It’s every student or researcher’s dream to write and produce more each day. Upping your productivity would mean that you finish your projects much faster and have time for the (other) important things in life, like family, friends, and hobbies.

Of course, it’s easier said than done.

We’ve come up with seven ideas for increasing your writing output. You could even just choose two or three of these—remember, your aim is to write more, not to spend all your time implementing changes.

1. Lower your expectations for your initial efforts

Logically, you know that you won’t put down a perfect rough draft on the first try. However, the idea of a terrible first try is enough to keep many people from getting started. Whether it’s a matter of perfectionism or fear of failure, it helps to accept that your first efforts won’t be great so that you can at least put something down on paper.

This is a key tip for those who easily fall prey to writer’s block. It’s impossible to edit or otherwise work with blank pages. You can only make your writing better if there is any writing to begin with.

2. Reduce distractions

You only have so much time in a day, and you must make the most of the hours you’ve set aside to work. By reducing distractions, you’ll be able to devote more mental energy to the task, and you’ll be more likely to fall into a flow state where the words and ideas come easily. Many people can only feel this flow when they work without interruption for a certain amount of time.

Getting rid of distractions often means disconnecting from the Internet and social media. Put away that smartphone, mute your notifications, or use a plug-in like Stay Focused to temporarily block sites such as Facebook. Some writers even use an old-fashioned word processor, such as a Neo2, to make sure that they aren’t distracted as they write. This might seem extreme, but just think of the time you spend responding to each “ping,” and how that time could be better utilized.

3. Get organized

Creating an outline and gathering your materials before you begin can help you get going. You’ll be able to divide your task into smaller parts, and you’ll see where you might need to do more research or which parts you’ll sail through. (Perfectionists might want to skip this tip to avoid getting too caught up in making the perfect plan.)

4. Develop a routine

Many find comfort in creating a writing ritual or routine. Whether you create a specific area in your home for writing, have your tea a certain way before you start, or write at the same time every day, creating a ritual can help you get your mind ready to work. There’s also the benefit of self-care when it comes to routines that make you feel good.

(For inspiration, Mason Currey’s Daily Rituals: How Artists Work gives you a window into the wild and strange world of writer’s rituals.)

Creating a routine also enables you to schedule your work when you’re confident your energy levels will be high. If you know you are always sleepy after lunch, it’s probably not a good idea to book in your writing time then. Choose a time when you generally feel good and don’t have to rush.

5. Make more time to consume good content

Ideas don’t just come from nowhere. Our brain makes connections using the information we consume, and if you limit your inputs, you won’t be able to generate new ideas. Restricting yourself to reading only about your subject may seem like a good idea, but it’s important to give those ideas some real-world context.

But that doesn’t mean binge-watching Netflix or reading trashy magazines (although there’s nothing wrong with those things in their time and place!). Reading quality novels or longform articles, listening to radio shows, watching great movies—the quality of the input affects the quality of ideas that’ll come out later.

6. Set a word or page quota per day

Some people get overwhelmed with a task; they dwell on the idea that they’ll “never” finish. One way to overcome this is to set a minimum of words or pages you must reach per work session. Perhaps start small with 500 words and increase this number as time goes on.

If word counts don’t appeal to you, setting a minimum amount of time to write might work better. Whether you produce anything or not, when writing time is over, you can leave it mentally and waste less energy ruminating about an unfinished task.

7. Get an accountability buddy

Teaming up with someone who’s in the same boat can be an effective way to increase your productivity. Challenge and encourage each other, or maybe even engage in a little friendly competition to see who can finish first or who can reach their quotas most often.

We’re often kinder to others than we are to ourselves—most people would not dream of trashing their accountability buddy for not meeting a goal, and we know that positive comments are more motivating compared to negative ones. Having an accountability buddy is therefore also a good way to learn how to change paralyzing negative internal dialogue.

Here’s to a productive, enjoyable 2017!

The holidays are here, and for many of you, days off from work and school are just around the corner. It’s good to put down your pens and close your laptops for a few days to refresh and renew. We’ve picked a few books about writing and the writing life that are sure to inform and inspire you.

Whether you want to get specific tips on constructing great sentences and paragraphs, or delve deeper into the life of a writer, these books are the perfect blend of work and play.

1. The Elements of Style, William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White

William Strunk’s name may not be a household one, but if you’ve read Charlotte’s Web or Stuart Little, you’ll definitely be acquainted with E.B. White. Strunk wrote this small volume and his student, White, enlarged it, and subsequently The Elements of Style has influenced many writers and is required reading for many writing classes today.

Short and pithy, this book inspires those who read it to write in a similar manner. We recommend it if you’re looking for a quick fix to improve your writing, and even though style, grammar, and usage are the main focus, it’s not at all boring.

2. On Writing, Stephen King

Need another household name to improve your writing? Turn to no other than Stephen King. Even if you’re not a fan of the horror genre, it’s a worthwhile choice. King’s memoir outlines the mistakes that novelists should avoid, and his stories about being an author will help any burgeoning writer overcome the insecurities that seem to be ubiquitous.

Even if you’re not planning on writing for a living, On Writing is an inspiring look at the craft, and includes some practical tools that are necessary for writing well—what to read, assignments to get you going, the details of paragraph building. As a bonus, Stephen King’s real-life stories make for entertaining, enjoyable holiday reading.

3. Stein on Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of our Century Shares his Craft Techniques and Strategies, Sol Stein

Sol Stein is one of the most important American figures in writing, editing, and publishing. In this book he divulges insider stories about famous writers and their struggles to put their thoughts onto the written page. No matter where you are in your career, you’ll benefit from Stein’s solutions for writers.

He talks about what’s really “interesting” and how to improve the work you already have. Stein even includes examples from students’ drafts, and goes through the process of cutting away excess wordiness. Examining every expression and detail is the key, but under Stein’s command, it doesn’t have to be a nightmarish, boring task. And in the case of nonfiction, Stein’s insight into using fiction tactics to inject life into the driest subject matter will be hugely helpful to those of you out there in academia.

4. On Writing Well: An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction, William Zinsser

This volume is a must for anyone writing their dissertation or thesis. In fact, we’d argue that anyone who writes daily emails would benefit from this book because the fundamentals are Zinsser’s priority.

Since its publication in 1976, it’s sold nearly 1.5 million copies, On Writing Well has influenced writers in many fields, particularly those writing about technology, science, and medicine. Zinsser draws on his experience as a writer on a huge range of subjects, as well as his experiences as a writing teacher. Less a manual than a treasure trove of great examples, it’s particularly useful for those writers who want to get to the heart of their subject and write in a clear, crisp style.

5. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamott

This book is an emotional look at the writing life, making it a great choice for cozy holiday reading. Lamott’s recollections over her long career will make you laugh and cry with recognition at your own struggles in putting something down on paper.

Not only is it a great reflection on the writer’s struggle, but it’s also a glimpse into the life of a unique woman, who touches on being a single parent as well as overcoming addiction. If you’re struggling with writer’s block or any of the demons that commonly affect writers, aspiring or otherwise, Lamott can help. Her advice to form a writing support group can seriously help those of you who are struggling to finish longer assignments or theses.

We here at Stickler wish all of you a wonderful holiday season. Best wishes for a productive and pleasurable 2017, and we look forward to working with you!

First things first: What’s the difference between a resume (or résumé) and a CV (curriculum vitae)?

Both documents provide a summary of your work experience and skills. The CV is generally several pages of information on your work experience and academic background, including grants, presentations, and publications. The resume is a more concise one- or two-page summary, and might include sections titled “Objective” or “Career Summary.”

In the US, most employers request a resume, while the CV tends to be used in Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, for academia, medicine, and research-based jobs, Americans tend to use a CV.

The following tips will make you stand out from the crowd, whether you’re writing a CV or a resume.

1. Include keywords from the job description. Although it’s more time-consuming, customizing your CV or resume for each job you’re applying for is vital. Many companies will scan your application for certain keywords, and if yours doesn’t have these, it won’t make it past the first cut.

2. Research the company you’re applying to. When you see phrases and concepts repeated over and over on their website and materials, take note. Don’t copy and paste them into your resume, but do try to “mirror” them in your own writing. This demonstrates to prospective employers your attention to detail, your interest in the job, and your ability to fit in with their corporate culture.

3. Don’t forget to include your name and contact information! Here at Stickler, we receive job inquiries just about daily, and you wouldn’t believe how many people get wrapped up in the content of the resume and forget the most basic information of all! This should be displayed clearly, at the top of the first page as a minimum—although we recommend adding your full name, phone number, and email address as a header on subsequent pages as well. After all, making it easy for the employer to contact you can only be a good thing!

4. Keep it concise. There’s no hard and fast rule about length when it comes to resumes and CVs. However, we generally recommend sticking to two pages maximum wherever possible (although this guideline is certainly bendable, particularly for very technical jobs, which may require greater detail). HR representatives simply don’t have time to read every single page of every resume they receive, so it’s important to be succinct. One way to make your document very focused is to include only relevant work experience—where space is at a premium, you can probably omit the babysitting job you had when you were 13!

5. But give detail where needed. Although it’s important to be concise, if certain aspects of your previous experience need explanation, it’s advisable to go into a bit more detail. For example, say you’ve won an award. People at your present job may know what that award was for, but if you’re applying to a position in a different field, it’s beneficial to explain why the award was important.

6. Highlight quantifiable results and duties. While including your work responsibilities is a given, you should also try to include measurable information; for example, how many people you managed, how much you made in sales, or how much money you saved your previous company.

7. Get the layout right. Most HR representatives and companies prefer a chronological order for resumes (with the most recent job first), rather than a functional format that emphasizes skills. This makes it easier to put a person into context and see the development of their career path. Also, recruiters know that functional resumes enable applicants to hide gaps in their work history or experience.

8. Remember that looks matter. Pay attention to the at-a-glance format and appearance of your CV or resume. The recruiter will make their first impression of you in a matter of seconds, and if your document has walls of text, distracting fonts, or disorganized formatting, they might be put off straight away.

9. Proofread your documents before sending them in. Everyone makes mistakes, but your resume or CV is not the place for this. Even if you’re not applying for a language-related job, prospective employers are looking for people who put care into their work. And in the flood of resumes received for any one position, you can bet that HR representatives and managers are looking for any excuse to whittle down the field to make selection easier.

The bottom line is that your CV or resume is usually a recruiter’s first point of contact with you. It’s your chance to make an incredible first impression, and to show them how capable you are. Getting your CV or resume professionally proofread and edited can be quick and inexpensive, and this small step can be all it takes to get you into the “interview” pile.

When it comes down to the details, there are so many small differences between British and American English. It’s confusing and time consuming if you don’t have working experience in both (like we do here at Stickler Proofreading). In this article, we’ll outline five of the top things to look for if you’ve been asked to use one or other of these two styles, starting with three common spelling differences.

Why are there even differences between British and American English?

In terms of spelling, it all has to do with that American rebellious spirit. Noah Webster (yes, the Webster’s Dictionary one) wanted to standardize spelling in English after the American Revolution. Basically, Webster wanted words to be spelled the way they were pronounced, but he also wanted to distinguish the American way of spelling from the British one as a show of true independence

1. –er vs. –re at the end of words

One of the most common spelling differences between British and American English is the British –re, which is a linguistic nod to the many English words that come from French. It’s one of the most common giveaways that show which form of English is being used. Examples include:

• center (US) vs. centre (UK)
• fiber vs. fibre
• liter vs. litre

2. –l vs –ll at the end of past-tense verbs and gerunds

A lesser-known difference between British and American English is adding an extra “l” to a word when you create the past tense or gerund (–ing) form. This only applies to certain words, so take note: If the word ends in a vowel and then –l, British English usually requires “ll” when adding –ed or –ing, whereas American English has dropped that extra “l.”

Examples include:

• traveled (US) vs. travelled (UK)
• fueling vs. fuelling
• labeled vs. labelled

3. –ize vs. –ise

In American English, words such as “organize” always take the “–ize” form. However, just to confuse matters, in British English both “organize” and “organise” are acceptable (in fact, the Oxford English Dictionary prefers “–ize”). Which one you use can depend on personal preference or house style. Other examples include:

• “civilization” vs. “civilisation”
• “acclimatization” vs. “acclimatisation”
• “nationalizing” vs. “nationalising”

This very comprehensive list gives 1,800 of the most common words that are spelled differently in British and American English.

4. Punctuation with quotation marks

This one is pretty simple. In British English, the quotation mark always comes before the punctuation, unless the quotation in question forms a full sentence. In American English, the punctuation always goes inside the quotation mark (except in rare instances where house style prefers otherwise). Here’s an example:

• Jootun et al. (2009) stated that this demonstrates the degree of influence that the “researcher exerts on the research findings,” (p. 29) regardless of whether this influence is intentional or unintentional. (US)

vs.

• Jootun et al. (2009, p. 29) stated that this demonstrates the degree of influence that the “researcher exerts on the research findings”, (p. 29) regardless of whether this influence is intentional or unintentional. (UK)

5. Creation of past tense

For the most part, Americans use –ed to create past tense, as in “learned,” “burned,” and “smelled.” In British English, however, it is possible in many cases to form past tense with either –t or –ed. “Learnt,” “burnt,” and “smelt” are all acceptable forms of past tense in British English.

You can check out this chart for a more comprehensive list of examples.

Why do these differences matter?

If you never plan to study abroad or publish work in international journals or through large publishers, then this entire subject may be moot. However, if are pursuing one or more of these paths, it’s highly likely that you’ll need to follow style guidelines throughout your academic career, and in this case it pays to know the basic differences between British and American English.

These five differences are only the tip of the iceberg. There are many more spelling differences and colloquialisms that can trip you up. But not to worry—we have experience on both sides of the ocean!

You might know that Jinny Hayman, Stickler’s owner and founder, is originally from the UK and has been living in the States for many years. As a result, we here at Stickler are able to provide editing and proofreading services to both British and American English, including navigating the lesser-known nuances between the two. Not sure what your journal or school prefers? No problem, just let us know where you plan to submit your work and we’ll do the rest!