“I took a first step and ordered the book Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer. I know it’s going to improve my writing someday, if I could just get some time to read it!”

–Jennifer

“I keep a spreadsheet of all of my freelance assignments (TPS and otherwise). I include the publication, subject, word count, key deadlines, a note about where the project stands, whether it’s been submitted, and whether I’ve been paid. It helps me to stay organized and slightly more sane.”

–Dave

“The editing suggestions from the last newsletter have proven very helpful to me: walk away, give it 24 hours, read it aloud, search for repetitive words, and let someone else do it. Knowing I need the buffer of time for effective editing has caused me to get my work done earlier so that it can percolate for a while. Thanks, gang.”

–Kirsten

“In one of the newsletters, Laura gave a great tip on editing that you can “use the ‘Find’ feature to search for repeated words and change those.” I just never thought about using this option in that manner – it’s like highlighting, without pulling out the yellow marker.”

–Molly

“I like the outline. Since each story is a team effort, the outline really keeps everyone involved focused on the message.”

–Sophia

“Dave reminded us a few years ago (April of 2009) to record the interview but take notes too as you always need a backup. Recently, my note taking hasn’t been as complete as it should be and I was burned when I didn’t set up the tape recorder correctly. Now I always take copious notes during every interview.”

–Laura

“On every project, make sure you review the publication’s writer guidelines and the client’s website before you start the project. The information you discover can save you time and energy during the project development process.”

–Gerri

1.Know what’s important. What is informative, controversial, unique, entertaining or other exceptional about the story? Write about that.

2.Tell the real story, not your story. Too many writers of non-fiction try to inject their own points of view, preconceptions or prejudices into a story. Approach every topic with an open mind, and let the facts guide the writing.

3.Quote (mostly) accurately and in context. You don’t have to quote someone verbatim as long as you’re close and convey the same meaning, unless it’s a famous quote. And don’t use quotes out of context.

4.Spell names correctly. The first question every journalist should ask someone they’re interviewing: “Please spell your name for me.” Even if it’s Glen Smith, it might be Glenn Smythe.

5.Don’t use clichés. This is so often advised, that “avoid clichés” is now a cliché.

6.Use short sentences. Most nonfiction is written at an eighth grade reading level. While long, complex sentences are fine for creative writing class, they don’t work when you’re trying to convey information quickly and accurately. Likewise…

7.Use short paragraphs. Nothing turns off a reader more than an imposing block of text staring them in the face. Three to four sentences, max. Then hit enter.

8.Be careful with your punctuation. There isn’t much room for the exclamation point in nonfiction (or in fiction, for that matter). Unless you’re being purposely glib to set a tone or be interesting, then stick with periods.

9.And speaking of being interesting, be interesting. No one says nonfiction has to be dull or boring just because it’s factual and not fanciful.

10.The last two rules are the same as Leonard’s: Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip. You need to figure out what that is, and get rid of it. It may be pointless exhibition, or it may be a statement of fact that we all know (e.g., “The current recession has been tough for small businesses.”).

And Leonard’s One Rule to Rule Them All: If it sounds like writing, rewrite it.