#1 Read as Much as You Can

• The Online Books Page - More than 30,000 free books--all kinds.
• PublicLiterature.org - Thousands of free books--fiction, nonfiction, plays, poems, children's literature, etc.
• Bartleby - Once of the best collections of free books online--fiction, nonfiction, anthologies, classic volumes, verse, etc.

You've probably heard it before, but everyone says it because it is true. You can't be a good writer without being a good reader first. So, try to read as much as you can--pick up books that you like, books you don't like and books you never pictured yourself reading. You never know what you might get out of them.

#2 Write as Much as You Can

• National Novel Writing Month - Write an entire 50,000-word novel in one month's time.
• Book-in-a-Week - Writing group that encourages you to write like mad the first week of every month.
• Creative Writing Prompts - More than 600 creative writing prompts and questions to journal about.

Writing is just like everything else. The more you do it, the better you get at it. Remember, you are in charge of what, where and how much you write. Take control and make every effort to write as much as you can.

#3 Take a Free Writing Course

• Free Writing Courses Online - Eight universities offering free writing courses online.
• Free MIT Writing Courses - More than 50 free courses from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
• Free Fiction Writing Course - Introductory course from the UK's Open University.
• Free Writing Class - Nine-week writing course from bestselling author and screenwriter Steve Barnes.

Although professional training isn't a requirement to become a good writer, it certainly doesn't hurt. If you can't afford a pricey class or a writer's workshop, don't fret. There are plenty of good writing courses that can be taken for free online.

#4 Read The Elements of Style

• Read the Elements of Style Online - Read a full copy of the book for free online at Bartleby.com.
• Buy the Elements of Style - Buy a copy of the book from Amazon for $3.95.

If you want to read about writing, you need to pick up a copy of The Elements of Style by William Strunk. This influential guide to English and grammar is one of the best books ever written on the topic. It includes eight elementary rules of usage, ten elementary principles of composition, a list of commonly misused words and other rules of form that you can't do without.

#5 Build Your Vocabulary

• Word of the Day - Learn a new word every day at Merriam-Webster Online.
• Free Vocab Builder - Improve your vocabulary with this Vocab Builder from Univsource.com.
• Vocabulary Tests - Take quizzes and make your own vocabulary lists at Vocaboly.com.

You are bound to be more expressive when you write if you have more words at your command. When you come across a word you don't know, look it up and try to use it in your writing. Seek out vocabulary building exercises and do whatever else you can think of to increase the number of words you have at your disposal.

#6 Become a Better Researcher

• The Internet Detective - Free online tutorial to help you develop Internet research skills.
• Guide to Online Research - Tips for writers who want to learn how to search the Web effectively.
• Top Reference Sites - A list of the top reference sites on the Web.

Good writing is rooted deeply in good research. It's much easier to craft a well-written book, article or manuscript when you have a wealth of information at your fingertips. You can become a better researcher by learning how to use the Internet effectively and efficiently.

#7 Write for an Audience

• Blogger.com - Create your own blog for free.
• Associated Content - Submit writing on any topic or choose an assignment on this open content network. (Note: you get paid for quality work.)
• Constant-Content - Use this site to submit and sell articles, tutorials, product reviews and other types of content.

When you write for yourself, it's easy to be lazy. But when you write for an audience, it's hard not to write your best. Do yourself a favor and put your work out there. Ask your friends and family to read what you have written, post it on blogs and sell it to media outlets. You'll build confidence and create something special on a regular basis.

#8 Have Your Work Critiqued

• Writing Groups - Start a writing group or find established groups in your area on Writermag.com.
• Fan Story - Share your writing with other people on FanStory.com to receive reviews and ratings.
• AutoCrit Wizard - This wizard automatically critiques your manuscript--perfect for writers who aren't ready to share their work with other people.

Getting feedback from other people (your mom doesn't count) is one of the best ways to hone your writing skills. You can hire someone to read your work or get free critiques online. Joining a writer's group can also provide the support and help you need to become a better writer.

#9 Learn How to Edit Your Own Work

• 5 Easy Steps to Editing Your Own Work - Great tips from Copyblogger.com.
• Power Editing Course - Free 3-day editing course from AutoCrit.com.
• Revision and Self Editing - An excellent book that will teach you how to revise and edit your own fiction.

Laurell K. Hamilton (author of the wildly popular Anita Blake series) once said that '70% of a first draft is garbage and 30% is gold'--and she couldn't be more right. Editing is part of writing. You're fooling yourself if you think you can write a piece once and be done with it. There is always something that can be improved upon. By taking the time to learn how to edit your own work, you virtually guarantee that you will become a better writer.

#10 Forget Spell Check--Proofread

• Proofreading Your Writing - Learn how to proofread your own writing through Purdue University's Online Writing Lab.
• Guide to Proofreading - Proofreading handout and test from the University of North Carolina.
• McGraw Hill's Proofreading Handbook - A great guide to proofreading your own work.

Proofreading is just as important as editing. Careless mistakes can cost you a job, embarrass you and ruin a good piece of writing. Always proofread what you write. Do it slowly and do it twice.