Amazon's internal writing advice

Amazon trains their writers like Navy SEALs of clarity. No fluff, no “maybe,” no filler words. Every sentence must earn its place.

Writing Like an Amazonian

This internal memo nails five timeless writing rules:

• Keep sentences under 30 words
• Replace adjectives with data
• Delete weasel words (say “87%” not “most”)
• Pass the “so what?” test
• Answer with “yes,” “no,” “a number,” or “I don’t know”

Why It Works

• Forces clarity and focus
• Builds trust through precision
• Makes ideas easy to scan
• Removes guessing for readers
• Encourages accountability in communication

Examples

• Basecamp’s emails are famously clear and data-backed
• Apple’s product pages show measurable features, not hype
• HubSpot’s reports cut the fluff with charts, not claims
• Tesla updates emphasize improvements with hard numbers