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

---

Mexican Living: Pasatiempo

It occurred to me one day that I needed something... Read More

Write Your Way To A Better Brain

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

Apotheosis - the Seminal Insight of the Hero for Screenwriting

Every hero has a seminal insight - the apotheosis. Once... Read More

Making Better Word Choices ? 4 Examples

Choosing the wrong words can have a poor effect on... Read More

Under The Leaded Sky in Serbia by dr Mirjana Radovic

When one population in one century survived five wars, two... Read More

Become an Instant Author by Playing Well with Others

You wrote a tips booklet. Maybe more than one. Oh... Read More

2nd Installment on Autobiography

ESSAY 2Andre Malraux once said that what interested him in... Read More

Have You Plotted Your Story Before Writing It?

Creative Writing Tips ?The writer, who doesn't have the time... Read More

How to Have an Effective Writing Group

The works you've written are numerous, ranging from short stories... Read More

Whose Story Is It?

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

When I Run Out of Ideas

I do on occasion run out of ideas for my... Read More

Tips For Better Writing

It is certainly true that we don't get a second... Read More

Journaling

How many of you take the time to really write... Read More

10 Ways to Shatter Writers Block

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

How to Relax Your Writing

Q. My writing sounds stiff and stilted. Help!A. Memories of... Read More

Money Trails for Writers

I'm willing to bet that quite a number of you... Read More

How to Write Funny -- Its All About Timing

My Dad has this old joke that goes, "What's the... Read More

Have You Completed A Character Questionnaire?

Creative Writing Tips ?Complete a character questionnaire for each of... Read More

Writing Without Style

Style manuals are all well and good, and in fact,... Read More

How to Have an Effective Reading Group

Writing leads to reading. Therefore, it's only fair to supply... Read More

7 Steps to Successful Publishing

The decision to publish a book is very exciting! It... Read More

Hey Cient, this is Me! Find Your Writing Voice and Sell Yourself

In a crowded market, clients will be seeking personality as... Read More

Critique Groups - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

What do people expect when they join a writing group?The... Read More

Every Result is an Asset

Not long ago, I went to an Internet Marketing Seminar.... Read More

Effective Collaboration - Working With Your Ghostwriter

Using a ghostwriter to craft your free reprint articles and... Read More

How To Cut the Clutter and Win Readers

Most of us hate housework.Nevertheless, even the most hopeless slobs... Read More

What Does It Take To Make Your Memories Into Publishable Memoirs?

Why should you consider creating a memoir of your personal... Read More

Story Structure - Final Conflict

Beyond three and four act story structure, lies the Hero's... Read More

Creative Writing Tips - Have You Established Your Main Character At The Start?

In the beginning of your story you have to grab... Read More

Writing Styles for Fiction: Which Voice to Use

I recently set up a website to promote a new... Read More

Weaving Your Personal Statement Together

1. SECRETS TO SUCCESS2. MAKING A POWERFUL FIRST IMPRESSION3. AVOID... Read More

Write A Better Newsletter!

You've decided to write your very own Newsletter to promote... Read More

You Can Be An Author

"You should write a book." For years, I had been... Read More