The Association of Opinion Journalists (formerly the National Conference of Editorial Writers) has developed this "best practices" handbook to help professionals hone their skills and to offer newcomers an inside look at the profession of opinion writing. The second edition is now available. The ten authors of "Beyond Argument" explore the fundamentals of clear thinking and bright writing: 1.Doing homework, with emphasis on fact gathering, investigative reporting and undertaking the editorial crusade. 2.Good writing, including structuring arguments, using non-traditional styles and making words sing. 3.Layout and presentation in the new era of visual information. The writers talk shop, with solid advice on giving the audience a voice, hiring and managing staff (including cartoonists) and making the best use of time. The book closes with a glimpse of the future, plus a section of handy form letters and a list of essential Web sites. The effective preparation and presentation of opinion is increasingly critical in a world of proliferating points of view; "Beyond Argument" is a guidebook to point the way.