Reading for Writers

Most advice for writers says to read. Seldom does it say what or how. Yeah, reading everything that passes before your eyes is helpful, because you can learn from others' mistakes (if you notice them and can analyze what they've done wrong). For those with limited reading time, it is crucial to focus on reading items that will enhance a career and improve writing.

Read, read, read, read (ad nauseum). Read about writing, small business, technology that helps your career, and especially read good examples of the kind of writing you want to do. Learn to read those examples with a critical eye so you can learn from them. Keep reading the markets you want to enter or remain in to keep up with their trends. Editors aren't going to email you with the changes they are making, unless you are a columnist or regular contributor. You might learn about some changes if your reading includes industry publications like Publishers Weekly or MediaBistro.

Creative writers need to read the best examples of writing in their fields. Consider reading every piece at least twice: once noting what gives you pleasure in the work, and the second time a critical read for analysis. I like to read pieces a third time, for pleasure but with the analysis in mind, so I can see how different techniques work.

Listen to this article