Top stories
-
A Simple Note-Taking System for Writers Who Keep Losing Their Ideas
How to capture ideas, quotes and research so you can find them when you sit down to write: a three-part system that works with paper, a notes app or a dedicated tool.
The latest
All articles →-
How to Format a Blog Post People Can Actually Read
Headings, paragraph length, lists, tables, links and colour contrast: a practical formatting guide for bloggers, based on US…
-
How to Write Alt Text for Blog Images: A Decision Guide With Examples
When an image needs alt text, when it should be empty, and how to write a short description…
-
How to Chase a Late Invoice Without Losing the Client
A calm, step-by-step system for following up on overdue freelance invoices, with reminder templates, a timeline table, and…
-
The Freelance Contract: What to Put in Writing Before You Start Work
The clauses every freelance writer or designer should agree before starting a project, from scope and payment dates…
-
Email Subject Lines That Get Opened Without Misleading Anyone
How to write subject lines for newsletters and marketing emails that are specific, honest and easy to scan…
-
Internal Linking for Content Sites: A Practical System for Editors
Why links between your own pages matter for readers and for search, how to write link text that…
The Sunday Letter
One useful read, every Sunday.
A short note from the editors with the week’s most practical article. No hype, no daily blasts.
Money
More in Finance →-
How to Prepare Your Records for Tax Season
A calm, month-by-month system for gathering receipts, forms and statements, with the IRS rules on how long to keep each one.
On writing
More on writing →-
How to Write Concisely: Five Kinds of Words You Can Cut Today
A practical editing guide to wordiness: obvious detail, filler modifiers, repetition, redundant pairs and redundant categories, with before-and-after examples and a word-count table.
-
Plain Language: How to Write So Busy Readers Understand You the First Time
What plain language means, the US government guidance behind it, and five practical habits (audience, active voice, present tense, uncovered verbs and short paragraphs) with before-and-after…
-
The Plain-English Edit: Seven Cuts That Make Any Paragraph Stronger
Seven small cuts, made one pass at a time, turn a padded paragraph into a clear one, with examples and guidance from the UK and US…
For writers
Publish your best work with us.
If you know a subject well and can explain it clearly, we would like to read your pitch. Every piece is edited with care, published under your name and labelled honestly.
Technology
More →
About this publication
Better Writing Skills publishes practical, plainly written guides to work, money, home and everyday life. Every article is checked against primary sources, corrected in the open, and sponsored pieces are always labelled.
Every topic
Topic index →- Automotive
- Blogging
- Business
- Careers
- Content and SEO
- Copywriting
- Education
- Entertainment
- Fashion and Beauty
- Finance
- Food and Drink
- Freelance Life
- Grammar and Style
- Health and Wellness
- Home and Garden
- Lifestyle
- Marketing
- Pets and Family
- Real Estate
- Sports and Fitness
- Technology
- Tools and Habits
- Travel
- Writing Craft