21 more fortunes for writers
I’ve always thought it would be fun to write the fortunes found in fortune cookies. And since I have no idea how to land that job, I settled for writing a post about fortunes for writers.
Now, inspired by another clever fortune (“About time I got out of that cookie.”) here are 21 more fortunes for writers, editors, and PR professionals.
- 1. Remember . . . your style guide is just a guide.
2. It all comes out in the wash.
3. Beware of cookies bearing fortunes.
4. Using the word “utilize” instead of “use” does not make you sound smarter.
5. Be sure to test your elevator speech in an elevator.
6. One should never generalize.
7. Leave out the parts that people skip.
8. Do not confuse congenial with congenital.
9. There can be no winner in game of dueling style guides.
10. It’s all fun and games until you reach the approval process.
11. Walk softly and carry a big, red pen.
12. Be more or less specific.
13. We don’t need to see your credentials.
14. Avoid falling in love with your own words.
15. Read your work aloud.
16. Write sober, edit drunk.
17. Outline. Outline. Outline.
18. Most of your writing is fine.
19. It’s the job of editors to interfere.
20. May the odds be ever in your favor.
21. Sleep well and dream of best-selling novels.
This article was first published on Ragan Communication’s PR Daily.
