The quality of your writing isn’t fixed—here’s how to level up with intention.
Writing is like baking a cake—anyone can do it, but not everyone does it well. Whether it’s a business email, a LinkedIn post, or your future bestseller, you want your words to land. But great writing doesn’t happen by accident; it takes effort to get it right.
Let’s talk about how to take your writing from “meh” to memorable—whether you’re tackling business copy, creative writing, or just trying to make that first draft a little less rough.
Because the only thing worse than reading bad writing… is realizing it’s yours.
1. Use active voice
One of the most effective writing tips for producing good writing is to use active voice. In active voice, the subject performs the action directly, which makes your piece of writing clearer and more engaging. Great writers use active voice to create vivid, powerful sentences that draw readers in.
In contrast, passive voice can make your writing sound weak and indirect, which is why avoiding it is common writing advice. For example, “The author wrote the book” is more direct and stronger than “The book was written by the author.”
Using active voice helps your writing stand out, keeping readers interested and making your message more impactful.
2. Eliminate unnecessary words
One of the best ways to improve your own writing is to eliminate unnecessary words, which helps make your main point clearer and more engaging. Good writers know that concise writing is often more powerful. Whether you’re working on a short story, a cover letter, or even a blog post, cutting out filler and fluff will lead to better writing.
Look out, too, for adverbs that don’t add much value, and avoid using cliches. For example, instead of saying, “She ran very quickly,” try, “She sprinted.” This not only makes your writing more precise but also more vivid. Your goal is to make each word count.
3. Understand your audience
Knowing your audience is essential if you want to be a better writer. Your approach will differ depending on what you’re writing and who will be reading it.
If you’re a blogger, creating a newsletter, or writing an SEO article, it’s often best to talk directly to your reader. Make it feel like you’re chatting with your best friend—keep it conversational and engaging.
However, if you’re telling a story or writing a novel, you need to understand who your readers are and what kind of story they’re looking for. Are they young adults looking for an escape, or non-fiction enthusiasts who want depth and insight? Knowing your reader allows you to craft your main point in a way that connects effectively.
High school writing classes often do a disservice by teaching rigid rules that don’t always apply to the real world.
In business writing, copywriting, or content marketing, it’s about getting to the point quickly and grabbing the reader’s attention—not about long, overly formal essays. The same goes for academic writing versus writing a script for a podcast or a post for social media—each has its own style and audience expectations.
No wonder so many writers struggle with writer’s block—it’s difficult to adapt when you’ve been taught that there’s only one “right” way to write. To truly improve, you need to tailor your approach to the audience. Whether you’re trying to grab the attention of a lot of people online, writing a script for a podcast, or working on something for the next day’s newspaper, understanding your reader is key.
When you know who you’re writing for, it becomes easier to craft a piece that resonates and hits the mark.
4. Vary sentence structure
To keep your writing engaging, it’s important to vary sentence structure. Mixing up sentence length helps maintain rhythm and keeps readers interested.
Use a combination of short sentences for impact and long sentences to add depth. Ernest Hemingway famously wrote short, direct sentences, which created a punchy, straightforward effect. Pairing those with occasional complex sentences can add nuance and variety.
Try using a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentence structures. For example, start with a short sentence to make a point. Then follow it with a longer, more detailed explanation, using commas to add extra information. This variation adds texture to your writing, making it more enjoyable for readers.
5. Read it out loud
One of the simplest ways to improve your writing is to read it out loud. When you read your work aloud, you catch awkward phrasing, clunky sentences, and errors you might miss when you re-read silently. This method can help you hear how your writing flows and identify sections that need adjustments.
If it’s your first time using this technique, you might be surprised at how effective it is. It can also be helpful to read aloud to someone else, like a co-worker, to get another perspective. Sometimes, another set of ears can catch issues you didn’t notice.
6. Use a grammar checker
Using a grammar checker is a great way to catch grammatical errors and refine your writing during the revising process.
ProwritingAid is my favorite tool—it goes beyond basic spell check and helps with identifying issues like misplaced prepositions, incorrect use of nouns, or even problematic semicolons. It’s especially useful for non-native English speakers, as it provides detailed explanations to help you understand each suggested correction.
A grammar checker can catch typos and other mistakes that are easy to miss when you’re proofreading. While these tools aren’t perfect and can occasionally make incorrect suggestions, they’re invaluable for getting your writing to a polished state before the final review.
7. Play with style
To develop your unique writing voice, it’s crucial to play with style. Experiment with different techniques, take risks, and be open to breaking conventions to find what works best for you. Try using different sentence structures, change up your word choice, and don’t be afraid to explore unconventional ideas.
Sometimes, stepping outside the usual can reveal your true writing rhythm.
Pay attention to what feels natural and what brings out your best work. Maybe your style includes sharp, punchy sentences, or perhaps you prefer longer, more descriptive passages. Experiment with bullet points for clarity or switch between formal and conversational tones to see which captures your message best.
The only way to discover your voice is to try new things—embrace the creative freedom and see where it takes you.
8. Work with a professional editor
A professional editor can be instrumental in helping you elevate your writing. They help take your work to the next level by identifying issues you might miss during revising, such as inconsistencies, awkward phrasing, or structural problems.
An editor’s feedback can refine your narrative, enhance clarity, and ensure your unique voice shines through. They’re also invaluable in pushing you to make your work the best it can be.
Collaborating with an experienced editor is an investment that not only improves your current piece but also enhances your skills as a writer, making it a worthwhile step in the journey to becoming better.
9. Learn and practice
Becoming a better writer means continuously learning and practicing your craft. Dive into books like The Art of Writing and The Elements of Style by Strunk and White—they provide essential guidance on form, structure, and clarity. Stephen King’s On Writing is another excellent resource, offering a mix of personal anecdotes and practical advice that can help shape your own approach to storytelling.
If you’re serious about improving, consider taking writing courses or joining a writing class. These provide structured learning and often include feedback from instructors and peers, which is invaluable in your journey. Keep a style guide on hand to refine your work and make sure your grammar and usage are consistent.
Incorporate tools like a thesaurus to expand your vocabulary and enhance your writing style. The more you write, the better you’ll understand how to put these tools to work. Regular practice, combined with continual learning from experts, is the foundation for becoming a more confident and effective writer.
10. Learn to write with all your senses
Most writers focus mainly on what they see, but to truly master the art of writing, you need to engage all five senses.
Think about the last piece of excellent writing you read—you likely felt as though you were right there in the scene. That’s because the writer used more than just visuals; they brought in sounds, textures, smells, and even tastes to create a vivid experience.
To develop your writing skills, practice describing settings and moments using all your senses. Instead of only mentioning what something looks like, add how it smells, what sounds are present, or how it feels to the touch. This level of sensory detail makes your scenes richer and helps readers connect more deeply with your story.
Bringing in all the senses not only makes your writing more immersive but also elevates the quality, helping you stand out as a storyteller who knows how to create a full-bodied experience for readers.
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