Worst Amateur Writing Mistakes - Part II

Worst Amateur Writing Mistakes - Part II

Writing engaging and error-free content is essential in capturing your reader's attention and gaining credibility. By recognizing and rectifying these common pitfalls, you can elevate your writing & gain the confidence of your audience. Each of these could be their own long post, but here's the quick and easy. From poor punctuation to confusing text, we've got you covered in Part II of this three-part series.

Punctuation Pitfalls

Proper punctuation is crucial for conveying meaning and ensuring clarity in your writing. There are dozens of books dedicated to this so we will be brief.

Incorrect comma usage can alter the meaning of a sentence or make it difficult to understand. It's important to understand when to use commas, such as to separate items in a list, to indicate a pause, or to separate clauses in a complex sentence. The Oxford Comma is its own debate. This will really depend on the style guide you and your editor agree on (AP Style indicates this is optional while Chicago Manual of Style says it is not). Whatever you choose, be consistent throughout your manuscript. Avoid flipping back and fourth between using/not using it.

Take the time to study proper comma usage and apply it consistently in your writing. Our favorite comprehensive guide to punctuation is “The best punctuation book, period.” by June Casagrande. It lives on this writer’s desk and is hands down the book I consult the most when it comes to helping authors understand why their punctuation is incorrect.

Another mistake to watch out for is the incorrect use of quotation marks. Quotation marks should be used to indicate direct speech or to enclose titles of shorter works, such as articles or short stories. You can also use them to indicate irony; however, we caution against overusing them.

Lastly, be mindful of using exclamation marks sparingly and appropriately. Excessive use of exclamation marks can diminish the impact of your intended emphasis. This mark indicates a shout or forceful meaning. Be sure it’s what you want to convey. Reserve exclamation marks for moments of genuine surprise, excitement, or strong emotion.

By avoiding punctuation errors and using punctuation marks effectively, you can enhance the clarity and readability of your writing.

Lack of Clarity and Coherence in Writing

Writing that lacks clarity and coherence can confuse readers and diminish the impact of your message. It's important to ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to follow.

One common mistake that leads to a lack of clarity is using overly complex language. Complicated words or phrases can alienate readers who may not be familiar with them. Sometimes the best word is the simplest one.

Another mistake that can affect clarity is the use of excessive jargon or industry-specific terms. If you're writing for a general audience, opt for clear and concise explanations that anyone can understand.

Additionally, lack of coherence can make your writing feel disjointed and difficult to follow. Ensure that your ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next, using transitional phrases and clear topic sentences to guide your readers through your writing. Breaking up wordy or complex compound sentences can help your readers follow the story.

Prioritizing clarity and coherence in your writing will help authors effectively communicate their ideas and engage their readers. Stay tuned for Part III of our series where we explore more of the worst amateur writing mistakes.