As freelance writers and bloggers our business revolves around how many articles we put up either for ourselves or for our clients. And the more you write, the more money you make.
If you want to stay on top of your game as a freelance writer or blogger, then you need to learn how to write fast. The faster you’re able to write, the more articles or blog posts you’ll be able to churn out and of course, increase your income.
Writing fast is tricky. But with a lot of practice you’ll be able to train yourself to increase your speed. So if you have been wondering how you can get more work done fast, then these tips will help you.
- Do your research first
It’s so much easier writing about something you know very well than writing about something you’re not familiar with. That’s why before you start writing anything at all, the smartest thing to do is to research and grasp all the major concepts relating to the topic you’re about to work on. This will help get the creative juices flowing such that you won’t have to struggle writing on the topic.
Here’s a note of caution: you don’t have to go overboard with your research. Restrict yourself only to the relevant things relating to the article. Don’t get carried away with all the information out there. Stick to the topic as much as you can.
- Draw up a very detailed outline
Outlines are like maps. They will help guide you in which direction the article will go. The reason why outlines help you to write faster is because you won’t have to stop and think about what the next paragraph or section of the article will be about.
With an outline, you know exactly where you are going and the main points the article will touch. With a detailed outline your work is half done.
- Quit editing as you write
As important as editing your writing projects is, editing is one of the reasons why you don’t write fast. There’s no problem with editing. The main problem is editing as you write.
If you want to write faster, you need to train yourself to write without editing. Leave all the editing later after you have finished writing the article. This way, you will focus more on getting the project done and less time fussing over whether it is constructed well or not.
- Time yourself while you write
When you know that the clock’s ticking and that you’re running out of time, it creates a sense of urgency which will naturally push you to increase your writing speed. Get a stop watch and challenge yourself to write a 500-700 word article in 45 minutes, then start reducing the time week after week until you achieve your desired speed.
Don’t get discouraged if you fail to meet the time limit. It’s all part of the practice. With time you’ll be able to get more work done within a short period of time. The idea is to take it one step at a time.
What do you think of these tips? Do you have any writing tips to share?
Nice article.
Thanks Frank.
Nice tips. I agree, I always write faster when I have a detailed outline beforehand. I’m sure people will find this post very useful.
Thanks Emma..
I am incredibly lucky to be able to write fast very naturally but these are great tips for those who would like to be able to write faster!
Yea I think I am lucky too..
I have never thought to time myself as I write. I have so many interruptions that the result would probably worry me.
Timing does help Charlotte..
These are really useful tips, I find it takes me a lot longer than it should to compose a post. Hopefully your tips will be a big help x
I hope they help Cathy x
Firstly, I like the image of that writing cat. Anytime I see it, it makes me smile.
May I add that writing when you get the inspiration helps a lot too. Sometimes, you just sit down and before you know it, you are on the 4th chapter of a new book…that kind of grove is good too 🙂
kisses
I love the image too Moji..
Great tips! I haven’t made a habit of drawing up outlines before I write but it’s something I definitely need to start doing
Ah nice Aileen.
Very interesting writing tips. I need to do a bit better at number 3, I am terrible at editing before I finish posts. Drawing an outline sounds very useful to me and I think I will be putting it into practice
Thank for reading..
I am a terrible procrastinator when it comes to writing so I found this really helpful!
Happy to hear that Jenny..
i will try to follow your tips…
Ah nice.
Very helpful tips. I’m definitely going to apply this to my writing routine.
Thanks Jade..
I’ve never thought of how to write faster but this is great! I think planning & drawing up an outline are great ideas! Thank you for sharing x
Thanks for reading Sarah x
Helpful advices, thank you, now I know what my problem is
Glad you found the post helpful Sum.
When you are finished, read your document backwards to check for typos. When you read it left to right, your brain fills in what you expect it to say.
Fab tip Sage.
I’ve always done number one, and often do number 2 (even if I don’t always write it, I have an outline in mind before starting). I started doing more of 3 a year or so back and it helps hugely, as I allow myself not to worry about exact words and phrases until the editing step at the end and just get the broad thoughts down first. The fourth one I’ve not done yet but must try!
Ah cool.
You definitely need to enter into a certain mode or mindset, and then all the creative stuff will come flowing out.
I’d recommend the following: Taking a moment to close your eyes and try to empty your mind a bit; Take a deep breath; Make sure you are free from distractions & mess / clutter ; Inject a little energy / enthusiasm into what you’re doing. I did this as recently as today and the words just came spilling out. Good pointers!
Love your tips Grant.
Brilliant tips. I’m terrible for editing as I go! I definitely need to stop doing that so much. x
Thanks Chloe x
These are great tips, I would never have thought of timing myself. I really need to start writing faster xx
Glad you like the tips xx
Great tips, these. I find the writing bit the easiest bit when it comes to blogging. It’s all the research and photography that takes the longest.
Thanks Elizabeth.
The title of this post grabbed me and I am so glad it did. This is a great post and I am certainly going to take on your challenge of timing myself while I write. I’m curious to know how much. Great tips and great post overall! x
Thanks Annika x
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love this – practical and real!
Glad you do. Thanks.