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Five tips for sticking to a word count

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Word counts can sometimes feel arbitrary, but there is often a solid reason behind the purpose for one when tackling academic work or writing jobs. Working within a word count can demonstrate an ability to display knowledge and an ability to display it succinctly to readers. Too many words can indicate a lack of confidence or knowledge on the subject you are writing about.

While staying within a set limit for words can be stressful, there are several tips you can use to work within the boundaries. Here’s a closer look at some tips for sticking to a word count when writing from home.

1. Reword sentences

A mistake many new or growing writers make is using five words where one or two will do the trick. Using too many words can put off readers and turn them away from your crafted piece. Plain English is often the best path forward because it is simple and to the point.

Writing overly verbosely will push your word count higher, making it difficult to meet client or teacher instructions. When you reword your sentences, you make the text more accessible to a broader audience, especially for individuals who may not have the same grasp of English.

Focus on cutting to the core of the message by rewording it. You’ll hold your audience’s attention and convey the idea or theme, helping you grow as a writer.

2. Cut filler words

Another practical tip you can apply when working within a word count is to cut filler words. Filler words can be described as “fluff,” or words that add to the length of the piece without adding value or emphasizing the message the piece is conveying.

One of the best ways to find filler words is by re-reading what you’ve written to see what can be removed without altering the message of your written work. Editing is as essential to the finished piece as the initial writing and draft. It’s a good rule of thumb to cut your word count by around ten percent during the final editing phase.

Intensifiers are another type of filler word you can cut. Remove words like “really” and “very” from the text. Most intensifiers are unnecessary and can help you work within the word count to earn money from home.

3. Eliminate repetition

Repetition is beneficial when trying to emphasize a point but detrimental when attempting to stay within a word count. Getting sidetracked when writing can result in repetition, which leaves less space for the information readers want.

It can feel daunting when reading your draft and realizing you’ve stated the same point multiple times throughout the piece. Avoiding this practice can help you limit the words used when completing a writing job. It will help you become a better writer and make your work more compelling for the intended audience to read. Monitor what you’re stating when getting deeper into writing to eliminate repetition and stay within the specified word count.

4. Remove unnecessary spacing

Unnecessary spacing makes the written work more challenging to read and creates an inconsistent format that can throw your word count off. If you are writing from home for a client, contact them to clarify the spacing they prefer for their pieces to deliver the desired content.

Another option worth considering is looking for spacing that seems too large during your edits. An excessive white space can indicate that you have used too many spaces between words or sentences. Sticking to a standard spacing option helps to stay within the word count while creating a uniform appearance.

5. Use active voice

A mistake many learning writers make is composing a piece in passive voice. While it may sometimes feel more comfortable, passive voice adds unnecessary words to the final word count. Writing in an active voice can help you convey the same point with a fraction of the words.

It is also a way to ensure you are creating engaging pieces for your audience to enjoy. Readers will find the information they’re seeking in less time, increasing their likelihood of reading future pieces.

Apply these tips to your writing

Learning to stick to a word count is one of the first steps in growing as a writer. It starts with limiting repetition and writing in the active voice. Look for intensifiers and other filler words during your edits, and take time to reword sentences. If you are ready to grow as a writer, take steps to apply here and begin earning money from home today.