Just like playing the banjo, knitting, and competing in hot dog-eating competitions, writing is a skill that you can always get better at! Some people may seem like they have natural writing talent. However, research shows that practice leads to better results than talent alone.
With decades of experience in the publishing industry, we like to think that we have a pretty good idea of the ways to become a better writer. These are true for beginners as well as the most accomplished authors.
So if you’ve been wondering: how can I improve my writing skills? We’ve got you covered.
(Yes, we could add more to this list, but below are the three most important things you can do to “get good” at writing.)
#1: Write Every Day
Unsurprisingly, the answer to “what should a writer do every day?” is WRITE! If you want to take weekends off, writing five days a week is acceptable😉.
Start writing like it’s your job. People who write books and get paid for their writing—they are writing like it’s their job even before they start getting paid.
Tough love alert: you’re not going to succeed unless you write often.
So be prolific! Crappy first drafts, journaling, letters to your auntie—it all counts.
We firmly believe that writing begets writing. The more you write, the more you will write. It’s like turning on a dripping faucet and letting the words flow.
If you’re not sure what to write, use the form below to download our ultra-popular 100 moments writing exercise.
#2: Have a Plan for Your Writing Time
If you’re serious about writing a book, you’ll be shocked at how effective you are when you have a plan for your writing time. Know what you’re going to write before you sit down.
The way to make this happen is to have a fabulously detailed outline. If every chapter subheading is listed in your outline, you can think of each section as a small writing assignment. All you need to do is write out the paragraphs that go with each subheading.
If you’re writing fiction, your outline will include the scenes that go into each chapter. Each time you sit down to write, you can choose one section and type, type, type.
You will become a good writer if you write with a plan—not in small part because you are likely to actually do more writing!
Looking for assistance with your outline? We’ll show you three classic book outlines if you fill out the form below.
#3: Lean on Support
Most first-time writers need help. Heck, most ultra-successful, experienced writers need help!
Finding your support system will help you become a better writer. It gives you people to rely on for encouragement or enthusiasm when yours is fading. You can bounce ideas off of fellow writing friends. You can get accountability so that you actually finish your amazing book. You’ll likely want an editor, a book coach, and maybe an agent to help you birth your book into the world.
You don’t have to do it alone. Statistically, you are more likely to reach your goals if other people know about them.
BTW, we’d love to be part of your support system! Book a free call with one of our Publishing Consultants to learn about book coaching, ghostwriting, editing, and more.
That’s it! If you write daily, have a plan for your writing time and get support from others, you are going to become a better writer. Simple? Yes. Effective? Also, YES!
👉 Leave a comment and let us know which of these 3 things good writers do that you need to focus on most.
