How do I get better at writing?

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering how to turn your thoughts into something meaningful, you’re not alone. Writing well isn’t just for bestselling authors or professional journalists. It’s a skill anyone can improve with the right tools, mindset and practice. The question many ask is, “How do I get better at writing?” and the good news is, you absolutely can.

Whether you're working on a CV, writing a letter to a judge, or preparing a persuasive complaint letter, powerful writing can open doors. At LetterLab, we help people make their words work harder, and this guide will walk you through practical, beginner-friendly steps you can use to improve your writing straight away.

Step 1: Write with purpose, even if it’s just for yourself

The best way to get better at writing is to actually write. It sounds obvious, but giving your writing a purpose makes a huge difference. Whether you're writing to persuade, explain, or just to figure something out for yourself, having an aim keeps you focused.

Start with short reflections, journal entries or even imaginary letters. Don’t worry about being perfect. Writing is thinking out loud on paper. As author Zadie Smith puts it, “The secret to editing your work is simple: you need to become its reader instead of its writer.”

Step 2: Read great writing often

Reading sharpens your ear for tone and structure. Read a variety of styles, blogs, essays, letters, articles and pay attention to what holds your interest. Why does one sentence sing while another flops?

If you want help getting started, the BBC Learning English site has excellent examples. Or explore the National Literacy Trust for reading resources and writing support.

Step 3: Grow your vocabulary with purpose

You don’t need fancy words, but knowing a few precise ones helps. Using tools like Vocabulary.com can help you learn everyday words that carry more weight. The goal isn’t to sound clever, it’s to be clear and accurate. Especially in cover letters or appeal letters, simplicity beats showing off.

Step 4: Practise different formats

Good writers are versatile. Try your hand at writing different types of letters. Here are a few formats you can experiment with:

• A cover letter tailored to a dream job

• A financial aid appeal based on new circumstances

• A noise complaint to your local council

• A character letter for court

  
  

You can explore examples in our example letter section.

Step 5: Ask for feedback from real humans

We all miss things in our own writing. Share your work with someone who knows good writing when they see it. You could also use an editing tool like Grammarly or work with a professional letter writing service like LetterLab to refine your message.

Step 6: Learn structure, it’s what makes writing readable

Every good piece of writing has a beginning, a middle and an end. In letters, that might look like:

• Opening — state your reason for writing

• Middle — explain the situation with clarity and support

• Ending — include a clear call to action or closing statement

  
  

Structure helps readers understand you. It keeps your ideas from becoming a jumble.

Step 7: Write often, even for a few minutes a day

Writing is a habit, not a talent. Set aside just ten minutes a day. Try prompts, rewrite article headlines, or draft imaginary replies to news stories. If you keep showing up, the words will start flowing more easily.

Step 8: Learn from real examples that work

At LetterLab, we’ve seen how a single well-written letter can make a huge difference. A few examples:

• A jobseeker struggling to get interviews, we rewrote their cover letter using more active, confident language. They landed three interviews within a week.

• A customer stuck in a dispute with their landlord, their original letter lacked clarity. We restructured it, added legal phrasing, and the repairs were sorted within days.

  
  

You can browse real examples in our blog and example section.

Final thoughts: Better writing starts today

Getting better at writing isn’t a mystery. It’s a combination of reading well, practising regularly, and being open to learning. Whether you're sending a demand letter, writing to a judge, or applying for a scholarship, your words carry power.

The most important part? Start now. Let your writing evolve. Let it be messy at first. Let it be you.

If you want help making your message clear, persuasive and effective, our professional letter writing service is here to support you every step of the way.