Assess the Writing Situation
Before you begin any writing project, determine the most important point(s) you’re trying to communicate. What form of writing will best illustrate these points? Where in the piece do you need to focus your attention? Your writing will benefit if you use specific examples and supporting information to strengthen your points .

Organize Your Ideas
There are a number of ways to create an outline that will help focus your writing. A formal outline is composed of your main points with detailed sub-points for each topic. Brainstorming is a way of listing as many ideas as possible that could relate to the main topic. Free-writing is a free-form writing strategy of developing ideas as you write.

Target Your Audience
Who’s most likely to read your work? Specify ways in which you can develop and maintain their interest throughout the entire piece. It helps to communicate to your reader why your work will be of value to them by stating your purpose or main idea near the beginning of your writing. Always be sure to lead with clear transitions, new ideas, and intriguing information.

Be Flexible
Once you’ve completed your draft and have begun the writing process, remember that your writing strategy may change. Be open to new ideas and directions that you might want to take in your writing. The main goal as a writer is to get your ideas flowing and to continue writing. It will also benefit you to have thoroughly completed all necessary research prior to any writing project.

Proofread
Although you may not catch everything at first glance, it’s extremely important to proofread your finished work for writing and formatting errors. Never submit your writing as completed until you or someone else has at least proofread it for minor mechanical errors. The simplest of slip-ups may greatly de-value your writing as a whole.