because writing is hard: 12 tips for better copy, faster
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Increase writing productivity and produce better prose with some insightful advice from the experts.TRANSCRIPT
12 of the most frequently cited tips for writing better copy, faster
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Compiled by Sidneyeve Matrix
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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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
2.
““Source: Goodreads.com
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/
Set weekly deadlines. 4.
Find ways to break your writing project into chunks and set concrete weekly deadlines. It might be super rough, but at least you’ll have *something* on the page.
~ Josh Shenk
Source: http://blogs.plos.org/neurotribes/2011/06/02/practical-tips-on-writing-a-book-from-22-brilliant-authors/
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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/
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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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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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
8.
~Rhys Alexander
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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
Write concisely.9.Substitute a simple word to make your writing clearer, cleaner, more concise. It gives the reader a feeling of confidence in your ability to communicate ideas.
~ Christina Thompson
Source: http://www.extension.harvard.edu/hub/blog/extension-blog/how-improve-your-writing-omit-needless-words
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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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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
Becau") writing i" ha$d! And when it’s done, celebrate.12.
Source: http://www.copyblogger.com/the-first-draft/
Compiled by Sidneyeve MatrixAssociate Professor of MediaQueen’s University, CanadaTwitter.com/Sidneyeve© All Rights Reserved 2014