If you’re hoping to make it as a self-published author, it’s a good idea to craft a unique writing style that engages readers. Hundreds of thousands of books are published each year by self-published authors, and, as a result, it’s incredibly difficult to stand out from your competition. With the rise of self-publishing and the ease of book printing, consumer demand for new and unique voices is growing. By developing your own unique writing style, you can pique readers’ interest, distinguish your work from others and ultimately make a name for yourself in the field.
4 Common Writing Styles
Writing styles vary in many ways, including but not limited to the wordiness of their sentences, how the sentences are structured, word choices, tone and overall mood. But there are four main writing styles that authors use:
Expository writing
The expository writing style aims to inform, explain and describe a concept or subject to readers. This type of writing is typically clear and precise and focuses on factual information and data. It also employs a logical structure and avoids the use of personal anecdotes and opinions. News articles, textbooks and instruction manuals tend to use expository writing styles.
Descriptive writing
Descriptive writing, on the other hand, paints a vivid picture in the reader’s mind by using sensory language and attention to detail. This writing style focuses on detailed settings, characters and atmosphere in an effort to create a strong sense of place and mood. Descriptive writing is found in various genres, including but not limited to fiction, memoirs, poetry and travel writing. Fiction writers such as J. R. R. Tolkien and Stephen King are known for their highly descriptive writing styles.
Persuasive writing
Persuasive writing aims to convince readers to adopt specific viewpoints or take specific actions. This writing style is reliant on logical arguments, evidence and clear reasoning to sway the reader’s opinion. Persuasive writing commonly involves using analogies, metaphors and emotional appeals to strengthen arguments. Examples of this writing style include speeches, advertisements and opinion pieces.
Narrative writing
Narrative writing tells stories in a coherent and engaging way. This writing style tells stories that have a clear beginning, middle and end, well-developed characters, a plot and key conflicts that must be overcome. Stories are brought to life using flashbacks and foreshadowing. This writing style is commonly used in novels by esteemed authors such as Jane Austen and J. K. Rowling.
Forming Your Very Own Writing Style
Crafting your own writing style takes time and practice. Here are a few tips to help you discover your unique writing style:
Read widely
One of the best ways to craft your writing style is to read extensively to learn how other authors write. Read across several genres to expose yourself to new styles and get a feel for the one that appeals to you most. You may want to consider taking notes about what resonates with you, drawing attention to the aspects of the author’s writing that you would like to integrate into your own writing style.
Experiment
After you’ve spent some time reading books from a range of genres, experiment with your writing. Try writing in various genres, from different points of view, using different narrative structures to see what feels ‘right’ to you. As you experiment with your writing, you may find that you discover new approaches and techniques that you may not have found otherwise. As you experiment, make sure to open your mind and step out of your comfort zone whenever you can—trying new things will help you craft your own unique style.
Use writing prompts
A great way to put your reading and experimentation into practice is to use writing prompts. They provide you with a clear starting point from which you can unleash your creativity and write in different styles. Use prompts from various genres which push you to experiment with different creative techniques and themes. Take note of what feels enjoyable and natural to you, and incorporate those elements into your own writing style.
Be authentic
Finally, it’s important to be authentic. If a writing style doesn’t feel natural to you for whatever reason, don’t force yourself to write in that way. Your writing style should be a reflection of your personality. The most impactful writing is honest and informed by experience, so trying to force yourself to do something that feels unnatural won’t lead to impressive writing.
In Summary
Developing your own unique writing style is vital if you are to become a successful self-published author. Hundreds of thousands of new books are published each year, so distinguishing yourself from other authors is paramount. By reading widely, experimenting with writing styles and techniques, using writing prompts and staying true to yourself, you can craft a style that engages readers and helps you make a name for yourself as a self-published author.
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