A quick reference guide on how to write effectively
10 Tips I got after reading several articles about writing
I enjoy writing but I know I am not yet as good a writer I want to be. And so, I always look for pieces of advice from great writers.
I noted down a few tips that I can remind myself of every day. These will act as a quick reference guide for writing effectively.

#1: Standard Phrases could be avoided
I realized that my emails include many unrequired phrases like
- Please note that
- As per your request
- As per my previous email
I liked this tip from Darius Foroux from the below story, where it is stated that using such standard phrases degrade the quality of a sentence.
#2: Use simple words
There is no point in using words that most readers have to look up in dictionaries.
We are in an age where no one has time. If you want someone to read, make it easy for them.
I got this tip from Bobby Powers from the below story
#3. Writing doesn’t need to be linear
The most interesting part of the story needs to be said at the very beginning.
If you don't do so, there is a risk that you may lose your audience before they reach the most interesting part.
Loved this tip from Linda Caroll from the below story
#4. Editing is the most important part of writing
A good writer spends a considerable amount of time removing the words that are not required to convey their intent.
Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words — Mark Twain
In my academic times, English teachers stressed too much on the minimum number of words that the essays should have. I carried this learning long after I completed my studies.
But obviously quality always wins over quantity.
Tim Denning has well-articulated this tip in the below story by stating that one should Edit like a Murderer
#5. Don’t haste to publish
This is my personal tip that works well for me. After I am done drafting and editing an article, I give at least 30 mins before I re-read and publish.
Take time for all things; great haste makes great waste — Benjamin Franklin
Our brain works in mysterious ways. After you are done writing on a topic, your mind tends to overestimate your writing skills and finds reasons to validate that you have created a masterpiece.
Taking a break can give your brain the rest it needs. This can help dilute any misconceptions. A fresh start and a re-edit will surely make your article better than before.
#6. Read a lot
You can’t become a good writer if you are not a reader yourself.
While reading, you can note how the writers frame their sentences, the words they use, the way they format their articles, and perhaps also get inspired to write on a sub-topic, which the writer possibly didn’t touch in detail.
This tip is emphasized by Flynn Hannan in the below story
#7. Get straight to the point
As soon as the reader decides to read your article, you have a task at hand to keep the reader engaged.
Today’s world perceives that it doesn’t have much time. So, there is no point in saying more than is required. Get straight to the point.
Loved how Mohammed Nadir has highlighted this tip in the below story
#8. Target the mass
Don’t assume your articles are going to be read just by English scholars or writers. The readers may not even be native English speakers.
Use simple words, simple language, and short paragraphs.
Thanks to Quincy Larson to mention this tip in the below story
#9. Continue Writing even if you don’t get recognized
Writing isn’t easy.
And so, if you are not getting enough views or claps or reads, that is Ok. That is part of the learning process.
The key is to continue writing.
Believe you can and you’re halfway there — Theodore Roosevelt
Loved this tip from Sabana Grande in the below story
#10. Don’t think about money
I kept checking my stats on Medium only to get disappointed.
From now on, I have decided not to check my stats every day but only once a week. I am still a beginner and it is unfair to expect earning just yet.
Thanks to Tim Denning again for this amazing tip in the below story
Before you leave, I also wanted to highlight this story by Ayodeji Awosika which also has great tips that I want to keep reminding myself.
