Don’t just step into your reader’s shoes – take a big jump
Putting yourself in your audience’s position is a simple concept. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Read more
Here’s where we get to write to our own brief. Where we cast a critical, wry or observant eye over what’s going on in our world – and the wider world around us.
All writing-related, you understand.
Tone of voice: fact or fiction?
Is any brand’s tone of voice truly distinctive these days? Or should those who create them be taking a leaf out of a different kind of wordsmith’s book? Read more
We are innovative? Come on, try a bit harder please.
Many years ago, calling yourself ‘innovative’ used to be, well, innovative. But over time, people started using this abstract word lazily – as a catch-all and without explaining exactly what they meant. Read more
Free From… empathy?
The most important ingredient in a writer’s recipe for success might come as a surprise. But it’s very, very important. And it’s worryingly absent in much of the marketing world. Read more
Nobody ever got fired for writing management jargon…
Richard, with 'rant-mode' on high, has a proper go at the scourge of management jargon and muses on why there’s so much of the foetid stuff about. Read more
Getting better words #4. How to judge a writer’s draft.
Telling good copy from bad isn’t always as straightforward as you might think. There’s a lot to consider – while keeping a lid on your personal preferences. Fortunately, the fourth instalment in our ‘Getting better words’ series makes it easier for you by highlighting the essentials. Read more
Why use a professional writer?
You wouldn’t trust a plasterer to fix your boiler. You wouldn’t trust an accountant to service your car. And you wouldn’t trust Erica in Sales to remove your tooth. So, argues Richard, why trust someone who doesn’t write for a living to write your words? Read more
Getting better words #3. How to brief well.
Every writing project stands or falls by the quality of the brief. We all know that. Which would be a problem if the third instalment in our ‘Getting better words’ series didn’t offer a simple guide to making the whole process plain sailing. Read more
Getting better words #2. The price is right… isn’t it?
Getting a reasonably accurate cost for a writing project is rarely straightforward – and it can be even harder to tell if it’s good value. But don’t worry, the second instalment in our ‘Getting better words’ series helps you tiptoe safely through this particular minefield. Read more
Getting better words #1. If you don’t like kissing frogs, read on…
Choosing a writer can be time consuming, labour intensive, and sometimes even fraught with danger. In the first of our 'Getting better words' series, we tell you how to avoid the pitfalls – and sidestep a costly bad decision. Read more