By Shannon Evans
Effectively analyzing a text involves learning to interpret what is implied or suggested just as well as what is explicitly stated. Good writing requires removal of all structural weaknesses. Certain types of weaknesses can ruin a good piece of writing. If the writing is not clear the reader will not stay and continue reading the text. The following errors are very common mistakes made by many authors.
Passive Constructions - Passive sentences are long, over involved and bore the reader. Passive sentences are riddled with linking verbs. Use grammar check to evaluate your work for passive verb roots. Your work should have less than 5% passive voice verb constructions.
Use command verbs to start sentences as well as using other strong verbs and nouns. Active voice sentences use verbs in either present or past tense.
Lofty Language - Use one and two syllable words. Write so a high school student or a Wal Mart shopper can read your work and understand it. Super words impress no one and only fog the meaning of your work. Write like you talk and you will engage your reader. Talk over their heads and you will alienate your audience.
Avoid Adverbs - Circle all the -ly endings of your words and replace them with power words that describe or show emotion. Get rid of the words 'very' and 'really' in your vocabulary. They are empty words.
Eliminate "I" Writing - Avoid using "I" at all cost. Frankly, the reader could care less about your, they want to know what benefits them. Use 'you' words to appeal to your audience. If you are writing about yourself, write in third person.
By removing the weak constructions in your writing, your readers will be able to digest your writing and to identify the benefits of your work. When you increase the value of your writing, it makes it easier for readers to quickly understand why they should read your book and adopt your suggestions and solutions for their problems.
Shannon Evans, senior editor and owner of http://www.mywritingmentor.com lives with her best friend Rick on Bainbridge Island in the Puget Sound just a "ferry ride from Seattle." She maintains two blogs: http://www.authormarketingtools.wordpress.com
http://www.mywritingmentor.wordpress.com
She works with her two Labrador assistant editors, Mocha and Luke, and her feline copy edit assistants, Caesar and Yoda. Shannon is widely recognized as one of the top writing coaches for non-fiction authors. With over 17 years editing for native and non-native English speaking authors she knows how to help writers make every word count.
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