Some people think that big words, a complex sentence structure and extraneous information will imbue their writing with dignity and authority. So instead of saying something clearly, they dress up the information with extra words and ideas. For example:
Instead of saying, “Cartilage acts as a cushioning agent between the ends of bones,” they might say, “Standing, as it were, between the proverbial pea and the overly-sensitive princess, cartilage acts as a physiologic stack of mattresses, providing the joint ends with the same level of comfort that allowed the princess to repose soundly through the nocturnal hours.”
Instead of saying, “Aspirin helps relieve arthritis pain,” they might say, “A popular medicinal compound which might, if it had a voice, brag of being the first NSAID (although this fact was not recognized when the said medicine was first developed and, indeed, for years after) has been determined to be most helpful in relieving the physical pain associated with arthritis.”
When writing health, business or other kinds of nonfiction books, it’s best to be simple and direct. Banish any thoughts of being a pin-striped diplomat or another William Shakespeare. Just talk to the readers.
Remember: you could say, “A common copper coin, whether physical or virtual, when placed in a receptacle, whether physical or virtual and designed specifically for the purpose of separating said coins and other instruments of monetary value from others used to acquire goods or services, is of equal value to a copper coin received in recompense for an activity, whether physical or mental, performed on behalf of another person or entity acting as an employer or contractor.”
But isn’t “A penny saved is a penny earned” so much simpler and more elegant?
We at Taylor-Fox can help you create your business book, health book, memoir, biography, inspirational book or other book and get it ready for publication. We’ve helped scores of people achieve their goals, and some of their books have landed on bestseller lists. Call us at 818-594-0379.
Nadine Taylor and Barry Fox write, ghostwrite, rewrite and edit books in many genres, including health, business, inspiration/ spirituality and memoirs. Their resume is long and varied but there’s one thing that never changes: They love to work with words, creating books that are clear, compelling and pleasurable to read. If you’re interested in writing a book, editing a book and/or publishing a book, you’ve come to the right place!
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