’s first few pages provide a high-level discussion of the subject in a way that can be read by busy top-level decision makers. As one moves further into the paper, greater levels of detail are provided, serving the information needs of the stakeholders who must make informed decisions about a particular technology, product, service, policy, or solution. The white paper, being a form of communication, follows a set of principles and elements. In this chapter, we outline ten elements of white papers that are worth considering as one begins a white paper writing or outlining effort. The elements also map to a set of questions that the paper should address.

4. Best Practices for Writing and Formatting White Papers

A number of best practices have been drawn from those of experienced white paper authors: 1. Assemble the best team 2. Start with some market research 3. Decide on a title that works too 4. Write the executive summary 5. Brainstorm an outline 6. Discover the one real issue 7. Write to the right person 8. Write in stages 9. Follow standard models 10. Write with style 11. Mix in lots of facts 12. Write a strong call to action 13. Include meaningful exhibits and graphics 14. Print your white paper on the finest paper possible 15. End with an appendix

White papers can be a powerful tool in your content marketing toolbox. The knowledge and expertise of a company can truly shine through in a well-crafted white paper. Some firms think white papers are hard to write or that they require technical expertise. However, the benefits of producing a well-written white paper can greatly exceed the effort required to produce one. Writing white papers is a big responsibility, and white papers are very different from all other types of business writing. Certain industry and journalistic standards are expected. However, you must also inject some style and flair into your writing, while also demonstrating the earnestness, professionalism, and salesmanship.

5. Case Studies and Examples of Successful White Papers

Rather than fuss about putting a great deal of time into the one and only final draft, set into motion a system of intermediate drafts. Each one expurgates the content that can be better organized into a parallel but separate draft. You’ll complete topics and remove word overload. Have researched evidence, explanation of points, and examples on paper to review later while the next draft calls for summarization of the separated paraphernalia. A recap draft that is based on original sub-paragraphs and subpoints cleans up word order while making sure information is accurate, relevant, and consistent. When you really sit down with the last draft, you should quickly pump out the introduction, conclusion, combine paragraphs, and check for consistency in the remaining text so you can put it out of your mind in plenty of time for procrastination preparation before the next project… 6030 characters.

Procrastination among adult writers is not rare. In a professional setting, many writers claim that no other method pushes them to complete their paper like waiting until the very last moment. Though this technique seems dangerous, for some, it is a reality they’ve lived with and managed quite well over past engagements. The problem surfaces when there are obstacles in a person’s environment that don’t allow for such immersive creativity. It is for these people that I have developed five fallback activities that quickly generate large amounts of quality content. I suggest the following: one or two intermediate drafts, days of frontloading the project so over 80% is done one or two weeks before its due date, use multiple writing resources, pep talk and support, and proofreading.

Five strategies for procrastinators