Hundreds of books and websites provide information on correct English punctuation, grammar, and usage. But, often, this information is not very user-friendly. In today's fast-paced world, most of us don't have time to search numerous websites or wade through extensive texts written by grammarians in language the average person can't comprehend. We need answers quickly, and we want those answers in language we can understand.

What's the Rule? is a unique reference guide. It is comprehensive, yet straightforward and practical. It was designed to be a tool for students and working professionals who want simple, clear, easy-to-locate explanations of writing issues. One user describes it as her "Webster's Dictionary for writing problems."

The rules in What's the Rule? were checked against more than 60 writing texts, style guides, and reference books to ensure completeness, and they represent a consensus of authorities in the writing field. In addition to explaining the rules as clearly as possible, What's the Rule? provides examples and handy tips for remembering the rules.

• User-friendly rules written in plain English
• Complete coverage of all standard rules for punctuation, grammar, usage, sentence structure, and style in American English
• Examples for all rules—geared to working adults and business situations
• No cute illustrations, pithy puns, or humorous anecdotes--just the rules (and a few words of wisdom)
• Colored page tabs for easy access to specific information
• Extensive list of commonly confused words and techniques for remembering them
• Comprehensive section on rules for constructing numbered and bulleted lists (book, CD, and Web versions)
• Extensive glossary of grammatical terms and a detailed index (book, CD, and Web versions)
• Quizzes to help you diagnose your strengths and weaknesses and to brush up on your skills (CD and Web versions)
• Guide to 21^st century writing and language issues (2^nd edition book version)

Kathy Sole is a businesswoman, college instructor, and corporate trainer. She was formerly vice president of a major commercial bank and manager of a worldwide instructional publications department, where she directed the writing, editing, and publishing of more than 3,000 internal communications, policies and procedures, and training materials annually. Kathy also served as marketing director for two financial institutions.

For the past 18 years, she has been the owner of a company that specializes in writing and editing complex government, business, and academic documents. She has collaborated with a wide range of businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public entities to create professional-level documentation of their products, programs, processes, and procedures.

Kathy also works in the academic arena where she edits books, scholarly manuscripts, dissertations, and conference presentation materials; develops university-level course curricula; and teaches university communications and business courses. She holds a master's degree in communication studies.