2 of 29

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

which is four hundred (2,400 characters). Settle on an article length between those two numbers, such as six hundred to one thousand words.

Anything less isn't really good enough to create a good, quality article. Anything more and you risk the reader becoming disinterested. Of course, there are always exceptions to this. It is up to you to decide and some topics require you to write less or more to get a point across.

Opening sentence and paragraph:

Focus on creating the best opening sentence and paragraph that you can to hook the reader. You normally only have until the second paragraph or sentence to hook them before they stop reading.

Proof-read:

This is a critical point. If you submit work that hasn't been proof-read and contains errors, then it is most likely to be rated down, thus lowering your average percent rating. Also, if a reader comes across an article that is written poorly, there is much less chance a reader will want to read more of your work and they may also not get a good impression of Helium. It is a lose-lose situation for both the website and you. If a writer on the website comes across your article, it might motivate them to write a better one as well, which again lowers the average percent of your article's rankings.

Check formatting:

Always make sure your article has paragraphs and a blank line between each. If it doesn't, then there's a strong chance it will be rated down. Nobody likes an article that isn't easy on the eyes.

Check for flow and sentence structure:

Do your best to make sure your paragraphs follow on well from the one before it. The same with sentences. An article where sentences and paragraphs follow on seamlessly from each other will always give a good impression.

Be concise:

Do your best to not use two words when one will suffice.

Eliminate was and adverbs in creative writing:

In creative writing, it is quite important to do your best to reword any sentence you come across with was included within, so it's voided. Also, try to reword any sentence, which has a word ending in "ly". However, these aren't essential. Everyone has their own personal style but it is recommended you follow this advice when starting to learn how to write.

Rate:

Rate other's work to see the faults in their writing, so that you can avoid the same mistakes in your own.

In debates, don't pick a side and hate on the other:

It is always best when writing a debate article to include points from both sides, but slant your article towards the side you chose.

Don't leave low-ranking articles:

Attempt to leapfrog them with definite improvements, or if you want a re-rate to begin. If it gets rejected, try again in a week. If a writer gets complacent in keeping their work the best it can be, then that is when they will lose writing stars.

Leap the bottom ten percent:

This isn't something I necessarily endorse, as a writer should strive for excellence in everything he/she writes. However, if you're particularly worried about keeping writing stars, then only leap the bottom ten percent because even if they stay the same after a leapfrog or sink even lower in rank, it is no loss to you. If you leapfrogged one that isn't in the bottom ten percent and it sinks to the bottom, that will impact your rating negatively.

By following these steps, you should hopefully gain writing stars and be well on your way to achieving accolades from your peers.

Learn more about this author, Dan Cartwright.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Earning writing stars on Helium?
We want to hear your view. Write now!