6 tips to write better

Whether you’re crafting an email, working on a novel, writing a report, or maintaining a blog, writing is an essential skill that influences how your message is received. While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for great writing, there are proven strategies that can help you communicate more clearly, persuasively, and confidently.

If you're writing a novel, here are six actionable tips that will help you write better, regardless of your audience or platform.

1. Know Your Purpose and Audience

Before you put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, ask yourself two questions:

• Why am I writing this?
• Who am I writing for?

Understanding your purpose keeps your writing focused. Are you trying to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire? Your goal influences everything from tone to structure.

Knowing your audience helps you tailor your language, style, and examples. A technical report for engineers will look vastly different from a casual blog post for first-time travelers. Clarity begins with intention.

Tip: Write down your goal and ideal reader at the top of your draft. Refer to it as you write to stay on track.

2. Start with a Strong Outline

Great writing rarely begins with a blank page. A clear outline gives your writing structure and direction. Think of it as your map: it shows where you're going and how you’ll get there.

Your outline doesn’t have to be complex. A few bullet points that break down your introduction, main ideas, and conclusion can do wonders. It keeps you from rambling, skipping key points, or repeating yourself. You can also use a template to map everything out faster and clearer.

Tip: Use headings and subheadings early in the process. They double as an outline and make your content easier to scan later.

3. Write Simply, Not Simplistically

There’s a big difference between writing simply and writing simplistically. Good writing uses clear, straightforward language, not because readers can’t understand big words, but because simple language is more effective.

Avoid jargon unless it’s absolutely necessary, and choose shorter, stronger words when possible. For example:

• “Use” instead of “utilize”
• “Help” instead of “facilitate”
• “Start” instead of “commence”

Simple doesn’t mean dumbed down. It means respectful of your reader’s time and attention. On the other end, you should avoid lazy words, like "very".

Tip: Read your writing out loud. If you stumble, your reader probably will too.

4. Cut the Clutter

Most first drafts contain fluff: extra words, redundant phrases, or tangents that dilute your message. The solution? Edit ruthlessly.

Some common clutter to cut:

• Redundancy: “Absolutely essential” → just “essential”
• Filler words: “Just,” “really,” “very,” “actually”—delete unless they serve a purpose
• Longwinded phrases: “Due to the fact that” → “Because”

Every sentence should serve a function. If it doesn’t, delete it.

Tip: Challenge yourself to reduce your word count by 10–20% during editing. It almost always leads to tighter, stronger writing.

5. Use Active Voice

Passive voice isn’t always wrong but it often makes writing weaker and more distant. Compare:

• Passive: “The decision was made by the committee.”
• Active: “The committee made the decision.”

Active voice is direct, clear, and engaging. It emphasizes the subject and action, making your writing feel alive.

Tip: If you find too many “was” or “were” constructions, see if you can rework them into active sentences.

6. Revise in Layers

Writing and editing are different processes. Don’t expect to write a perfect draft on the first try. Instead, revise in layers:

1. Structure: Are your ideas organized logically?
2. Clarity: Are your sentences concise and readable?
3. Style: Does your tone match your audience?
4. Proofreading: Are there grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors?

Taking breaks between drafts helps too. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes and awkward phrasing you missed before.

Tip: Read your final draft backwards, sentence by sentence. It’s a great way to spot typos and syntax issues.

Final Thoughts

Writing better isn’t about knowing fancy words or following rigid rules. It’s about communicating clearly, connecting with your audience, and expressing ideas effectively. By focusing on purpose, structure, clarity, and revision, you can elevate your writing.

Remember: good writing is a skill, not a talent. The more you practice, the better you get.