Writing is hard work, but it is so worth it.

Writing talent is like a muscle: it needs to be exercised frequently to be kept in tip-top shape. Here are 6 of our top tips to make your writing go from good to great.

1) Be Visual And Conversational

Trying to make the reader “see” is a good goal and being concrete has huge effects. Trying to create an immersive world for your reader can be a long road, but ultimately a worthwhile one.

For a reader to go from “I think I understand ” to “I understand ,” we need to create the sights and sounds and feel the motions. Don’t over complicate your book just to sound intelligent. Sometimes the simplest word choice is often the best.

Those two simple things — being visual and conversational — can instantly take your writing to the next level.

2) Beware “The Curse Of Knowledge”

Knowledge is power, but it can also be a burden.

Once you know something you assume others do too and this can affect your writing. It’s human nature, but it can make it difficult for readers to connect with your work.

Get someone else to read your work with a critical eye. If it doesn’t make sense to them it might be time to get back to the drawing board.

3) Don’t Bury The Lead

Yeah, it’s an old saying from journalism. What’s it mean? Tell the reader what your point is. And tell them early.

People need a reference point so they can follow what you’re saying. Without it they’re lost.

Instead of being clever, just be clear and it’ll help your writing immensely.

4) You Don’t Have To Play By The Rule

Dictionaries follow language, they don’t guide it. Take your guidance from words and be creative.

Creative license is encouraged. Languages can and will change and that’s great. To be a great writer, know the rules before you break them.

5) Read Read Read

Reading is fundamental when it comes to writing. All the best writers read. In fact, Stephen King himsself notes that anyone who wants to writ should read at least two books a week.

By reading and reading and reading. Writing guides are excellent tools, but anyone who wants to improve their writing needs to read a lot.

6) Good Writing Means Revising

Writing is re-writing. No one has a perfect book on the first draft. So take time honing it to perfection and honing it some more.

The way the ideas initially pour out of your head is not the best way to get them into someone else’s. Make sure you write, re-read, re-write and revise until your book is in tip top shape and then pass it to someone else for a further critical eye.

Don’t forget, once your manuscript is finished, you can contact us here at Selfpublishbooks.ie and we can edit, design covers and print copies of your books as easy as one, two three.