How To Write Good

I edit IG's technical blog. Here is a list of guidelines for writing articles that I've shared with my developing writers.

• Ca​n you describe the point of your article in one interesting sentence?
• Identify the reader. Who are you writing for? Why do they care?
• Start well. Get their attention.
• Be interesting and enthusiastic.
• Don't be too formal or too chatty.
• Be specific - details are often more interesting than abstract concepts.
• Prefer simpler words.
• Omit needless words. It is very important to basically avoid fluff words because they are rather empty and sometimes a little distracting. Vigorous writing is concise.
• Don't ramble. Don't repeat yourself, even if you really value your opinion. Did I mention the rambling? Less is more.
• Prefer shorter sentences and paragraphs​.
• Use the active voice.
• Be easy to read. Flow. Tell a story.
• Read your writing out loud.
• End well. Summarise and conclude.
• Edit ruthlessly. Take a break. Repeat.
• Spell Czech.
• Read the Strunk's "Elements of Style", often.

I've worked with writers of varying abilities, and have found that the biggest obstacle is not lack of talent, but of self-belief.

You can write. Trust me.