I'd like feedback on my article: 5 Great Writing Tips for Beginners

1. 65

   Mahmood Anwarposted 5 years ago

   Hi Hubbers,
   
   I'd like some help with passing the Quality Assessment Process. I've chosen a subject close to my heart and reviewed it multiple times. Will you please give feedback on my article? What can I do to improve? Thanks!
   Here is my article: 5 Great Writing Tips for Beginners (must be signed in to view)

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2. 92

   Natalie Frankposted 5 years ago

   Your first photo is blurry and needs to be replaced.  There are also a number of errors in sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, grammar, tense agreement and point of view consistency. Try putting it through something like Grammarly to get specifics of what needs to be fixed.
   
   The main problem is that this information is quite basic that has been presented in countless articles already and it presents nothing unique. Telling viewers to set realistic goals, read, persevere, writing about how they feel and not taking negative feedback to heart is nothing new and your coverage is pretty simplistic. 
   
   Some of your advice is also questionable.  Telling new writers not to focus on grammar and vocabulary isn't the best idea.  In order to be published they need to learn to write well and this includes grammar, vocabulary and word usages along with sentence structure, and punctuation etc. is crucial for becoming a writer and can't be ignored - learning to write properly and write well is the first step not the last.  You also suggest they take articles from others and rewrite them in their own words.  While you may have just meant this as an exercise, new writers may take this as a way for generating articles to publish.  This of course, isn't okay so expanding on what you meant there and how it can help them learn to find their own voice and come up with their own unique topics or unique views on things is important.
   
   The bottom line is you need to give readers something that they can use and won't find presented in the same way all over the internet, and quite honestly, in stronger and more complete articles. 
   
   If you want to provide advice on writing you would also need to establish your credentials.  If you don't have a background of publishing or something that suggests you have the background to provide such advice it won't be taken seriously.  You can't compete with the published writers, editors, instructors and professors etc. who readers will be more likely to look to for advice on writing. And truthfully, giving writing advice in an article replete with mistakes isn't going to get through QAP or be read even if it did.
   
   What do you have experience in? What's your background?  I'm sure you have certain skills and experience in different areas.  Try coming up with topics in one of those areas to write about.  In the meantime focus on writing skills to make sure that your technique is up to par. This will ensure that when you write about an area that you know you will do so in a competent manner.  Then you will get through QAP on the first shot and your articles will have a greater likelihood of being more widely read.
   
   I'm sorry if this sounds overly critical - I'm just trying to help you get the results you want from the work you put into your writing.  When you write about writing, your own writing needs to be close to perfect or no one will take you seriously - not the outcome you want .  Good luck!

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3. 91

   Kenna McHughposted 5 years ago

   Natalie, Took the time and offers sound advice. By looking through your article, it is obvious you are not familiar with HP Guidelines. Please read those and make the necessary changes to your article. Resubmit and see if that works. Writing feature articles for HP takes hard work and edits.

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4. 81

   SoyCandleLoverposted 5 years ago

   Hi Mahmood,
   
   Welcome!
   Better advice about the context of your article is offered above, but just wanted to give you a few format pointers.
   
   Your image quality and the selections themselves need some work:
   
   1. Your images should be your own, or images shared by permission by the owner, with or without attribution as required by the owner.  Do some research into attributed images shared here by our friends on Hubpages, or of course Google, to get the most current info. 
   
   2. The images are very grainy even viewing on a smart phone. Select large, clear images.
   
   2. The first image of a book is a no-no. If it's not your book, you shouldn't copy and paste it to an article. If you are reviewing a book, then maybe? Not a reviewer, so not sure about that.
   
   3.  Try breaking up your text into category titled modules separated by either images, callouts like near the end of your article,  or reader interactive modules like polls.
   
   I never claimed to be a writing expert, but:
   I am an avid reader,
   I have too little time to do everything I want, and...
   I like to write about too many hobbies, first at Squidoo, and then here at Hubpages.
   
   Best wishes,
   Beth

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5. 92

   Natalie Frankposted 5 years ago

   I'm sure we will have better advice coming up?

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   1. 81

      SoyCandleLoverposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      If that is for me, I had started to reply before ANY advice regarding context was given.  I may have been editing my response at the same time. Was not meant to be critique about the advice given.
      
      Cheers

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