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General writing resources

A story should be weighted to emphasize the main point. It should avoid predictability and reiteration. Standard articles should progress. Slideshows should offer some variety from slide to slide. The copy in any one slide should get to the point and should not meander.

Choose your format

Organize your thoughts

Sentences should be written in the active voice. They should be clear. There should be a mix of concise and complex sentences.

Dazzle (astonish?) your reader with the right strong action verbs

Read out loud, write how you talk

Novelist M.J. Hyland’s 7 techniques for improved writing

Grammar Girl: How to Write Clear Sentences

Every word in a story should be the right word for that sentence. Words should be specific, not vague. No word should be repeated more than necessary if a suitable synonym is available. Clichés should be avoided and the writing should flow naturally.

Make every word count

Grammar Girl: How to avoid clichés

The voice within a piece should be consistent, professional, lively and creative.

How to write for casual fans and experts: Tell a good story

Refine your prose

As a supplement to the Bleacher Report Style Question Clearinghouse, Reuters makes its style guide available online.