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Why Writers Need Decision Rules Before They Start Drafting

Why Writers Need Decision Rules Before They Start Drafting

Good writers make hundreds of small decisions while creating even a relatively simple article. They decide how much context the reader needs, which terminology is appropriate, how directly to make a recommendation, when to explain a limitation, how strongly to phrase a claim and whether a paragraph sounds too formal or too promotional. Most of these decisions happen quickly, but together they dete…

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Revisions are a normal part of writing. The problem begins when revision stops being refinement and becomes reconstruction. Changing an awkward sentence, tightening an introduction or improving a headline is ordinary editorial work. Rewriting half an article because the writer misunderstood the audience, tone, message or purpose is something different. That kind of revision usually points to a pro…
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