Updated November 4, 2024
Mark Twain once said, "The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction." That may sound like a tall task, but you already know that writing is hard work and the hardest part of the process is the editing. If you want to help yourself get through your revisions faster and with more confidence, follow these essential writing tips when working on your first draft.
Less is More
Why say in 20 words what you can say just as well in 12? Using unnecessary words makes your work come across as less readable, boring, and unprofessional. The Chicago Manual of Style suggests avoiding the phrases "whether or not", "at the present time", "due to the fact that", "in the process of", and several others. Ask yourself whether phrases you've used are redundant or too wordy. If the answer is yes, then change them.
Skip the Clichés
You may know people who speak in clichés, and maybe you're one of them. But when it comes to reading, tired phrases make your writing sound sophomoric. "Time will tell", "think outside the box", "without a care in the world", "every cloud has a silver lining", and "loved her more than life itself" are just some examples of clichés you should avoid if you want to sound like a professional.
Separate Dialogue and Narrative
Conversations will read much better if they're separated out from narrative paragraphs. Don't let clever dialogue get lost among asides and unnecessary descriptive language. Assuming you've given each character a solid and unique voice, separating your dialogue from the narrative helps create a readable scene that flows at the right pace.
For example:
Elizabeth ran from the room and down the stairs as though she were being chased by a madman.
“What’s the matter with her?” Philip asked. “Her phone rang, she said ‘Hello,’ and then she took off running.”
“I have no idea,” Sara replied, sighing deeply.
Show, Don't Tell
You've heard this several times before, but it's one of the most important writing techniques and bears repeating. Using dialogue and action to convey emotion is more powerful and interesting than narrating it. In other words, don't write that Jack furrowed his brow; convey his concern with the language he uses when speaking to another character.
For Example:
“The least you could do is tell me how it happened,” Jack cried. “Please!”
Use Correct Punctuation
Professional editors, agents, publishers, and readers will get distracted by your unnecessary insertion of en- or em-dashes, overuse of commas, and misplacement of semicolons. Unless you're writing something meant to be highly experimental, don't invent your own punctuation rules. The ones we already have work just fine.
Maintain a Chronological Storyline
Although it might be tempting to flip back and forth from one time period to another, this is a technique best left to the masters and even then, only occasionally. Stick to a chronological storyline or you're likely to confuse and irritate your readers. Flashbacks and zigzags through time might leave your readers a bit dizzy unless you can weave them in smoothly.
If you've got the hang of this technique, feel free to give it a shot, but it's also a good idea to stick with a straightforward timeline. This way, you can save yourself from a lot of extra rewriting if the back-and-forth doesn't quite work out.
Revise and Edit Ruthlessly
Writing is a process that involves revisiting your work with a critical eye and a willingness to make significant changes. This might mean letting go of parts you're attached to but remember that every word should serve a purpose. Focus on clarity, pay attention to pacing, and ensure coherence by making sure all elements of your draft work together.
You're bound to hear a lot of unsolicited advice from friends and would-be writers as you write and publish your book. Stay true to yourself, but make sure that the guidelines you follow along the way come from a professional or experienced source.
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