Writing to Be Understood: What Works and Why

Before you write a single word, you face a fundamental decision about exactly what you want and need to cover. Answer these three questions. Breadth: Will you cover a single issue or a wide range of topics? Depth: Should you dive into details? How many are necessary? Background: How much does the reader already know, and how much will you need to b

Self-indulgent writers include everything they feel like covering. Thoughtful writers who seek to be understood focus on fit and purpose. Sometimes you have to let things go or put them aside for another project. Focus on serving your reader.

What do the readers already know that is correct? What do they imagine they know about the topic? What do they believe that is wrong or incomplete?

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Rules to remember Decide what you are going to cover, and to what level of detail, based on the needs of the target audience rather than what you want to say. In general, increasing the depth of your coverage of a topic will decrease the reach of the audience, as fewer people are willing to dive deep into the weeds with you.