Ragan Insider Robby Brumberg
4 possible reasons why your article submission was rejected
It might be that the writing was wordy, too self-promotional or just plain bad.
Writing & Editing
Ragan Insider Michael Long
Writing an apology? Follow the KISS rule: Keep it short and sincere
Your mea culpa should not be the hypothetical, ‘If you were offended…’ Instead, own up to your miscue and express your contrition, and be quick about it.
Ragan Insider Rob Reinalda
Metaphors and clichés: How imagery paints or taints our writing
Modern messaging relies on storytelling, and vivid language lies at the heart of the most compelling yarns. Here’s guidance on how to use playful, vibrant prose to superb effect.
Ragan Insider Clare Lynch
Try these 5 free online tools to power up your writing
These resources will help you keep your text lean, clean and accessible for your audience.
Ragan Insider Brian Pittman
Get creative: 5 ways to revive your writing
Is your love of writing on the ropes? Here are some fun ways to boost your skills.
Ragan Insider Bill Spaniel
Demonyms find their place in our lexicon and across the country
As Halloween looms, we might think this word describes goblins, fiends and other hellions. Not so. It refers to Hoosiers and Yoopers and Yanks (oh, my!)—people hailing from particular locales.
Ragan Insider Ted Kitterman
Infographic: 71 stellar blog headline ideas
Looking to add heat to your content creation efforts? Here are potential title templates to help generate story ideas for your organization.
Ragan Insider Robby Brumberg
Infographic: 65 fresh blogging ideas
To keep your content train chugging forward, try penning posts that are useful, generous, timely or even controversial.
Ragan Insider Rob Reinalda
Why and how to pinpoint your meaning with proper word choice
Effective usage is not simply about avoiding the wrong term or phrase. Precision and power rev up your text and keep readers driving on to the finish line: your overarching message.
Ragan Insider William Comcowich
Why and how to use handwritten notes in business
A thank-you note, crafted by your own hand, delivers meaning beyond its text. Using pen and paper for your writing encourages a freer flow of ideas. Consider these and other benefits.
Ragan Insider John Egan
Hackneyed phrases to ditch from your press releases
Is your client truly ‘pleased/excited/proud/thrilled/honored/delighted/happy to announce’ anything? Research finds those trite terms in 38% of releases. Here’s how to do better.
Ragan Insider Russell Working
Cutting your copy? Slash the quotes
Everybody’s trying to write tighter these days. Start with paring wordy, repetitive quotes—even if it’s the CEO who is speaking.
Ragan Insider Sue Horner
8 writing takeaways from ‘Dancing with the Stars’
It’s not about turning sambas into similes, but more about deriving lessons from processes and presentation, as contestants up their game in a competitive field. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Ragan Insider Sue Horner
5 ways to trim, tuck and shorten emails
Use concise sentences, embed compelling visuals, and link teaser text to longer pieces on your intranet.
Ragan Insider Rob Reinalda
Word choice: How mix-ups can muddle a writer’s meaning
Linguistic sound-alikes and errant prefixes often confuse readers and jeopardize their faith in what the author wants to impart. Here’s the first installment on judicious word selection.
