By Debra Davis, Publications Director, Alabama Farmers Federation
As a writer for 35 years and an editor for nearly 25 of those, I’ve made plenty of mistakes. Fortunately, there were some excellent editors who helped make me look smarter than I was. They also helped make me a better writer by demanding good work. Few ever let things slide, and several were unforgiving when it came to things as important as spelling names correctly. One editor even had a policy that misspelling someone’s name was grounds for termination.
A tough editor can help you be a better writer. It’s good to keep that in mind when someone’s correcting your work.
I’ve compiled a list of a few common pitfalls I see among writers, especially young writers. Here’s a list of my top five.
Number 1: Avoid clichés.
Clichés make writing easy because they don’t require an original thought. In reality, clichés represent the lack of an original thought. Be original. Don’t use clichés — ever.
Number 2: Omit needless words.
Using needless words is another trap that’s easy to fall into. After writing a story, try going back through and strike every unnecessary word. Here’s some examples of phrases shortened to one or two words with the same meaning.
Despite the fact that — Although
Due to the fact that — Because
If this is not the case — If so
In the majority of instances –Usually
The vast majority — Most
At a later date — Later
Sooner rather than later — Soon
“That” is one of the most overused words I see in journalism and in writing period. My rule: If you can leave “that” out, do it.
Number 3: Keep the main thing the main thing.
What’s your story really about? If a reader can’t clearly determine what the story is trying to convey, the writer may not have remained focused on the purpose of the story. That’s not to say descriptive words and interesting anecdotes don’t have a place in writing. They surely do. But the main focus of the story should be clear.
A tool I’ve often used to help young writers remain focused is to ask them to tell me in a few sentences what the story is about. Doing so often clears their minds of other details they may have become focused on during the interview, distracting them from the main topic once they sit down to write.
Number 4: Double-check the spelling of names.
Few things are more important than their name. Never assume even the simplest name uses a common spelling. In addition to chipping away at your credibility, misspelling a name is disrespectful. That feature story you’re writing might be a family heirloom one day and how embarrassing to have your name on something that could have been so easily avoided.
Number 5: Respect deadlines.
Writers in general seem to be procrastinators. Some just like to mull over a story for a time before sitting down to a keyboard. In reality, a story is never fresher than the day it’s told or observed. Turning in things last minute doesn’t always allow adequate time for additional questions or fact checking. It’s better for you and your editor to turn it in as soon as you can.