Good writing isn’t written – it’s rewritten. And then it’s edited!
First and second drafts, and sometimes third drafts, get your thoughts on paper. Then it’s time to take a hard, cold look at the mechanics — the words you’ve used and the way you’ve strung them together.
1. Check your sentence lengths
Keep your sentences short. Long sentences usually include several ideas. The same goes for long paragraphs. With no break between ideas, the reader loses focus or interest. Their eyes start to glaze over.
Aim for an average sentence length of 20 words. Paragraphs should be no more than 10 or 12 lines.
Readers love white space!
2. Use subheads
Subheads are like signposts. They help a reader find their way through the document. The longer or more complex the document, the more subheads you need.
Your subheads should follow a logical order that lead the reader to a conclusion or a call to action.
3. Use short words
We have thousands of words to choose from. Choose the most common.
For example:
- start instead of commence
- use instead of utilize
- so instead of accordingly
- plan instead of strategize
- try instead of endeavour
4. Cut the qualifiers
Qualifying words, such as very, little, and rather add nothing to the meaning. Qualifying words often end in ‘ly’ and are used to describe a verb. Try using a stronger verb.
For example:
- He spoke quietly. He whispered.
- She ran quickly. She sprinted.
5. Print it out and read aloud
Print your document. You will catch things that you missed when reading on the screen.
Read it aloud. Missing words, clunky sentences, and content that makes no sense become obvious when you read aloud.
