On Thursday 4 June, Unity Books Wellington hosted the launch for an important new book for businesses everywhere. Rewrite, by Lynda Harris and contributors, is all about clear and effective communication.
Anne-Marie Chisnall spoke first, representing the publisher Write Limited. Her enthusiasm was clear, as she told everyone gathered ‘we’ve had an absolutely fabulous time writing it’. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though, as with any large undertaking – and Anne-Marie explained the trials and tribulations of getting from concept to finished product by way of an extended comparison to an epic movie. ‘And Rewrite: The Movie would,’ she ended, ‘have great success at the box office. We hope.’
Lynda Harris, the main credited author of Rewrite and chief executive of Write Limited, spoke next. She was quick to point out that ‘even though my name is on the cover, the book is the end result of the work of so many people.’
‘I’d like to tell you what Rewrite is and isn’t. It’s not about how to write well, it’s about why you should write well. And we’ve seen the consequences of writing well.’ She shared stories about the savings that organisations have made simply by implementing better writing standards, emphasising how much of profits are ‘being eroded by poor writing’.
Danni Williams, one of the book’s contributors, told us she was there ‘on behalf of many other people’. Her story of the experience of ‘an HR practitioner’ in the public sector was an uplifting one, describing the organisation’s collective journey from having ‘disconnect with language’ to ‘[asking] passionate people to become champions of our culture change’.
Lynda wrapped things up with final thank yous and a quote from W Clement Stone, found on page fifty of the book: ‘When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand.’ The team behind Rewrite certainly answered the call of their mission, and then some.
Rewrite: How to overcome daily sabotage of your brand and profit (Write Limited) is $54 and available in store now or from our online shop HERE.
Photography by Matt Bialostocki, review by Briar Lawry.
Rachel Graham, Unity’s spokeswoman for the evening.
Anne-Marie Chisnall speaks on behalf of the publisher.
A crowd of friends, family and colleagues listen to Lynda speak.
Danni Williams addresses the crowd.
Rewrite author Lynda Harris signs copy of the book.
