How to Write Like a Pro

Do you have a niggling feeling that your writing could be better but aren’t sure exactly how, or how to move it up to the next level? Features and travel journalist Jacqui Paterson has a handful of ideas on how to write like a pro… 

The internet has opened up the world of publishing, allowing thousands of frustrated writers to pursue their journalistic dreams.

You don’t have to have a degree to write a blog – in fact some of the best and most successful bloggers have had no formal training at all. However, there are some journalistic tips that might help you give yours that extra professional polish.

Let people know who you are

Spend some time working out your writing style; is it sharp and witty, informative and to the point, warm and friendly?  Once you’ve found your voice, use it consistently so you’re building a clear identity for your blog.

If you’ve been commissioned to write a paid travel feature, editors will expect your copy to include certain details.

Start with a header, or working title. If it’s a consumer publication, make it fun and snappy. If it’s a company blog, or corporate website, remember to give your keywords pride of place to increase SEO.

Follow with your name, email address and contact number so the editor/sub editor can contact you with any questions. If you’ve interviewed someone in your article who might also need to be contacted (for editorial or photographic queries) also include their contact details.

If you’re providing images of any kind, also include a line with instructions: Photos attached/to come/being supplied by tourist board, etc.

Under that you can also choose to include a ‘Sell’, one line that sums up the story in a way that will entice people to keep reading: ‘Traveling to Tuscany? Check out our five ‘must-see’s’ for a truly unforgettable trip’.

Work hard at the detail

Jump straight into the feature, and remember to pack it full of all the information. If you’re talking about specific locations, include the address, or at least the web address so people can source the information for themselves. If these details seem out of place in the main copy add them at the end, bibliography style.

Remember the tiny details, as these are often what brings a story to life. Rather than, ‘We ate at a nearby Greek restaurant’, try: ‘the waiter bustled us inside, and led us over to a corner table. A traditional Greek band played in one corner, the sound of the bouzouki mingling with the chatter from our fellow diners.’

Include a few pieces of practical information that travellers might find handy – temperatures at that time of year, what currency do they use, how far is the airport from the city centre, how reliable is the public transport, etc.

Finally, sign off with your name and a one or two line bio (see mine at the end as an example).

Work with the editor

Don’t get disheartened if your copy comes back with lots of questions – it’s simply part of the editing process, and happens to the most experienced journalists. Work your way through the queries, one by one, answering them as best as you can.

If you don’t know the answer to one, don’t be tempted to bluff. Either go back to your source for the correct information, or be honest and admit you don’t know. If something can’t be verified, the editor may choose to play it safe, and leave it out.

Quick Tips

When referencing numbers the journalism rule is – one to nine are spelled out, anything over 10 is written in numeral form.

Don’t mix your tenses.  Decide from the outset if you want to use past or present tense, and stick to your choice.

‘We passed the shop. ‘Hello again,’ the owner shouted.’ (past)

As we pass the shop the owner shouts: ‘Hello again.’ (present)

Keep your sentences concise, and use the word ‘that’ sparingly. Each time you do use it, try removing it from the sentence; you’ll be surprised how often it’s not actually needed.

‘She hoped that he’d explain the history of the house.’

‘She hoped he’d explain the history of the house.’

If you’re unsure when to use ‘I’ and when to use ‘me’ take away the other party and see if the sentence still makes sense.

The girls and I went to the zoo – I went to the zoo.

The gift was for the girls and me – the gift was for me.

Don’t confuse it’s and its. If you’re unsure about the correct context read it back; does it still makes sense if you insert ‘it is’? ‘It’s a popular tourist spot/It is a popular tourist spot.’ Yes.

‘They explored its tourist spots/They explored it is tourist spots.’ No. 

And – my personal bugbear – it’s must have, never must of.

But, by far, the most important rule is – have fun! That passion will come through in your writing, and your readers will enjoy it more too.

Jacqui Paterson has been a features and travel journalist for over 20 years. She’s a Mum of two girls, 4 and 6, and blogs at www.mummyslittlemonkey.com, and www.MLMLifeandStyle.com.