A writer’s goal is to keep the audience interested. Sadly, some writers fall into certain traps that may jeopardize the audience’s engagement. Understanding the most common writing mistakes can help authors write more clearly and keep them from stumbling on common pitfalls.
1. Trying to Sound Too Sophisticated
It’s important to remember that you are trying to inform the reader, not impress them. Unless you’re writing a business proposal or legal document, keep your content simple, easy-to-understand, and to the point. Remember, your reader won’t bother looking up the meaning of each word you write; they’ll just look for something simpler to read.
2. Not Asking Enough Questions
As a writer, it’s your job to dig into the details of a brief and ask the right questions. Is your client using American or British English? Gulf Arabic or Egyptian Arabic? Where and when will the content be published? All these questions help enhance your content and show that you’re a professional in your field.
3. Not Doing Research
Even if your client provides you with a detailed brief, a little research goes a long way. Transform your work from ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ by simply reading about the industry’s latest developments and your client’s main competitors. Your content will sound more credible because you’ll sound like an expert.
4. Forgetting to Edit
The way you present your work is almost as important as the work itself. Even if an editor will review your content, make it a habit to check for grammar and spelling errors, run-on sentences, and other common issues. Doing this shows that you’ve invested time and effort in the work.