Writing for Multimedia and the Web: A Practical Guide to Content Development for Interactive Media

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
Writing for electronic, interactive media is different. It's a craft that needs to be learned. Whether you're a professional writer, want to be one, or just want to communicate your own message more effectively, Timothy Garrand will help you learn it.

Now in its Third Edition, Garrand's Writing for Multimedia and the Web continues to stand apart from the pack. First, there's its breadth: everything from web copywriting to e-learning programs, videogame narratives to blogging.

Second, there's its huge set of case studies, ranging from T. Rowe Price's corporate web site to the Amped 3 snowboarding simulation. (Four new cases were added to this edition, but the ones they've replaced are still on CD-ROM.)

Along the way, Garrand covers interactive writing at every level, from planning projects to working on a production team, storyboarding to usability. There's even a full chapter of career guidance. Bill Camarda, from the October 2006 Read Only

From the Publisher

A better title for this book might be, Writing for the 21st Century. When it comes to multimedia & the Web, Garrand not only provides a wealth of behind-the-scenes information on current products, but he makes clear that the written word-and its medium-appropriate manipulation-is responsible for their impact. Anyone considering a writing career should either get his book, or have access to a good time machine.
-Anne Collins-Ludwick, scriptwriter/producer for Nancy Drew PC games

Writing for Multimedia and the Web is excellent - the best reference I've seen on writing for both types of computer applications.
-James Carter, Ph.D, Harvard University


Garrand's Writing for Multimedia and the Web is the best textbook I've found for examining the theory and practice of multimedia writing. The text is straightforward, and the case studies and tolls facilitate student achievement. I've tried several other texts for my Writing and Multimedia course, but I always return to Garrand. His book sets the standard in the field.
-Michael Huntsberger, Ph,D., University of Oregon

Writing for Multimedia and the Web is really working well for a college course I teach titled, "Writing and Interactive Design.” I have used the text for more than 5 years and it is the best book overall that I have seen that is a good balance of application an theory.
-Ken Lodge, Oregon Research Institute. Applied Computer Simulation Lab


Writing for Multimedia and the Web is the book for rank beginners and experienced professionals alike, for the neophyte student of the traditional media writers who want to expand their skills. Teachers will find it invaluable as a text and scholars will appreciate the way Garrand integrates theory with application. How can he accomplish so much for such a varied audience? With a smart balance of interviews, explanation, and examples. The novice can work his way through from the beginning, where Garrand, patiently supplies a succinct overview of the field, replete with definitions and an easy to understand description of where the media writer fits into this dizzying process. The veteran writer, on the other hand, will enjoy the first hand accounts and insights about approaches and processes from the numerous writers that Garrand interviewed for his book.
Tim Garrand's Writing for Multimedia and the Web continues to be the "must have” book for any writer, aspiring or otherwise, student or teacher interested in this burgeoning field.
-Dr. Gregg Bachman, Chair, Department of Communication,
The University of Tampa