Common Bad Writing Advice Authors Should Avoid

As a seasoned SEO expert, I frequently encounter writing advice that, while well-intentioned, can lead authors astray. Some of these pieces of advice are not only harmful but also reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the craft and the role of professionals in the industry. Let us explore three of the most prevalent bad writing tips that authors should take a firm stand against and disregard.

1. "Don’t Worry About Typos and Spelling; the Editor Will Fix Them"

This advice, originating from well-meaning but misguided individuals, has been circulating among aspiring authors for years. The idea is that editors and proofreaders will catch all the mistakes, allowing authors to focus solely on the story. However, this mindset is dangerously shortsighted and can lead to several significant problems.

Problems with this advice: Time and Cost Efficiency: Editors and proofreaders have a limited amount of time and resources to devote to their projects. They cannot fix everything, and leaving errors to them can significantly increase production time and costs. It reflects poorly on the author when critical errors go unnoticed, especially in a competitive market. Professionalism: Actors who show up on set without makeup are expected to do their own part to look presentable. Similarly, authors must present a polished product. If authors ignore basic spelling and grammatical rules, it suggests a lack of professionalism and can harm their credibility. First Impressions: Readers often form their first impressions based on what they read. Poor spelling and grammar can make a negative impression, no matter how engaging the content might be. This initial distraction can lead to the reader losing interest before they even get to the good parts.

2. "Write Whatever Comes to Mind Without Editng"

Another common piece of advice is the idea that authors should write freely and without editing, only going back to polish the draft later. While stream-of-consciousness writing can be an effective method for generating ideas, it is not always the best approach for ensuring the quality and coherence of the final work.

Problems with this advice: Structure and Coherence: Freewriting can help generate ideas, but it is often unstructured and lacks cohesiveness. Without a proper editing stage, the final product can be disjointed, making it difficult for readers to follow the narrative. Pacing and Rhythm: Freewriting does not guarantee a well-paced and rhythmical narrative. Authors often need to revisit their work to ensure that the pacing is consistent and the rhythm matches the tone of the story. Consistency and Clarity: While freewriting can be a source of inspiration, it may not provide the clarity and consistency necessary for a compelling read. Editing is crucial for ensuring that the story is clear, logical, and easy to understand.

3. "Show Don’t Tell Is the Only Rule"

Show, Don’t Tell is often touted as the ultimate rule for writing. While it is undoubtedly valuable, the idea that it is the only rule stifles creativity and can be overly restrictive. The true value lies in finding the right balance between showing and telling.

Problems with this advice: Creative Freedom: Rigidly following "show, don’t tell" can limit an author's creativity and restrict their ability to express themselves fully. Some stories inherently require a mix of showing and telling, and attempting to shoehorn in the "show" can make the narrative feel contrived. Conciseness: Showing every detail can be tedious and detrimental to the pacing of the story. Telling can help streamline the narrative and convey necessary information without bogging down the plot. Balance in storytelling is key to creating an engaging and well-paced narrative. Character Profiling: In-depth character descriptions are often required for a story to resonate with readers. Telling, rather than showing, can serve a purpose in character development, especially during the initial stages of establishing a character's traits and background.

Conclusion

While every writer has their own style and methods, it is crucial to be aware of common bad writing advice and understand the potential pitfalls. By focusing on correct spelling, maintaining a structured and coherent narrative, and finding the right balance of showing and telling, authors can create compelling and professional works. Professional editors and writers are valuable resources that should be utilized effectively, ensuring that the final product is polished and ready for the reading public.