Tips, Tricks and Tactics

Improve your writing, editing, communication management and packaging with these FREE articles by Ann Wylie

Find articles on:

• Writing that gets read
• Writing for the Web
• Packaging information
• Managing corporate publications
• Freelance success

Writing That Sells

How to write copy that engages and persuades today's tired, busy, distracted readers

The Art of the Storyteller

• Use the story template to organize a simple anecdote
• Increase credibility with anecdotes
• Tell the stories behind the list

 

Building a Solid Structure

• Increase readership with feature-style stories
• Create a road map for your copy
• Beyond the inverted pyramid: Seven tips for organizing your next story

 

Make Your Copy More Creative

• Use metaphor to bring numbers to life
• Engage your readers through description
• Getting (and using) stellar quotations

 

Creativity Toolbox

• Jump-start the creative process and come up with out-of-the-box ideas

 

Cut Through the Clutter

• Make your copy easier to read and understand

 

Think Like a Reader

• Position your information in your reader's best interest

 

Writing That Sells

• Overcome information overload

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Writing for the Web

How to write copy that reaches readers online and gets the word out on the Web

• Three tips for writing copy that clicks
• To attract online readers, focus on text, not graphics
• Write in complete chunks
• Think bits and bytes
• Give it personality

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Revving Up Readership

How to package information to reach more readers — even flippers and skimmers — in print and online.

Revving Up Readership

• Use "speedbars" to communicate to flippers and skimmers

 

Design for Readership

• To improve readership, limit all-cap text
• Choosing color for impact: When only black will do

 

Rewrap the Banana

• Use the menu approach and make the last page fun
• Create innovative editorial formats

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Planning Powerful Publications

A Gold Quill Award-winning editor shares secrets for creating corporate publications and Websites that boost your company's bottom line

Setting Smart Goals

• Focus on action, not attitude: Demonstrate your contribution to the bottom line

 

Manage the Approval Process

• Rename it: One way to develop a review system that doesn't drive you nuts
• Stop e-mailing Word docs: Don't invite reviewers to rewrite

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Freelance Success

How to thrive as owner of your own business

Business Building

• Seven ways to bring in more money this year