No one is perfect, and that includes writers. Even the best writers make mistakes sometimes, but it’s important to learn what these mistakes are so you can avoid them. With this in mind, we will discuss some of the worst writing mistakes that you can make. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be able to produce better content that will engage your readers and help improve your website’s SEO as a business and your reader’s experience as an author.
Not Proofreading
First and foremost, one of the worst things you can do when writing is to not proofread your work. This is a huge mistake that can make your content look unprofessional and can cost you many readers. Always take the time to proofread your work before you publish it, whether you’re writing an article, blog post, novel, or even just a simple email.
Not Getting an Objective Opinion
Especially with something as long as a novel, it’s important to get an objective opinion from someone who hasn’t read your work before. This can be difficult to do, as you may be attached to your work, but it’s important to get a fresh perspective. Ask a friend or family member to read through your work and give you their feedback. For a more professional viewpoint, find a freelance editor.
After working on content for endless hours, it gets harder to spot errors; this is why an objective opinion is essential for any type of writing. Remember, even the most famous authors in the world rely on editors and objective opinions.
Not Researching
If you’re writing about a topic that you’re not familiar with, it’s important to do your research. This includes reading books, articles, and any other type of information you can get your hands on. Not only will this help make your writing more accurate, but it will also give you a better understanding of the topic.
Using the Wrong Spelling
Are you writing in American English, Australian English, British English, or something else entirely? Once you’ve decided on the spelling, it’s important to be consistent throughout your writing. Nothing looks more unprofessional than a document full of spelling errors, so be sure to proofread your work carefully.
Even if you’re in Australia, you might be writing for an American audience. If this is the case, learn the nuances of American spelling and grammar. The last thing you want is to lose credibility with your audience because of a few simple mistakes.
Too Many Commas
If you’re not careful, commas can easily become your best friend. They can be tempting to use, especially when you’re not sure where else to put them. However, using too many commas can make your writing look cluttered and unprofessional.
If you’re not sure whether to use a comma, ask yourself if the sentence would still make sense without it. If the answer is yes, then chances are you don’t need the comma. Another tip is to read your sentence out loud because commas indicate pauses; if you find yourself pausing in odd places, then you probably need to revise your comma usage.
Rambling Sentences
Long, rambling sentences are difficult to read and can make your writing seem unpolished. If a sentence is too long, try breaking it up into two or more shorter sentences. Not only will this make your writing easier to read, but it will also force you to be more concise in your expression.
In general, it’s best to keep your sentences under 20 words. Of course, there will be times when a longer sentence is necessary, but if you find that most of your sentences are on the long side, it’s a good idea to go back and revise.
