Top Ten Ways to Write Like a Pro Checklist

Sure you can write, but can you write crisp, compelling copy that
ezine publishers, related Web sites, and book audiences will
clamor for?

To sell well, your articles, reports, books, and copywriting need to pass the checklist below:

1.___Make your book or article title or headlines grab your reader by the collar.

If your titles and headlines are ho hum, your prospective audience will leave you instantly. Headlines and titles are far more important than the copy that follows. A clever title is great, but an even better title is clever and clear.

Shorter titles sell better than longer ones, because they are easier to remember. Make each word count because your potential buyer will spend only four-eight seconds on the book front cover. On your Web site sales letters and your Web home page, your headlines must grab your visitors' emotions and curiosity to lead them to buy. While some long titles have succeeded, usually the shorter, the better.

2.___Create your opening paragraph of your book chapter, your introduction, or your web copy to entice your reader continue.

It's not the book, it's the hook. In fiction, start with the most exciting and important incident first. For fiction and non-fiction, open with dialogue. It's more present and exciting. It shows rather than tells. In non-fiction open with two or three compelling questions your reader can connect with. Point out your readers' challenges through them. Then follow with the thesis, a story and other solutions.

3.___Make each part of your non-fiction book, report, article, or sales letter support the thesis.

For instance, the thesis of this article is "You will sell more books or services when you use these 10 ways to write like a pro." Once you give each book, each chapter, each article a thesis, you'll write more compelling, organized, and easy-to-read copy.

4.___Pursue friends and associates to edit your work. Send them a survey asking for their feedback on small amounts at a time. Always reward them with a free book at the finish, or a free special report you create from your longer pieces. Edit three times before you submit your piece to a professional editor or book coach. .

6.___Use strong, emotional or visual, power verbs rather than
linking verbs like "is," "there is," or "start to or begin."

These linking verbs create passive, long sentences. They stop movement and slow readers down or bore them. Readers
expect straight forward copy, and when they don't get it, will put your book or other writing down, never to return. Not a good way to receive word of mouth referrals. Start your sentences with the subject, then add a power verb. Find these listed in the eBook, "Use Power words to Spice Up Every Page of your Book or Web Site."

7. Stop loading your copy with telling words like adverbs. Every time you see a "very" or an -ly ending in your work, rethink. Check with your Thesaurus to see the more compelling possibilities. Think corpulent instead of very fat. One specific word is always better than two mundane ones. When you see "suddenly," a favorite of most writers, map out a picture, dialogue, or emotion to show sudden movement.

8. ___Corral your writing into concise, compelling sentences.
Know that the standard sentence is 15-17 words; anything longer means difficult level. Today's business readers want shorter and to-the-point writing. Yes, you want some variety, just remember what your audience wants. Redundancies fill your first draft. Make your first edit hone in on these. Slash and burn them because they talk down to your audience.

9. ___Make sure your piece is coherent. Test whether it flows
or sounds natural by reading it aloud. When you stumble on a word or phrase, you can bet your reader does too. Once your piece passes this test, you can offer it to others for peer editing.

10.___Make your dialogues believable. No long speeches, please. Short dialogue reflects real life situations. . Use "said" rather than "screamed," "pouted." Show these in your character's action. "Said" is like a comma, and readers don't like to be slowed or talked down to.

Attract contacts, sales, clients, and make a difference in other's lives using this "write like a pro" checklist.

Judy Cullins, 20-year book and Internet Marketing Coach, Author of 10 eBooks including "Write your eBook Fast," and "How to Market your Business on the Internet," she offers free help through her 2 monthly ezines, The Book Coach Says...and Business Tip of the Month at http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml and over 140 free articles. Email her at mailto:Judy@bookcoaching.com

---

Make Your Readers Cry

You know, I really hate it when someone catches me... Read More

8 Ways to Improve Your Writing Immediately

Is it possible to improve your writing instantly? The answer,... Read More

The Untold Secrets of Writing Best Selling Childrens Books

Ever wondered how the most successful children's book writers get... Read More

Writing Tips For Novice Authors

If you are reading this article then you probably have... Read More

Getting the Story Down

Questions and answers on writing life experiences for ourselves and... Read More

How to Finish Your Self-Published Book Fast

Started a book and then got bogged down? Like many... Read More

Taming The Book Proposal

Taming the Book Proposal: The BasicsOh, that most maddening of... Read More

Why Researching Is Good, And A Failure To Do So Is Not

What a lack of research could do to you.When creating... Read More

The Bottomless Notebook

Reading through a writer's notebook or journal is like discovering... Read More

The Self-indulgent Writier

A writer can never be self indulgent whether writing fiction,... Read More

Boost Your Income With Trade Journals

Why would anyone want to write for trade journals? Aren't... Read More

Four Easy Ways to Get a Book Written (Especially If You Dont Like to Write)

Becoming an author is probably a lot easier than you... Read More

Planning Time To Write

In his book, "Achieving Financial Independence as a Freelance Writer,"... Read More

Dont Forget That Manual!

No user manual? Surely you jest!It may seem comical, but... Read More

Write Your Way To A Better Brain

Boost Brain Power Through WritingHave you ever noticed what happens... Read More

A Plan

All writers should use a plan whether written or reflected.... Read More

Six Tips for Creating More Lifelike Story Characters

Working on my first humorous novel, I started with a... Read More

Whose Story Is It?

Whenever you sit down to plot a story (or even... Read More

Nonfiction Idea Generators

The hardest part of nonfiction writing is finding a subject... Read More

Aesop, Abraham Lincoln, and You

May I tell you about a writing technique shared by... Read More

Have You Settled On First Choice When Choosing A Title?

Short Story Writing Tips -We've established what a title should... Read More

Ten Quick Tips for Inexperienced Writers

One of the biggest problems that inexperienced writers have is... Read More

Review In 29 Steps Plus One

I just finished to read a book. A story for... Read More

Self-examination vs Self-indulgence

Self-examination is brutally honest. Self-indulgence is brutally maudlin.Writing requires the... Read More

Top Seven Essential Hot-Selling Points To Implement Before Writing Chapter One

Every part of your book can be a sales tool.... Read More

When I Grow Up

I've just come back to work after nine glorious, sun-drenched... Read More

Slow Pokes: Short Story On The Changing World Of Writing

"No one will ever know who I am, I'm a... Read More

10 Ways to Shatter Writers Block

1. Use Logic: Check for External PressuresAre you under physical... Read More

Becoming A Successful Author: The Price!

So you want to be a successful author? You want... Read More

Alternative View Points and the Lamp of Creativity

Pictures they say are worth a thousand words, but many... Read More

Using Metaphor Effectively

We've all heard a politician on their soapbox, pushing for... Read More

How to Come Up with Fresh Story Ideas

How to Come Up with Fresh Story Ideas When Your... Read More

Masquerading As Novel ~ Can Author?s Work Convey Important Perceptions?

While novels do not usually attempt to convey concepts about... Read More