Are you wondering why your work isn’t getting the reaction you think it deserves? Then you may be making some simple but harmful errors as a new writer. New writers often make mistakes, and while some enable you to learn and grow, others will make your writing bad, or make you seem unprofessional.
Here are some things that you should avoid when writing:
1) Complicated Language
Many new writers think that in order to come across as professional, they need to use as many complex words as possible. This is far from the truth, in fact, you should use simple language whenever possible. Simple language is one of the best ways to achieve clarity.
If you ever need some help, Writer’s Digest will be able to help you with some articles on how to improve your writing style.
Top tip: Never use a complex word when a simpler one will do.
2) Never Editing
When you read the word ‘editing’ you may have misunderstood what that actually means. Editing isn’t the same as proofreading, which is checking for spelling mistakes, it is reading through your work to make sure that you are only saying what needs to be said.
Writing services such as UK Top Writers are able to help when it comes to editing or writing.
Top tip: if it is possible to cut out a word without changing meaning, cut it out.
3) Not Telling a Story
ALL types of writing are storytelling, and therefore you need to choose all of your words and how to say them carefully.
Top Tip: Create a ‘feel’ and direction right from the start and execute it effectively.
4) Finishing Too Quickly
Many new writers may think that good writers are able to create a masterpiece very quickly and that is what they should be doing, when in fact good work can take many weeks, months or even YEARS to perfect.
Top tip: Leave your work and come back to later, don’t rush it!
5) Not Networking
When it comes to landing yourself writing jobs, you need to get yourself out there and spend time networking with relevant people within the industry.
Top tip: The internet is the perfect place for networking.
6) Having a Niche Too Early
Many people will try to tell you that you need to be choosing just one area to focus on, but this isn’t a great piece of advice when you’re first starting out. You don’t want to be stuck in just one area because it will affect your ability of getting new jobs, plus you need to spread your wings and find out what you’re good at!
Top Tip: Niches are good for more established writers, spread your wings first when you start out.
7) Taking Experience for Granted
A lot of new writers will take gaining experience for granted. Being a new writer is the prime time to make new cotacts and gain experience – be open, adaptable and SAY YES!
Top tip: Be open-minded!
8) Not Selling Yourself
You should never wait for work to come to you, you need to get yourself out there and connect with people. A great way to do this is by emailing relevant people who you may be able to work with.
Top tip: Create your own career, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you!
9) Not Showcasing Your Work
You should always be showing off your writing talent. A good way to do this is to create a blog or website where you can showcase your portfolio or to create pieces especially for that platform.
A great platform for showcasing yourself is Writing World. Not only does it advertise competitions to get involved in, it also offers information on how to get started as a writer and other vital pieces of information.
10) Calling Yourself ‘Aspiring’
The reason why you should never be calling yourself an aspiring writer is that the journey of expanding your knowledge, networking and building relationships never ends; it is a constant journey when you have decided to work as a writer.
When at moments in your career you would like to improve your writing skills, Writers Workshop is able to offer some great advice.
BIO: Rachel Summers is a writer, local newspaper reporter, a British journalist, and a freelance creative writer and editor. Connect with her on Facebook and follow on her Twitter as @racheljsummers.
