Writing is an art that only strengthens with practice and experience.
Anyone can put words on paper, but not anyone can write with the clarity, precision, and intent of a professional (or an experienced writer, but for this post, I’m lumping them together). Becoming a professional writer, or a very experienced writer, takes time, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow. Even the most experienced writers are always willing to learn.
There are qualities that set professional writers apart from amateurs, and by understanding these differences, newer writers can enhance their craft on their way to a higher level of proficiency and new heights.
(NOTE: A few may appear familiar, and that’s because they are, and means they are even that more important to know)
Even the most experienced writer does not have complete command over language and grammar, but they have a solid grasp of it and know they don’t know everything. But this is probably one of the most evident distinctions between amateur and professional.
Professional writers have a strong mastery of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Their writing flows smoothly, allowing readers to effortlessly absorb the content. In contrast, amateurs may struggle with basic grammar rules and lack the finesse necessary to engage readers.
And while I know first drafts are typically trash, a professional writer’s first draft is a lot cleaner (meaning fewer mistakes) than an amateur’s first draft.
Professional writers understand the importance of a well-structured piece of writing. They have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion that seamlessly guide the reader through their work. Amateurs, on the other hand, may have disorganized thoughts, lack coherence, and struggle to present a logical flow of ideas.
Professional writers pay meticulous attention to detail. I know writers who spend more than a few minutes over the structures of their sentences and down to the word choices (myself included).
Professionals carefully edit and revise (and edit and revise and edit and revise — you get the point) their work to eliminate errors, inconsistencies, and redundancies. A high level of attention to the story achieves the goal of a polished and concise manuscript.
Amateurs often overlook the importance of thorough editing, wanting to get through the manuscript or writing project as fast as possible. Unless you’re on a deadline (and even then, you shouldn’t rush), you should have all the time in the world. Because no one wants to read something with clunky sentences, awkward phrasing, and distracting errors. Especially editors and agents.
Professionals understand and know their target audience, or at least have a very good idea of who those readers are. They tailor their writing style, tone, and language to the expectations of those readers, anticipate their audience’s knowledge level, and carefully craft the proper amount of context and explanation.
Amateurs may not clearly understand their audience, which will result in a failure to connect with readers on any level, much less a meaningful one.
Yes, this has been in previous posts and will be in future posts.
Professional writers know how to show their action rather than tell it with vivid descriptions, sensory details, and interesting dialogue. They create an immersive experience for readers by engaging the senses and evoking emotions. Then the readers can experience the story rather than just read the story.
Amateurs, however, rely on exposition, which results in a dull story and, most likely, bored readers.
Professionals create complex, multi-dimensional characters with relatable motivations and flaws. They breathe life into characters with carefully developed and authentic dialogue.
Their dialogue feels natural and distinct to each character (and more likely than not, they’re reading and acting out dialogue with themselves). With their dialogue and character development, they’re moving the story forward.
It’s more likely to see one-dimensional characters with either too formal or unrealistic dialogue from an amateur, these hindering reader engagement and connection.
Professionals possess a strong narrative voice that is consistent, engaging, and unique. Their distinct style sets them apart, and their writing is often recognizable.
Amateurs don’t, usually. The lack of a strong and consistent voice may lead to an amateur writer struggling to find a unique style. The result is writing that is, or at least feels, generic or imitative.