I can't believe the amount of online content these days. It makes me wonder, how pertinent is it to have writing skills? What makes for good writing? I guess if you want to be published in a major magazine you'd have to have good writing skills or at least a style similar to the magazine's. Any thoughts...
How pertinent is it to have writing skills these days?
(3 posts) (3 voices)
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Richard take my word for this, it is ALWAYS pertinent to have good writing skills....by that I mean that, unless you have access to a really good copyeditor, you simply MUST be a good speller and have a very firm grasp on grammar.
Nothing will kill your chances of getting published (and paid) in any periodical or website (other than your own) like poor spelling or grammar. And if you self-publish -- for example to your own blog -- then you will be viewed as uneducated or lazy by those that visit your site. Woe to you if that is a potential Publisher checking out your work before deciding if you should be given a writing assignment, or a PR Firm looking for writers to fill a Press Trip.
That said, you also ask "what makes for good writing?"......and mention writing "style"..... I absolutely believe that you should familiarize yourself with the "style" of articles published by a magazine you're hoping to sell an article to, and tailor your article to be appealing to the Publisher based on what they've previously published UNLESS they ask you for something different.
As to what makes for "good" writing? That's more subjective and depends upon the reader. You should find your own 'voice' and style, and develop it. Practice by blogging, and don't be afraid to ask for feedback.
On a final note, think about the websites that YOU visit, and focus on what you do or don't like about their content - you should be able to recognize good writing skills when you see them, and to identify the less-skilled writers as well. Learn from their successes and mistakes.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Was this a trick question?
Good writing skills are essential to life I think.
I agree with Trisha on all of her points.
Also, with the volume of writing out there, I think writers with good skills and tons of passion will tend to rise to the top. It isn't a fair process and certainly there are some indie guys that are far better and more interesting than some of the big guys, but you will never achieve your goals without good writing skills - travel writer or just plain old business person.
Posted 2 years ago #
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