If you searched ‘how to be a better writer reddit,’ you’re probably not looking for fancy writing rules. You want the kind of advice that real writers give when they’re tired of sugarcoating things.
That’s exactly what Reddit is good at.
Across hundreds of threads, Reddit writers repeat the same warnings again and again, not about what to do, but what to stop doing if you actually want to improve.
Here are the biggest ones.
How to Be a Better Writer Reddit: 8 Tips & 1 Clear Answer
1. Stop Waiting to Feel “Ready”
One of the most common Reddit answers to how to be a better writer is blunt:
You will never feel ready.
Many writers wait for confidence, inspiration, or the perfect idea and time. Reddit writers push back hard on this mindset.
Writing skill comes after you start, not before. Most people who call themselves writers didn’t feel ready when they began. They started anyway.
Reddit’s message: readiness is a myth. Writing regularly is what creates it.
2. Stop Comparing Your Drafts to Published Books
This one comes up constantly in Reddit discussions about writing.
New writers compare their first drafts to edited, published novels and then assume they’re terrible.
Reddit writers are quick to remind people that:
- published books went through multiple drafts
- editors, beta readers, and rewrites shaped them
- even professional writers hate their early drafts
If you look back at something you wrote months ago and cringe a little, Reddit considers that a good sign. It means you’ve grown.
Reddit’s message: compare drafts to drafts — not drafts to finished masterpieces.
3. Stop Editing While You’re Still Writing the First Draft
If there’s one piece of Reddit advice that appears everywhere, it’s this:
Don’t edit your first draft.
Reddit writers explain that editing too early breaks momentum, feeds perfectionism, and slows learning.
The goal of a first draft is not beauty. It’s completion. Many writers say they only improved once they gave themselves permission to write badly, and fix it later.
Reddit’s message: get it out first. Make it better later.
4. Stop Starting With a Novel
This one surprises a lot of beginners. In many how to be a better writer reddit threads, experienced writers suggest not starting with a novel at all.
Instead, they recommend very short stories, blog-length pieces, or one-page scenes.
Why? Because finishing things teaches more than planning big projects you never complete. Writing short work helps you learn pacing, endings, and revision.
Many Reddit writers say they only felt confident tackling long projects after finishing dozens of smaller ones.
Reddit’s message: learn to finish before you aim big.
5. Stop Writing Only When You Feel Inspired
Reddit writers are almost allergic to the “waiting for inspiration” approach. Inspiration is unreliable. Discipline is not.
Many Reddit users talk about writing at the same time daily, setting small deadlines, and showing up even when they don’t feel like it.
Some write better at night, some in the morning, but consistency matters more than timing.
In one thread titled “Best way to become a better writer”, commenters emphasize daily writing of anything that interests you and joining communities like r/WritingPrompts to stay motivated.
Reddit’s message: inspiration shows up more often when you do.
6. Stop Writing Only for Approval
Another strong Reddit theme is that writing purely for validation kills joy. When writers focus too much on trends, likes, and sales, they burn out quickly.
Reddit writers often say their best work came when they wrote something they wanted to read, not something they thought would impress others.
Audience awareness matters, but it comes later.
Reddit’s message: write for yourself first. Worry about the audience second.
7. Stop Thinking Other Writers Have It Figured Out
This one is reassuring. Reddit is full of writers admitting that:
- they still feel impostor syndrome
- they still doubt their work
- they still compare themselves to others
Even successful, published writers say the doubts never fully disappear. The difference? They keep writing anyway.
Reddit’s message: doubt doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
8. Stop Reading Just For Fun
Reddit writers don’t just read for fun, but they read to study writing craft. In a thread on how to read as a writer to improve, many responses recommend breaking down what you read.
Look at sentence rhythm, pacing, word choice, and how scenes are structured. This turns reading into a writing lesson rather than passive entertainment.
So… How Do You Actually Become a Better Writer?
After stripping away all the noise, Reddit’s answer to how to be a better writer reddit is simple:
- Write often
- Finish things
- Expect imperfection
- Keep going
That’s it.
Not glamorous. Not viral. But it works.
If you stop writing, start again. If you feel stuck, write something smaller. If doubt shows up, let it ride along, not take the wheel. That’s how improvement happens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Better Writer (Reddit Advice)
Is Reddit actually a good place to learn how to be a better writer?
Yes — Reddit can be helpful if you look for patterns, not individual opinions. Most writing subreddits repeat the same core advice: write consistently, stop overthinking, and accept bad drafts as part of the process. That repetition is what makes Reddit valuable.
How long does it take to become a better writer according to Reddit?
Reddit writers rarely give timelines. Instead, they emphasize volume over time. Many say improvement becomes noticeable after finishing multiple short stories, blog posts, or long projects, not after waiting to feel confident or “ready.”
Do Reddit writers recommend writing every day?
Most do, but not in a rigid way. Reddit advice focuses more on consistency than word count. Even writing for 20–30 minutes a day is considered better than long, irregular writing sessions.
Should beginners edit while writing?
No. One of the strongest Reddit opinions on how to be a better writer is to separate writing and editing. Editing during a first draft slows progress and increases self-doubt. Finish the draft first, then revise.
Is it better to start with short stories or novels?
Reddit overwhelmingly suggests starting small. Short stories, scenes, or blog-length pieces help writers learn how to finish work, handle revisions, and build confidence before attempting a novel.
Why do writers on Reddit talk so much about impostor syndrome?
Because it’s common, even among experienced writers. Reddit writers often admit they still doubt their work. The difference is that they don’t let those feelings stop them from writing.
Can Reddit advice help nonfiction and blog writers too?
Yes. While many examples come from fiction writers, the core lessons — consistency, finishing work, writing imperfect drafts, and avoiding comparison — apply to blogging, content writing, and nonfiction as well.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about how to be a better writer reddit advice, the pattern is clear: stop waiting, stop comparing, and stop trying to get everything right on the first try. Reddit doesn’t promise shortcuts, but it points you back to the work. Remember, it’s also important to stay productive and focused as a writer.
