Writing and editing

What’s the United States literacy rate in 2003?

33% of U.S. adults can’t calculate the cost of office supplies

Just 12% of Americans read well enough to review search results from a library website to identify a book suggesting that claims made both for and against genetically modified foods are unreliable.… Read the full article

What is the world literacy rate in 2003?

8% of adults have ‘a severe literacy deficit’

A “severe literacy deficit” haunts the world’s most developed countries. Between one-quarter and three-quarters of the world’s adults don’t have a “suitable minimum skill level” for coping with the demands of modern life and work.… Read the full article

What readability level makes sense for your audience?

Even rocket scientists and brain surgeons don’t want it to be harder

It never fails.

When I talk in my writing workshops about the importance of making copy easy to read and understand, there’s always one person who can’t believe the advice applies to her.… Read the full article

Write about people doing things

To cut your syllable count, make subjects characters

“It is good to write clearly,” wrote Joseph M. Williams, “and anyone can.”

Williams developed “The Little Red Schoolhouse” writing course at the University of Chicago.… Read the full article

How to write a nut graf, or nut graph

Tell readers what you’re going to tell ’em

If I came to your house and told you to grab your things and follow me, how far would you go?… Read the full article

Avoid abstraction in feature ledes

Concrete leads are the price of entry for feature articles

I was training a group of magazine writers recently, when one brave soul, Marty, shared this lead:

As someone who’s built build models in some exotic places, I know it’s easier when you have a special modeling studio.

… Read the full article

Anecdotes make good feature leads

To draw readers in, tell them a story

Here’s how Korbel Champagne Cellars topped a PRSA Silver Anvil Award-winning pitch:

Have you heard about the guy who mowed “Will You Marry Me?”

… Read the full article

Why should you write feature article leads?

The New York Times runs 33% feature leads

New York’s Grey Lady isn’t so gray any more. Topping one-third of its stories with feature leads, The New York Times covers the world in living color.… Read the full article