Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about writing. I’ve had the pleasure of working with other writers (yes, writers can work with other writers!) and I’ve also done my share of reading. If you are in the business of hiring a professional writer, or just want to know how to pick a good author to add to your TBR pile, here are the things I look for!

4 tips to spot a good writer in the wild

I can see and feel these when I’m looking at someone’s writing or listening to them talk about their craft. I’m a firm believer in trusting my gut, and these 4 tips will help me get a good gut sense of someone’s skill!

1. They succeed in tricking you: The trick doesn’t have to be bad, of course. It could simply be that they are able to drag you into the story they’re telling, even if you have only intended to read “just a few lines” while scanning a popular book stand. Or, their business copy is so compelling and engaging that you find yourself taking a detailed look at the thing it’s promoting even though you really don’t need another kitchen appliance.
   
2. They are passionate about the entire writing process: While some people enjoy only the actual writing, the true craft professionals get a thrill from the entire process. Everything from planning to formatting has its own little burst of excitement (yes, even editing), and a writer can use that excitement to keep that momentum going and get the job complete from start to finish.
   
3. They use the page well: One of the best tips I learned in my creative writing classes was to use the page properly. When a writer does this without hesitation (or mercy), I know I’m going to be in for a real treat!  In business content, this looks like selective bolding or italics. In novels it looks like one-line paragraphs or, my personal favourite, one-word paragraphs. The page is a part of the art of writing and to use it well is a sign of an experienced, passionate writer!
   
4. They ignore you while writing: Anyone who has a writer in their personal life has heard about a writer “getting into the zone” and pounding out those words.  When there is a writer who simply locks themselves into a writing cave (on good writing days and bad) and ignores the outside world until their writing day is done, that’s a sign that someone loves what they do!

A good writer is a beautiful thing

I can confirm that a writer doesn’t have to be published or “known” to be a good writer. There are so many amazing writers who simply write for fun and enjoy the craft as it is. Writing is an art, and there is nothing I love more than someone using it to put an audience into a trance!

So, what do you think? Do any of these things factor in when you are looking through a professional writing portfolio or scanning a few books at a bookstore? Let me know!