2. Ninja Writer\'s Checklist PDF

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Ninja Writer’s Checklist Ask these questions of any piece of writing to ensure it is as powerful as possible before submitting or publishing.

NARRATIVE LEVEL

✓ Were you absolutely clear on your intention? ✓ Does the piece of writing take account of the opinions, values and worldview of your audience? ✓ Does the writing have a discernible tone? ✓ Does it have a distinct pace? ✓ Are your points organised into clear sections? ✓ Do those sections flow logically? ✓ Are the points in each section arranged elegantly? ✓ Does the writing start with a bang? ✓ Does it end with a flourish? ✓ Is it best suited to a “thematic” or “argument” narrative? ✓ Is it textured, if appropriate, with suitable metaphors and associations?!

✓ Are the headings and everything else symmetrical?

PARAGRAPH LEVEL

✓ Have you chosen the right paragraph style for this piece of writing? ✓ Do your paragraphs help to boost comprehension and beauty?! ✓ Have you avoided superthick paragraphs?

SENTENCE LEVEL

✓ Have you corrected all non-sentences in your copy? ✓ Have you removed all “hot air” from your sentences to make them as tight as possible? ✓ Have you sharpened up any blurred or abstract sentences? ✓ Does your writing create pictures throughout? ✓ Do your sentences establish a good rhythm? ✓ Are they suitably poetic? ✓ Do all sentences carry the right emphasis? ✓ Are sentences suitably dramatic (without compromising the flow of ideas)? ✓ Have you avoided giving readers “whiplash”?

✓ Have you stuck to what’s necessary? ✓ Have you avoided back referencing? ✓ Have you dealt with any run-on ambiguity? ✓ Are the ideas in each sentence simple enough for anybody to get?

WORD LEVEL

✓ Have you chosen precise words to express your ideas? ✓ Have you avoided overly technical and abstract words? ✓ Have you sprinkled about enough colourful words? ✓ Have you weeded out all implied words? ✓ Have you avoided making pointless distinctions? ✓ Have you included distinctions your audience needs in order to follow?! ✓ Are you satisfied with the order of words (and arrangement of ideas) in each sentence? ✓ Have you included “reminder words” where needed? ✓ Do the words you’ve chosen sound good together? ✓ Would the writing benefit from words with similar letters or sounds?

✓ Have you considered turning any numbers into words, and titles into descriptions? ✓ Have you avoided needlessly bolding, italicising and underlining words, or placing them inside quote marks? ✓ Is it possible to slice syllables for even greater tightness?!...