Last updated: January 2026
In this article: Neglecting to Read | Jumping In Without an Outline | Editing While You Write | No Writing Routine | Reacting Poorly to Feedback | FAQ
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Like most bad habits, poor writing practices are easy to form and hard to break. Unlike other bad habits, writing-related ones can have a major impact on your career (or your bottom line if you’re a freelancer). If you want to become a better writer, it’s time to stamp out these unproductive patterns.
1. Neglecting to Read
Writing for a living without regularly picking up new books, articles, or other content is like being a professional chef who never tastes anyone else’s food. To hone your skills, you need to sample what’s out there.
Exposing yourself to great writing helps you find new rhetorical techniques, strategies, and effective turns of phrase. It also sharpens your “ear” for rhythm and flow.
Nothing makes or breaks a piece like good rhythm. You might have compelling ideas and interesting quotes, but clunky sentences or poorly constructed paragraphs will doom your work. It’s nearly impossible to learn rhythm by taking a course or reading a manual. Most writers acquire this skill by absorbing as much writing as they can.
2. Jumping In Without an Outline
It’s tempting to dive right into your work without outlining first, especially if you’re a freelancer. Time equals money: The more writing you can do, the more you’ll make.
But cutting corners up front almost always slows you down in later stages. Without an outline to keep you focused and on-topic, you’re likely to lose your train of thought, get stuck in particular sections, write too much in some parts and too little in others, and fail to fully develop your points.
Even if you dread outlining, try to spend 15 to 45 minutes on it for each project, depending on its length, complexity, and type.
3. Editing While You Write
Many writers get stuck in the weeds while drafting. A sentence sounds off, so you pause and rewrite it. Changing that sentence messes with the flow of the paragraph, meaning you need to rewrite four more sentences. Next thing you know, 20 minutes have gone by and you haven’t made any progress.
It’s hard, but refrain from editing until you’ve finished your first draft. You’ll find it much easier to fix both macro and micro problems when you know what the entire piece looks like. Plus, you’ll finish your initial writing much faster, giving you more time for editing later.
Tools that can help:
- Distraction-free writing apps that hide your previous text until you’re done drafting
- Timed writing sprints where you commit to writing continuously for 25 minutes
- Voice-to-text dictation which forces you to keep moving forward
4. Skipping a Writing Routine
What do Joan Didion, Kurt Vonnegut, Ray Bradbury, and Ernest Hemingway have in common (besides being supremely talented)? Each of these writers had their own highly specific creative routines.
They’re not alone. Most successful writers work the same way every day. Simone de Beauvoir, for example, used to have a cup of tea, write from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., take a break to see friends, and then write from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Establishing a routine has a couple of benefits. First, it allows you to transition from everyday life into a creative mood. Second, a routine makes it more difficult to procrastinate or let other obligations get in the way. When you’re committed to writing one hour before work each day, you’re far more likely to actually get that writing time in.
How to build your routine:
- Identify the activities, settings, and times of day that make you most productive
- Note when you have an easier time focusing (after exercise, with coffee, in the morning)
- Weave those elements into a consistent daily or weekly schedule
- Protect that time and treat it as non-negotiable
5. Reacting Poorly to Negative Feedback
No one enjoys receiving negative feedback. Writers often have a particularly hard time with constructive criticism because writing feels so personal. But becoming defensive or emotional when an editor or manager critiques your work will hurt your career in more ways than one.
This reaction damages your professional image. If people believe you can’t accept edits, they’re usually hesitant to rehire you or recommend you to others.
You’ll also lose the opportunity to improve. Chances are, the feedback you’re getting is valid, so paying attention and incorporating it into this piece as well as future pieces will help you grow as a writer.
Looking to put your improved writing skills to work? Browse open positions on the Mediabistro job board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common bad writing habits?
The most common bad writing habits include skipping the outline, editing while drafting, neglecting to read other writers’ work, failing to establish a consistent routine, and reacting defensively to feedback. These habits slow down your writing process and limit your growth.
How can I become a faster writer?
To write faster, create an outline before you start, resist the urge to edit while drafting, and establish a consistent writing routine. Separating the drafting and editing phases allows you to move through each stage more efficiently.
Why is reading important for writers?
Reading exposes you to different writing styles, sentence structures, and storytelling techniques. It also helps you develop an intuitive sense of rhythm and flow that’s difficult to learn any other way. Most professional writers read extensively in their genre and beyond.
How do I handle criticism of my writing?
Separate yourself from your work. Feedback on your writing is about the piece, not about you as a person. Take time to process the comments before responding, look for valid points you can apply, and remember that constructive criticism helps you grow as a writer.
Should I outline before writing?
Yes. Outlining saves time in the long run by keeping you focused and preventing structural problems. Even a brief 15-minute outline helps you organize your thoughts, identify gaps in your argument, and write more efficiently.
