1. MAKE A PLAN
It sounds simple, but this is the most important thing - and the easiest to miss. Just a few notes before you start makes things clear in your mind. And that makes them clearer when you write.
2. KNow your audience
Lots of people read your stuff, but only one person at a time. So instead of writing for ‘everyone’, choose just a person. Just one. And the more you know about her, the better.
3. PUT YOURSELF IN YOUR READERS’ SHOES
Why would anyone care? This is the old ‘what’s in it for me’. Some things have obvious interest, but others need a little help. Dig deep to work out why someone would be interested in reading your stuff.
4. WRITE IT LIKE YOU SAY IT
People don’t usually talk with long words or perfect language. So try and keep your writing simple too. Imagine you’re writing a note to your Mum, or chatting with a friend.
5. Use short sentences
It’s easier and better to use short sentences. Like this one. Two or three short sentences will nearly always be easier to read than one big long, rambling sentence with lots of commas.
6. AIM TO MAKE IT FLOW
Great writing connects from thought to thought. Like stepping stones across a river. Each sentence should connect to the previous and step smoothly to the next as you build on your points to the other side.
7. LESS IS MORE. EDIT HARD.
Once you’re done, read everything and see what you can cut. Ideally the next day. Write hot and edit cold. Chances are you've used 30-40% more words than you needed. Be ruthless.
8. READ IT OUT LOUD
Reading your work on a screen may help you spot typos. Reading it out loud lets you feel where it's clunky or the tone changes - and you can only really hear this stuff when you read it out loud.
9. GET SOMEONE ELSE TO READ IT TOO
This is essential. Firstly, it’s hard to spot your own mistakes. But someone else will also know which bits don't click for them. Anyone can do this. The less they know about the content, the better.
10. ENJOY IT
Also super important. Whatever the topic, people can easily tell when a writer has enjoyed the craft. So find a way to love the stuff you write and chances are people will like reading it too.
