paragraph structure

[portia65]

My first article "Tea: the Cuppa that’s Brimful with Health" was rejected with the message "Authors who submit to Constant Content must observe proper paragraph structure."

I've looked at the guidelines, and all they say about paragraph structure is: "Single-spaced paragraphs without indentation and double spaces between paragraphs.

'Single space' means no spaces between lines (i.e., you have pressed the enter key once). 'Double space' refers to the act of pressing the Enter key twice and indicates a single line of space between lines of text."

Well, that's what I have.

I wondered if rather, the problem is that my paragraphs are mostly single sentences (newspaper paragraph style)?

Could someone explain, please?

[Celeste Stewart]

Ah, yes, if your paragraphs are only one sentence long, then I bet that's the problem. Paragraphs here need a bit more than a single sentence, yet for the Web, paragraphs tend to be fairly short for readability. It's a fine balance but I can guarantee you a series of one sentence paragraphs is going to get you an article rejection notice. If your article is rejected for that, then see if you can reorganize your thoughts into more general key points and then expand your points in each paragraph.

[portia65]

Thanks Celeste. It is, as you say, a fine balance. Should I make the sentences longer, or try to put two shorter ones into one paragraph?

[Celeste Stewart]

Ed can probably clarify but I suspect it's not so much restructuring the thought itself into a longer sentence or two shorter ones but expanding on its theme. For example, if you had a section along the lines of this:

Cats are easily housebroken which makes them excellent pets for apartment dwellers.

When choosing a cat, look for a breed that best meets your family's current situation.

(Okay, very basic example here, but bear with me)

You would want to expand on each of the topics, not just reword and restructure them.

Cats are easily housebroken which makes them excellent pets for apartment dwellers. While a small dog is also an excellent pet, dogs rely on us to take them for walks whereas cats can be trained to use the litterbox. In fact, some people swear by toilet training their feline friends. While that may be extreme, a simple litter box in the laundry area is all that's needed for most families with indoor cats.

When choosing a cat, look for a breed that meets your family's needs. Are you willing to groom your cat daily or do you want a low maintenance pet with few grooming requirements? Are you looking for a cat who is fiercely independent or do you want one who will curl up on your lap?

Anyhow, lame examples but I'm thinking expanding your topics is the way to go. It's tough to know without having seen the article of course, but that's my instinct.

[Lysis]

I remember my elementary teacher (weird the things you remember) banging it into our heads that a paragraph is at least 3 sentences. I've seen some articles here where the paragraphs are small, but I try to aim for at least 3 sentences per paragraph.

[Ed]

Usually the problem lies in that writers are making paragraphs out of single sentence that are a part of a larger idea. The ideas are usually already there, but they aren't grouped into proper paragraphs. Whether or not it's true, it makes it appear as though the author doesn't understand paragraph structure, makes the reading choppy, and interferes with the organization of the piece. For example:

If you live in an apartment, there are many ways you can enjoy gardening despite not having a yard.

You can create a container garden on your balcony.

You can utlilize some space in a community garden.

You can volunteer to help friends and relatives with their gardens.

These three sentences belong together in one paragraph. They are a part of the idea that "there are many ways you can enjoy gardening if you don't have a yard." Then a smooth transition into the next paragraph needs to be created.

If more information needs to be added to provide an article that presents information in a clear and useable manner, then it should be, as in Celeste's example.

I'm not sure that anyone here needs to be overly worried about creating paragraphs that are too long. It's nearly impossible in a 300-500 word article. Even in longer articles, if the article itself is well organized and written in a clear manner, paragraph length that exceeds what we've come to expect that web readers want is not a problem. I don't think customers are looking at articles thinking, "My readers will be turned off by a paragraph that is more than three sentences." Customers want well-written content that provides useful information to their audience, period.

The following resource gives some information about paragraph structure:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/606/01/

Thanks,
Ed

[4rumid]

"I'm not sure that anyone here needs to be overly worried about creating paragraphs that are too long . . ."

Thanks, Ed! (Celeste, you had me worried!)

[Celeste Stewart]

One of my clients now wants just three paragraphs for 400-word articles. I suppose it's for design purposes as he inserts graphics and other elements in between. But from a writing standpoint, it's brutally hard! I have to work in specific phrases, often in a specific order, and cover specific topics that I'd normally break up into their own paragraphs. While a 130-word paragraph isn't that difficult when you have full control over the topic, with the constraints given it's pretty tough. I'm definitely struggling to make sure that the paragraphs are focused and don't just ramble. I've been waiting for Ed to ask me what's up with my long paragraphs all of a sudden

[Lysis]

Celeste, I had the opposite once. A client wanted 8 paragraphs for a 400 word article. It sounds easy. Oh, just do 50 word paragraphs, but it's hard to write under those constraints without making the words sound forced. He also wanted keywords in specific paragraphs. I always wondered what his SEO strategy was in that one. I wouldn't call me the SEO expert, but I do know my stuff and volunteer my time on Google. I've had to do some weird writing requests and sit on my fingers so I don't tell these people that their little article tricks are not going to work at all.