Reader experience is more important than “good” writing.
First, what is “good” writing, anyway?
The purpose of writing is to convey yourself through the wonder of the written word.
Second, imagine two coffee conversations…
Your first guest uses glorious grammar, a vast vocabulary, and alluring alliteration to tell his story.
But, bro is bo-ring.
Your second guest talks in a quirky dialect, misuses some adjectives, and gets a little carried away sometimes. His voice rises and falls as he shares his heart.
And his story is riveting.
Which is the better communicator?
I share this to encourage you to focus on your voice,
and never be intimidated by the “right” way to write.
The technicalities can be polished later.
Most aspiring authors don’t realize that publishers care more about the way you communicate than the way you type.
In the nonfiction world, publishers sign people, not books.
It’s about the feelings and knowledge and insight and challenge and smiles and emotion that engaging with your book brings.
I just finished editing two wildly different books from first-time authors. Their drafts were not what you’d call polished, but reading their words, it felt like they were right there in the room.
Through the pages, I got to know them, like them, trust them, and their perspective was profound.
There’s a feeling that comes off the pages of a great book, and it’s not just the choice of words.
It’s the cadence, surprises, and risks.
That’s good writing.