Here's How to Be More Confident in Your Writing

Do you want to be more confident in your writing? I think to some degree every writer wants to be, myself included! We constantly question our own abilities, like:

• Should I have phrased it this way?

• Was I too wordy?

• Will anyone even want to read this?

We all have those moments where our uncertainty shines through.

However, one of the most significant writing issues I have seen with new writers is a lack of confidence. Whether you are writing for work or pursuing dreams of becoming an author, you may have limited feedback from your peers.

Perhaps the reason is not that your writing is terrible, but because it lacks confidence.

Does Lack of Confidence Show in Your Writing?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but a lack of confidence can show in your writing.

However, not being confident will not make you a terrible writer, but it does show in the following ways:

• Repeated Information: How often do you repeat information in your writing? If you write a book, information already doled out in a previous scene might appear in future locations. If you are writing a report, memo, or paper, you may find that you share knowledge with your audience only to repeat those same facts later.

  This shows that you do not trust yourself with precisely what you mean the first time.

• Lack of Clarity: After reading your work, does your audience need further clarification? They may have questions about a data set, how two pieces are related, etc. In the case of a novel, they may point out a plot hole or confuse how specific plot points happen. If this happens, your audience lacks clarity in what you are writing about.

  This indicates that you fully trust your writing instincts or have not fact-checked your sources sufficiently.  

• Easy-to-Correct Errors: Your work might have spelling and grammar errors, but it may also have syntax issues. Run-on sentences, passive voice (such as he was going to the store), too many adverbs (quickly, softly, loudly, etc.), or general language mistakes will all make their appearance known when you lack public confidence.

  This occurs when you have not given your work more than one edit because of a lack of time or self-doubts about what you have written. 

While there is no magic trick that will instantly make you overcome any hesitations or uncertainties in your writing, there are several ways you can become a more confident writer.

Here are a few tips:  

Tip 1: Practice the 2 R’s – Read and Research

The first way to build your confidence as a writer is to read and research before you start writing. I have met many writers that claim not to like reading, but I cannot encourage you enough that reading is essential!

You can even “read” by listening to audiobooks if that is helpful.

Also, I encourage you to read outside of your comfort zone. Read fiction books, nonfiction books about topics you are interested in, etc.

It would help if you also did plenty of research before writing.

This is true if you are writing nonfiction. Still, even if you are writing a piece of fiction like a short story, you should research places and settings and even think about each character’s point of view changes throughout the story.

You are confident starts with knowing what you know and learning what you don’t.

Tip 2: Understand What You Are Trying to Say

When you think of what you are trying to say, think of the goal you are trying to accomplish.

What is the piece’s overall theme if you are writing a novel?

Are you writing a tale that shows that good always conquers evil, or are you writing about something more specific, such as how you think that children are pushed into adult responsibilities too fast?

If you are writing a report or memo, your goal should be more defined.

Are you arguing against or for something?

Or are you just explaining something you find interesting?

Pinpoint exactly what you want your audience to learn or take away. This can be especially helpful as you plan out your novel.

Tip 3: Edit Out All the Unnecessary Bits

The work does not end once you finish writing.

You need to edit your work no matter how good you think you are. Too many writers claim that they “get it right on the first draft.” You may be clear in your concept, but that does not mean you do not have structural errors. Unnecessary words, grammar and spelling issues, and poor sentence structure can crop up.

This is an easy fix.

Edit your work until you are satisfied with the result. If you are like me and have editing issues, many different apps can help you pinpoint where the errors might be.

If possible, you can also have another pair of eyes look at your work or let your work rest a while, then come back to it. Even giving myself an hour will help me notice things I might otherwise have overlooked.

This is also why I encourage you to read your work out loud!

We often get so used to what is written on the page that it is easy to gloss over a writing mistake.

Tip 4: Stop Comparing Yourself to Others!

There is a difference between being open to criticism and believing that you will never be as good as the writers you read.

One of the best ways to become a more confident writer is to stop comparing yourself to others. Yes, there may be writers who seem to have more precise writing, more expertise, or generally have a “way” with words.

However, everyone has their unique style and voice.

Your writing style is authentically yours in the same way that my writing style is also my own. Being good at writing takes time, practice, and the ability to continue to edit. Once you set aside the constant need to compare yourself to others, you realize that writing is full of possibilities and is one of the best ways to gain more mental clarity.

I think every professional writer will agree with me – the first drafts are always awful.

It is the writer that keeps going that can make something incredible!

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