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Tips for Better Non-fiction Writing:
- Lead with eye-catchers. The beginning and end should be the strongest parts of a piece of writing. If you're having a hard time writing the ending, go back and re-read your lead for inspiration in tying up the loose ends.
- Keep it moving by using active verbs. When possible, avoid the passive voice. (for example, instead of "It has been shown by scientific studies that cancer is caused by smoking," say "Scientific studies show that smoking causes cancer.")
- Vary the length of sentences and paragraphs to avoid monotony.
- It's obvious, but too often forgotten: Newsletters and news releases should be news.
- The terminology you use will determine who reads your writing: the more specific the vocabulary, the smaller the readership.
- Imitation isn't always bad. Reading pieces that are similar to what you want to write can help you to internalize the tone you want to capture.
- Try reading your piece aloud: the best writing sounds like natural speech. If you find yourself getting stuck while writing, try talking into a tape recorder, and later transcribe and edit what you have said.
- Details, details. "In general, it's best not to generalize."
- The thing that interests people the most is other people.
- Be sparing with adjectives and adverbs. The same goes for quotations. Think of them like hot chilis and use them in moderation to spice up your writing.
- Never talk down to the reader. Assume they're as intelligent as you are.
- Keep it short & snappy, but with content - make your point succinctly, but do make a point. It's better to leave readers wanting more than to smother them with words.
- Trust your instincts. When your writing sounds true to you, don't try to improve on it.