I review manuscripts for legacy publishers. They want me to suggest ways the work can be improved. I recently reviewed a manuscript where the writing was dreadful.
The book was chock-full of good ideas, but I didn’t think anyone who bought the book would make it through the first chapter. The writing was fancy and academic. I imagined readers struggling to decipher the writing and finally giving up altogether.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of writing to impress. It’s easy to imagine that it’s a good thing when people comment on your style. It’s not. When readers notice your style, they’re not paying attention to your content.
People don’t notice simple writing. It’s transparent. Simple writing lets readers concentrate on what you have to say. Simple writing means easier reading.
I’m not talking about dumbing down your message. When you write simply you deliver full-strength ideas and insights in a way that’s easy to understand. Write simply and you reap three benefits.
When you write simply readers understand more.
Simple writing helps your reader understand things more easily. It also helps the reader keep reading without timeouts for deciphering your meaning. Readers will understand you better and read more of what you have to say.
When you write simply your audience expands.
Needlessly complex writing turns readers off. More people will get your meaning from simple writing and read more of what you have to say.
When you write simply readers are more likely to keep reading.
Simple writing is the opposite of needlessly complex writing. Readers find simple writing to be easygoing, so they keep reading longer.
Takeaways
Simple writing means easier reading.
Simple writing doesn’t mean dumbing it down.
Simple writing conveys full-strength ideas in a readable way.
When you write simply readers understand more.
When you write simply your audience expands.
When you write simply readers are more likely to keep reading.