The first few books I wrote
were tremendously overwritten.
I used 4 syllable words
where 1 syllable words
could be used.
My sentences were long
and complicated.
An editor slapped my hands
for this.
She said the purpose
of writing
wasn’t to impress the reader.
It was to communicate
with the reader.
That isn’t happening
if the reader
doesn’t understand
the sentence.
“Overwriting has a long tradition,
particularly among academics.
Make it a bit more complex
and wordy
than it needs to be.
Write run-on sentences.
Apparently,
complicated writing
must be more true.
One reason for this commitment
to overwriting is that
it keeps the hordes away.
It’s difficult to read and
hard to imagine writing.
And so scarcity is created.
And yet,
the articles and books
that stand the test of time
are straightforward.
They’re memorable.
They can be understood
by the reader
you seek to serve.
Simply write.
Write simply.
As few words as you need,
but no fewer.”
This applies to copywriting also.
If your reader doesn’t understand
your copy,
the copy serves no purpose
If you’re writing
to communicate,
to sell products/services,
to entertain,
keep the writing
as simple as possible.
P.S.
Writing simply
well
is FAR more difficult
than it appears.