because writing is hard: 12 tips for better copy, faster

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12 of the most frequently cited tips for writing better copy, faster Because Writing is Hard. blo!", book#, $e%ort", &"’a(s... Compiled by Sidneyeve Matrix

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Increase writing productivity and produce better prose with some insightful advice from the experts.

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Page 1: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

12 of the most frequently cited tips for writing better copy, faster

Because Writing is Hard. blo!", book#, $e%ort", &"'a(s...

Compiled by Sidneyeve Matrix

Page 2: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Research. Then write.Before you sit down to write, be sure your research is done and you’re well versed in it. Resist the urge to continuously verify facts. Write without stopping.

~ Samar Owais

Source: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/tips-tricks-writing-fast-and-professionally

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Page 3: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Read everything.Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window. ~ William Faulkner

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““Source: Goodreads.com

Page 4: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Create an outline.3.

Think of writing your outline as the brainstorming portion of your writing workflow. ~ Syed Balkhi

The outline helps you avoid the trap of linear writing. You don’t have to start at the beginning and write line-by-line to the end. With a structure, you can write in pieces, in any order you like. ~ Dean Rieck

Sources: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/syed-balkhi/the-secret-of-writing-fas_b_4323234.html + http://www.copyblogger.com/speed-writing/

Page 6: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Social media time-out.5.

How NOT to write a book? Tweet. Update Facebook. Google writing software. How to write a book? Write until you’re done.

~ Chris Brogan

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Source: http://www.chrisbrogan.com/how-not-to-write-a-book/

Page 7: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Remember the reader.6.Relentlessly, unremittingly, obstinately focus on the reader. Anticipate the questions readers will have as they read. Then answer them. ~ Ann Handley

Source: http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20131210123538-6474349-big-ideas-for-2014-the-year-of-good-writing-and-the-one-key-to-creating-it

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Page 8: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Humans deal in facts, feelings and ideas. Words are simply the vehicle we use to deliver the cargo. Stop trying to write words. Start writing facts, feelings, and ideas. ~ Mike Anderson

Source: http://blog.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/one-magical-trick-to-upgrade-your-writing-skills

Start with facts, feelings, ideas.7.

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Page 9: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Grow your vocabulary.

As a writer, words are your paint. Use all the colors.

Sources: http://fireyourmentor.com/20-tips-to-become-a-better-writer/ + http://www.jocrf.org/resources/EffectiveWays.html

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~Rhys Alexander

Acquiring a large vocabulary will enable you to understand others' ideas better and to get your thoughts and ideas across more effectively.

~ Johnson O'Connor

Page 11: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Rapidly write your first draft. Get your thoughts down on paper before you can overthink them. Resist the urge to perfect as you write. Save the editing until the draft is finished.

~ Harvard Business Review Guide to Better Business Writing

A first draft, fast.10.

Source: http://business.time.com/2013/02/25/write-your-first-draft-fast/

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Page 12: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Done is better than perfect.11.I'm writing a first draft and reminding myself that I'm simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles. ~Shannon Hale

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Source: Goodreads.com

Page 13: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Becau") writing i" ha$d! And when it’s done, celebrate.12.

Source: http://www.copyblogger.com/the-first-draft/

Page 14: Because Writing is Hard: 12 Tips for Better Copy, Faster

Compiled by Sidneyeve MatrixAssociate Professor of MediaQueen’s University, CanadaTwitter.com/Sidneyeve© All Rights Reserved 2014