A blank page can be beautiful—it is perfect, unblemished by even a single decision. Stare at it for a while, though, and you can get lost.

Writing is effective only if it connects with the reader. To make that connection you need more than good, clean prose—you need smart presentation.

The popular image of a writer is solitary and romantic. A good writing process is neither.

Reading a good piece of writing can feel like sleeping on a well-designed boat.

A blank Word document invites you to indulge all sorts of writing sins. To fend off such temptations: Tell the truth.

Good homebuilders start with a detailed blueprint that shows exactly where each piece must go. We think writers should do the same.

It can be tempting for a writer to strike a pose—to fall in love with a clever turn of phrase or insert a reference mainly because it sounds smart.

Over the past 25 years, we’ve identified specific principles that guide our writing, editing and training. Here’s the first and most important principle: Practice empathy.