PROFESSIONAL WRITING TECHNIQUES - Part 1

Professional Writing Techniques
Part 1 of 3

The difference between amateurish and truly professional quality writing hinges on many things -- quality of research, tone, slant and almost infinite variables. In this series, we'll look at a few basics that I teach in my nonfiction workshops.

 

1. Write tight! Don’t ramble.

     Eliminate any phrases or sentences that don’t add to the basic focus of the chapter or section.   The fascinating fact that interrupted the forward momentum of the text can usually go in the   next sentence or in a pull-out text box. Or you can try your hand at writing a brief parenthetical "comment" in the sentence.

2. Avoid overusing the “to be” verbs, i.e. is, was, were, are, am.

     These "to be" verb forms pop into our heads (and onto the keyboard) almost automatically. Comfortable, familiar, universally understood...and BORING!

Go through your manuscript, and circle the “to be” verbs, and replace two-thirds of  them with more specific verbs or verb phrases.

That presents a challenge for even seasoned writers. Many of us find it's wise to simply   go with the writing flow for the first draft, rather than breaking your rhythm with instant editing. 

If that's your preference, keep writing and change them when you do your first edit. Highlight them first, then go back and replace each one, working on a page at a time. Generally, replacing about two-thirds of the "to be" words will be enough. Unless you    go nuts every time you spot one! In that case, correct each one when you see it.

Sometimes simply replacing the is/are words with a precise verb will do the trick. Other times, you'll also rearrange the sentence or even the paragraph. Don't settle for OK. Go for excellent!

  

3. Use specific, descriptive nouns.        

     Instead of book, write paperback, volume, tome, booklet, manual  or publication. One of the keys to keeping the reader’s attention is familiarity.

• ·         Twix® bar elicits a stronger reader response than "candy bar,"
• ·         Altoids® wins out over mints,
• ·         Tide® resonates far more than soap or detergent, and
• ·         Kleenex® or Puffs® draws a more personal connection than tissues.

That also eliminates the use of a fistful of adjectives for each noun. Remember to capitalize brand names, and use the Registered Trademark symbol ® when the brand isn't obvious from the name of the product.

Happy editing!

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NEXT WEEK: PROFESSIONAL WRITING TECHNIQUES

Part 2 of 3

 Sentence and Paragraph Lengths

Satisfying Chapter Conclusions

Chapter "Hooks"