I’ve heard that people looking for writers will pay decent rates — especially if you offer “quality writing,” but no one has defined exactly what “quality writing” is.

I believe the answer quite depends on the individual seeking the writing to be done. Can one person create a single definition that suits what anyone and everyone looking for writers would call “quality?”

Well-written prose can be well-written prose and still not get “the job” done for whoever requested the writing. Does this mean “quality writing” is measured, then, by the result it brings for the individual using it?

Let us consider this question from a different angle — the angle of “intent.”

The intention behind fiction writing is generally to entertain. The intention behind non-fiction writing is generally to teach. The intention behind sales writing is generally to sell.

With this in mind, could “quality writing” be defined as any writing which brings about the intended result?

One might be tempted to answer “yes” to the question above, but there are (as ever) other things to consider.

Many people write fiction novels. Only a few become “bestselling novels.” Was the quality of writing less in one than the other?

Many people write non-fiction texts, yet again it is the minority of such books which reach a high status. Was their failing points really lower quality writing? If so, how did such texts come to be published to begin with?

A large number of people actively engage in the business of writing to sell. But there are blessed few people talking about “Mr. Penn,” author of the greatest sales pitch ever written. What is the reason for this? Is the “quality” of the writing to blame?

Not really.

In all cases above there are other elements involved, elements which have nothing to do with the writing itself but with the composition of said writing.

And we have now come full circle. What does “quality writing,” the type or style of writing that apparently commands the Big Bucks, really mean?

What do you think?

Leave your comments in the box below. Please. I’d really like to know your thoughts on this.