10 Actionable Tips I Learned From 'Everybody Writes'

As a writer, it's important to not only produce high-quality content but to also ensure that your writing is grammatically correct. Good grammar can enhance the readability of your content, making it more engaging for your readers.

In her book "Everybody Writes," Ann Handley provides actionable grammar tips that can help you improve your writing. And, if you're an affiliate marketer looking to improve your writing skills, these tips can be especially valuable in creating content that resonates with your audience and drives conversions.

In this article, we'll explore five of Handley's actionable grammar tips that you can start applying to your affiliate marketing writing today.

Tips To Become Better At Writing

1) Use active voice:

Writing in the active voice is more engaging and easier to understand. Instead of writing "The ball was thrown by John," write "John threw the ball."

2) Unnecessary words:

Cluttering your writing with unnecessary words can make it difficult to read. Cut out phrases like "in order to" and "that" when they aren't needed.

3) Vary your sentence structure:

Using a variety of sentence structures can make your writing more interesting to read. Mix up short and long sentences, and avoid starting every sentence with the same word.

4) Use parallel structure:

Parallel structure means using the same grammatical structure for items in a list. For example, "She likes swimming, hiking, and biking" uses parallel structure.

5) Check for subject-verb agreement:

Make sure the subject of your sentence agrees with the verb. For example, "The dog barks" is correct, while "The dog bark" is not.

6) Use simple words and sentences

Using simple words and sentences is another crucial tip for effective writing. Complex sentences and technical jargon can be confusing for readers and can make your writing sound pretentious.

To keep your writing simple, use short sentences and straightforward language. Avoid using unnecessary words and phrases, and use active verbs to keep your writing concise and to the point.

7) Write in a conversational tone

One of the most critical tips in Everybody Writes is to write in a conversational tone. Writing in a conversational tone makes your writing more engaging and easier to read. It helps to establish a connection with the reader and creates a friendly atmosphere.

To write in a conversational tone, avoid using overly formal language and jargon. Instead, use everyday language and write as if you were speaking to someone in person. This will make your writing more approachable and relatable.

8) Edit ruthlessly

Editing is an essential part of the writing process. Even the most talented writers need to edit their work to ensure that it is error-free and coherent. Editing helps to remove grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and other inconsistencies that can undermine the effectiveness of your writing.

To edit your work effectively, read your writing out loud and check for errors. Look for unnecessary words, passive voice, and awkward phrasing. Cut out any irrelevant information, and ensure that your writing is easy to read and understand.

9) Use bullet points and subheadings

Bullet points and subheadings can help to break up your writing and make it easier to read. They also provide a visual cue to the reader and help them to understand the structure of your writing.

To use bullet points effectively, keep them short and to the point. Use them to highlight key points or to list items. Use subheadings to divide your writing into sections and to help the reader navigate your content.

10) Avoid clichés and buzzwords

Clichés and buzzwords are overused phrases that have lost their impact. Using them in your writing can make it sound unoriginal and uninspiring. To avoid clichés and buzzwords, use fresh and original language.

To do this, try to express your ideas in a unique way. Use metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to create an engaging and original tone. Use your own voice and perspective to make your writing stand out.

Wrapping up

becoming a better writer requires consistent effort and practice. By reading and writing regularly, embracing constructive feedback, focusing on clarity, editing and revising your work, and finding your voice, you can take meaningful steps towards improving your writing skills.

Remember that good writing is a process that takes time and effort, and that even the most successful writers must continually work to refine their craft.

By incorporating these actionable tips into your writing routine, you can develop your own unique style and create content that engages and resonates with your audience. So, start implementing these tips today and continue to strive for improvement in your writing.