6 Tips on How to Write Even Better Books August 5, 2026

Do you want to improve your texts and are you looking for some writing tips? Then this article is just right for you!

1. Finish it

Yes, that's really the only thing that matters. The rest is a craft that can be learned. Writing requires up to 10 percent creativity, up to 10 percent talent, and about 80 percent perseverance—sticking with a story until it’s finished—even if you have no idea yet whether it’s good enough to be read. A finished manuscript is the only real, absolute requirement. There’s something magical about proving to yourself that you can do it. So: Finish your book!

2. Remove as many adverbs as possible

There are a few tips, rules, and ideas that will take your writing to the next level once you’ve internalised them. “Use fewer adverbs” is one such tip. Even Stephen King is known to have written “The road to hell is paved with adverbs” in his book!

Adverbs are words that describe circumstances. They provide information about the time, place, reason, or manner in which something happens.

Here’s an example: It’s really nice outside in the park, so I go there almost every day.

Try this: Use the search function in your word processor to look for these words. For each adverb, ask yourself if you can find a better word. If your sentence makes sense without the adverb, you should complete it without it.

3. Use “said” or “asked” in dialogues

This is the second piece of advice that might make a difference for you. For dialogue, for example, use only “said” or “asked.” That’s it. No other verbs. And please, no adverbs … It’s best, however, to remove as many dialogue markers as possible that you don’t absolutely need. Trust your readers—they’ll be able to follow the back-and-forth of the dialogue just fine. “Said” should only be used when there’s no other way to let readers know who’s speaking.

4. Write without distractions

Make sure you write in a distraction-free environment; otherwise, your writing flow will be interrupted and you might lose your train of thought. Want to think in peace? Then find a spot with a view to the outside. It’s inspiring! Watch the people, the streets, the forest or meadow right outside your front door. But don’t let anything disturb you while you’re doing it.

5. Summarise your story in three words

To make it easier to find the right words, this idea might help: Think about the story you want to tell and try to summarise it in three words. It doesn’t matter which words you use. Why does this help? It pushes you to get to the point and express yourself precisely. You’ll be able to say what you really mean more quickly.

Want an example? How about “Titanic: Compulsion, Love, Freedom” or “Harry Potter: Magic, School, Courage,” etc. …

6. See it through to the end!

Don’t worry about whether you’ll get published or not. If you keep improving, your chances are pretty good. So: Just keep going. See it through to the end and don’t give up!