As an avid writer, you systematically double check your commas, intently review your grammar usage, and triple proofread your content. Once these tasks are complete, what is the next step? There are many similar tips that float around the Internet of how to become better writers and how to improve your editing processes, but what do you do if you want to refine yourself as a writer on a daily basis? Writing clear messages, staying professional, and captivating your readers with descriptive language is a strong start, but how can you make sure your writing and editing tools are as sharp as possible?
In today’s post, we will provide you with a few easily accessible sources that can help you fine-tune your writing abilities. We hope these tips will equip you with the knowledge to improve your content and expand your skills.
1. Be old school and use a grammar handbook
Though it seems old school to keep a pocketbook by your side, a grammar handbook is a helpful tool to keep handy wherever and whenever you write. At Rough Draft Solutions, we know the frustrating feeling of saying a sentence aloud and questioning whether or not it is grammatically correct. With a grammar book within reach, you can improve your grammatical knowledge while settling these queries quickly. Improving your knowledge of grammar doesn’t mean you are required to implement each rule you learn, but it will help you make informed decisions about the words you choose, the way you structure sentences, and your writing style.
Woe is I, by Patricia T. O’Conner is an exceptional grammar book to keep on hand. Its structure disguises it as your everyday chapter book, but it is a handy guide that is filled with charming humor. Woe is I discusses the rights, wrongs, and in-betweens of grammar usage with a down-to-earth tone and practical language. At a cheap cost, this is the perfect manual to keep with you and use as you go. Another benefit? You won’t fall asleep reading it!
2. Check yourself with grammar websites
If you are someone who prefers digital sources, there are plenty of grammar-assisting websites out there that will help your writing along. At Rough Draft Solutions, If you are someone who prefers digital sources, there are plenty of grammar-assisting websites out there that will help your writing along. At we are big fans of the website Grammarly. Grammarly allows you to paste your content into their website and gives you a grade based on the errors in your work. Not only does it help you catch your mistakes, but it provides descriptions or small lessons of why they suggest you should change a word, phrase, or sentence. For a low price, you can easily fix your errors while seeing the trends in your mistakes and learning from them, becoming a better writer along the way.
Check out two of our other favorite sources - Grammar Girl and the Hemingway Editor.
3. Don’t stop at spell check
It is no secret that a computerized editing system may not catch every error. And yet, many writers still make the big mistake of relying solely on spell check to review their work. While spell check assesses the spelling and grammar in your content, it does not alert you to words that are spelled correctly but are being misused. To reduce the risk of jeopardizing your content, be sure to proofread your work for yourself before sending it to the printer or hitting submit. An even better choice would be to have a colleague review your work.
4. Read your content aloud
Every good writer knows how important it is to proofread content before publishing it. As you are familiar with your content, you may not catch every mistake. A useful proofreading technique is to carefully read your content aloud. Doing this helps you slow down your pace to find errors and also allows you to hear how your content will sound to your readers. You may feel silly at first, but getting into the habit of proofreading aloud will benefit your content and improve your writing skills for the future.
5. Evaluate your content goals
While it is vital to double and triple check that your work is free of errors, it is equally important to review your content regarding its goals. Before you begin writing, create a list of goals you want your content to achieve. When your piece is finished, go back to the list and make sure it matches your criteria. If your piece is for a website or a blog, be certain the messages match the goals of the page it will be showcased on. Evaluating your content for its goals is a great way to maintain consistency throughout your writing and helps make sure you are intentional with the content you create.
What are some of your best writing tips? We hope these tips and practices will relieve your writing-related stress and help you improve your already-powerful skills! Need a partner to talk writing strategies?
