What you need to know about amateur writing vs professional writing

I am indebted to Maeve Maddox for explaining, in a highly relevant post on the Daily Writing Tips blog, the difference between amateur writing and professional writing.

I am also grateful to her for pointing out that, contrary to what some people may think, it is NOT a waste of time to take pains over grammar, diction, and syntax.

"Few writers have what it takes to produce 'great writing'," Maddox says, "but even a great storyteller requires professional writing skills to get the story across to the reader."

And then, an important observation:

The difference between amateur writing and professional writing is rewriting.

Read the post, which offers a close look at the work of an amateur, in its entirety here: "A Sample of Amateur Writing".

ADDITIONAL READING:

• What matters most in good writing

• "Want To Be Taken Seriously? Become a Better Writer"

• How do you make sure you’re writing right?

• How to spot lazy a.k.a. mediocre travel writing

• If you want just one "golden rule" of writing...