Top 15 Writing Tips That Actually Improve Your Writing (And Why Most Don’t Work)

We’ve all read the same recycled advice: “show, don’t tell,” “write what you know,” “use active voice.” Sound familiar?

Problem is, many of these writing tips get tossed around without context, like someone handing you a scalpel and saying, “Perform surgery.” Great in theory. Useless (and possibly dangerous) in practice.

At LetterLab, we help clients write everything from legal letters to cover letters, and here’s the truth: the best writing advice isn’t vague or abstract. It’s specific, practical and proven to work in the real world.

So let’s skip the fluff. These are 15 actionable writing tips that genuinely improve your writing, whether you're penning a demand letter or plotting your bestselling novel.

1. Start with clarity, not cleverness

If you’re trying to sound impressive, you’ll usually end up sounding confusing. Always start by making your point as simply as possible. You can dress it up later.

Example: Instead of “Kindly be advised that I am in receipt of your correspondence,” try “Thank you for your letter.”

Authority link: Plainenglish.co.uk

2. Write the way you speak – but smarter

Good writing mirrors good conversation. Don’t force formal phrases no one actually uses. Write naturally, then tighten up the tone.

Real-world proof: At LetterLab, our most successful complaint letters usually read like calm, intelligent conversations, not legal jargon overdoses.

3. Cut 10% off your first draft

Editing isn’t about tweaking. It’s about trimming. Tight writing is always stronger. Read it aloud and cut anything that doesn’t add value.

Authority link: writingcooperative.com

4. Use active voice 90% of the time

Passive voice isn’t always bad, but it often dulls your impact. Active voice energises your sentences.

Passive: “The decision was made by the director.” 

Active: “The director made the decision.”

5. Don’t open with a throat-clearing sentence

Avoid starting with “This letter is regarding...” or “I am writing to inform you...” Just say what you mean. Readers don’t need warm-up lines.

6. Kill your darlings

That one sentence you love? If it doesn’t serve the piece, cut it. Sentimental attachment is the enemy of strong editing.

Quote: “Murder your darlings.” — Arthur Quiller-Couch

7. Use real examples, not vague generalities

If you want your writing to persuade, show actual proof.

“She always goes the extra mile” is nice. “She stayed late for two weeks to fix a budget error” is persuasive.

8. Make your point early

Don’t hide your key message in the last paragraph. In business, legal, and cover letters, get to the point within the first three lines.

9. Vary your sentence length

Short sentences grab. Long ones explain. Great writing does both, it dances between the two for rhythm and readability.

Authority link: dailywritingtips.com/

10. Format for skimmability

Use headers, bullet points, and short paragraphs. Whether you’re writing a cover letter or a personal statement, readability = results.

11. Avoid clichés like the plague

See what we did there? Phrases like “at the end of the day” or “think outside the box” make your writing forgettable.

12. Learn from real-life letters

Study successful letters, winning appeal letters, formal complaints that got action, or citizenship recommendation letters that got approved.

LetterLab’s portfolio is a great place to start:

13. Ask: “Would I respond to this?”

If you were on the receiving end of your letter or email, would it win you over? This test alone will improve your tone and impact.

14. Proofread backwards

When your brain expects a sentence to make sense, it glosses over mistakes. Read backwards or line-by-line with a ruler to catch typos.

15. Steal structure, not content

If you find a well-written letter or article, study how it’s structured. Don’t copy the words, copy the logic. How did they open? Where did they build tension? How did they conclude?

Authority link: bbc.co.uk/bitesize

Final thoughts

Writing isn’t about being clever. It’s about being clear, persuasive and human.

That’s why LetterLab exists. Whether you need a standout CV cover letter, a letter to a judge, or a complaint that gets results, our expert letter writing service turns your thoughts into powerful writing that works.

Want your next letter to actually do something?

Visit LetterLab and we’ll write it for you.