By Matthew S. Esteves
Writing is not an easy job. It requires patience, research, industry knowledge, and experience. Some writers are more naturally gifted than others, but everyone has one thing in common: they can improve with training. Everyone can write in some capacity; however, we have all read stories, columns, or correspondence that dulls our minds and produces audible groans. Simply put, not all writing is created equal, and authors should understand the importance of words in conveying their message and creating something impactful. Here are a few writing tips to take your writing to the next level:
- Write about what you are interested in
When we broach a topic or story idea that captivates us, writing is more effortless and enjoyable. That feeling is crucial for writing something impactful. Find what interests you and invest your time in putting your thoughts about that interest into words. From there, the possibilities are endless.
- Write what your clients need to know
Knowing your client’s business is imperative to your success. Stay close to industry trends, conferences, statistics, and trending topics. Think about what advice would make their lives easier and make it simple for them to understand and think about them. When writing, ask yourself, what are my clients always asking? How can I be helpful to them? If you don’t know, ask around and do some research. Consider this an investment in time because you never know if a topic might interest a client and the doors it can open.
- Write for the lay audience
When you are on a roll writing, words flow seamlessly from your mind into the document. However, make sure you take the time to review and ensure that what you have written is not overly laden with technical jargon or industry-specific vernacular. When writing an article, it is imperative to remember that most readers will not understand the intricacies as well as you. We are here to capture their attention and imagination, not explain every detail.
- Murder your darlings
As the renowned British author Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, ordered his students in 1914 to “murder your darlings,” I implore you to do the same. Quiller-Couch meant aggressively self-edit oneself and always asking, “Am I including this because it provides the reader with a more memorable piece? Or am I indulging myself in sidestepping the piece’s point to showcase how good of a wordsmith I am?”
- Always run it by a skilled editor
After spending time researching and writing, run your piece by a skilled editor. Our team at Promova reviews content several times before sending it to a client or a publication. If you don’t have a skilled editor, run it by a friend. Trust their judgment and try not to be averse to change. “To write is human, to edit is divine,” Stephen King says. Approach this process with an open and collaborative mind. No editor wants to erase your voice—they want to help you. So, embrace this process, and the results are sure to reward you.