I didn't become a writer to chase glory and win a bunch of awards. What drives me is quality storytelling, learning something new today to be better at my craft tomorrow, evoking emotion from those who read my stuff, and my love for the written word. But there is validation in winning awards – being recognized for what you do. It feels good, and it's proof that, as writers, we must be doing something right. And we shouldn't be afraid to toot our own horn. It's NOT bragging to

You're sitting there late at night, trying hard to come up with a blog topic that customers want to read. Just when you're about to give up, the thought hits you: what are my competitors blogging about? No. I can't do that. Can I? Is it bad to read competitor blogs? Reading competitor blogs may feel like a big no-no and perhaps a little naughty. But so long as you're not copying them, I'm here to tell you there is nothing wrong with this tactic. You can learn a lot from readi

Blogs and blogging for small businesses is something I talk about and write about a lot. So it only makes sense to keep all of that useful information in one place so that loyal readers don't have to dig too deep to find what they need. In 2018, I created a roundup of those posts to share with the masses. I updated it again last year, and since then, I've had even more to say on the topic. So here's another updated post with all my blogs about blogging. I even included a few

We are continually adding to our already deep library of blog posts. And while the topics we write about run the gamut when it comes to anything writing and editing related, some of our more popular ones according to our readers are blogs about blogging. Last year, I created a roundup of those posts to share with the masses. Since then, we've had more to say about blogging – especially when it comes to the benefits for small businesses. So here's an updated post with all our

Adding more oomph to your website with engaging and informational copy (the text on each web page) is more critical than ever. Not only does compelling website copywriting highlight your products and services, but it also: * Convinces visitors to choose you * Establishes you as an authority * Shows your company's personality * Defines your company's "why" * Improves your search rankings Like I've said before, ignoring copywriting on an otherwise fantastic and visually pleasin

We've all experienced writer's block at some point in our lives. Ah yes, that horrible feeling where you stare at a blank computer screen for so long that you swear the blinking cursor is mocking you – or maybe that you'll be buried alive by all the crumpled up pieces of paper from your notebook. Writer's block strips you of your creative juices, turns your brain into mush – and honestly, makes you feel like a horrible writer. Well, that's what it does to me, anyway. So what

I've written 107 blog posts for our Edit This® website over the last two years. I'm proud to say that library includes plenty of useful information, including everything from writing and editing tips for aspiring writers and journalists to time management hacks, grammar lessons, and the many reasons why small-business owners could use our help to give their business a clear and authentic voice. But I've come to realize the sheer volume of that library can be overwhelming to r

Edit This®, your source for all things writing and editing related in Denton, TX, is still in the running for this year's Best of Denton County awards. But (cliche alert!!) we're not out of the woods just yet! We have made the Top 3 in two categories: Best Writing & Editing Service and Best Blogger. Your votes from this point forward will go a long way in helping us get over the top – so let's go for the win! Here's how you can help (in 4 easy steps): 1. Go to the BODC web

Most small-business owners know they'll need a professional writer and editor at some point to help them with, or completely take over, producing a variety of written content. They may be fighting it tooth and nail right now, convinced they can still do it all on their own. But deep down, they know the day is coming where outsourcing all those blogs, newsletters, website copy, press releases, etc. is the right thing to do. But how do they know when is the right time? Edit Thi

Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson, where we'll be talking about the difference between Pour, Pore, and Poor. These are perfect examples of homophones – words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. If you keep up with trending topics, you might remember pour and pore in the news recently when President Donald Trump was mocked for a typo-tainted tweet. Have you made the same mistake? Don't worry; we're here to clear up the confusion. Pour mean

A client of mine recently wrote an article with five tips for young architects who are out of school for the summer. Taking a page from their book, I'd like to offer tips and tricks for beginning writers who should also make the most of their time away from the classroom. Here are 6 things all aspiring writers should do this summer. Interview veteran writers and editors Picking the brain of a writer from your local newspaper, an aunt who authored a few books, a novelist you a

I have cranked out A LOT of blog posts over the years. Exactly how many, you ask? Well, a quick look at the expansive Edit This® blog library shows I've written 92 posts since 2016 – including this one! That's a lot. While I will continue posting on a variety of writing and editing topics each Thursday, even I can admit when a simple song tells the story in ways I can only dream. Check out this music video by Weird Al Yankovic!!! It perfectly sums up a lot of what we try to d

I'd like to share a brief Q&A I had recently with a longtime client. This is excellent feedback for me regarding what I do here at Edit This® and a good read for any of you who may still be on the fence about hiring a quality writer and editor. Kelly Murray and husband, Scott, own Murray Media Group in Flower Mound, Texas. Murray Media specializes in domestic and international magazine publishing as well as marketing, graphic design, direct mail, website design, and brand man

Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson, where we'll be talking about the difference between Buy, By, and Bye. These are perfect examples of homophones – words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Do you find yourself getting confused? Don't worry, here's a quick rundown. Buy typically refers to when we acquire or purchase something with money. It can also mean to accept or believe, bribe, hire, etc. Related words include bought and buying. * Yo

Here's something interesting from this week. According to an article by CNBC Make It that ran on Monday, Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos has a customer-facing email address that he frequently looks at to engage with customers, stay in tune with what they want and need, and what their pain points are. Most top dogs like that can be unreachable, but Bezos is apparently customer-obsessed. If he can't answer personally – the article gives the impression he has in the past – he

While I was doing a speaking engagement earlier this week, someone in the audience asked what the difference is between a blog and a newsletter. It was a great question, and one I was happy to answer since it's easy to assume everyone knows the difference. Clearly, not everyone does. And that's OK! For those who weren't there, below is a recap. What is a blog? Blogs are short web articles (like what you're reading right now) you post on your website to share ideas, best pract

I had the opportunity to be the spotlight speaker at two events this week. It was a chance to share a little about what I do here at Edit This® while also throwing in a few educational tidbits on the writing and editing front. It all turned out great, but I was amazed at how incredibly nervous I was going in. I mean, sure, it could have really hurt my business if I had stunk up the joint like some castoff from Day 1 of auditions for American Idol. Realistically, though, I kne

I debated posting this blog because I didn't want to come across as arrogant. I'm the complete opposite of that; I promise. But truth be told, I've been blessed to win a few awards in my writing career – including through Edit This – and I believe that should be a deciding factor when business owners are choosing to work with a contract writer. There are plenty of professional writers you can outsource work to for blogs, press releases, your website, etc., and any one of them

A few months ago, my wife and I got a postcard reminder in the mail from a local business about scheduling a yearly checkup. We all get these from time to time, but when I looked at the mailer, it didn't take long for my editor's eyes to zero in on a spelling mistake. "Yearly checkuops." Oops. Ouch! You may think that's not the worst thing in the world, but it's not good, either. Any spelling or grammar error in business writing – brochures, advertisements, your website, blog