Jerry Lanson, a writing coach and columnist, has taught journalism at seven colleges and universities. In January 1998, he joined the faculty of Emerson College as chair of its Department of Journalism and Public Information. He has also taught on the journalism faculties of Syracuse University, San Francisco State University, New York University, and Boston University. Lanson is a former reporter for The (Bergen County, NJ) Record and a former deputy city editor and bureau chief of the San Jose (California) Mercury News. This is his second textbook. His honors include a National Teaching Award from the Poynter Institute for Media Studies.