Of course, the most prominent way that you can improve your English is to enroll in an English course or enlist the services of an English language coach. However, it is up to you whether you decide to go this route. There are other routes open to you that will help your English improve or will complement any English course or training that you have received or are currently in the course of attaining.

#1 Reading as much across as wide a range, as you can 

As any tutor will tell you, reading improves vocabulary and writing skills. The more you read, the better you will get. It is not just the reading of vast amounts that need to be done, but to gain knowledge, a wide range of topics are also desirable. 

This is because it can not only increase word recognition, spelling, and meaning, but you will also be able to start to recognize sentence structure and punctuation as well.

#2 Freelance as an article writer 

To gain practice in your writing skills, you can freelance as an article writer. Many different roles are available, and not all have a degree in English language or English literature as a requirement. 

However, to be able to offer your guest posting services, you will have to be coherent in written English and have a broad spectrum of knowledge. You will also have to be prepared to carry out in-depth research into various topics, be critiqued, and have rewrites if you do not deliver what is stated in your posting brief.

#3 Self-publish your own short stories 

Of course, if you like to have far more control over the topic you are writing about, perhaps publishing your own short stories may be more what you have in mind. It is important to note, however, that if you use the traditional services of a publisher for your short stories, you are going to again be critiqued and proofread by an editor. Although this is far from a bad thing, you will very quickly find that they hold the reins on what gets published and what gets scraped.

This is not your only choice. However, you do have the option of self-publishing your short stories. As with article writing, it follows that the more confident and proficient you are in your writing skills, the more interest and readers you will get.

Final thoughts

So, as you can see, there are ways forward after or even while you are obtaining confidence in your English writing skills. Everything should be seen as practicing, and you should never take any critique personally. Editors and proofreaders are there to ensure that the writing is coherent and correct and not as a slight on your abilities or your knowledge. 

If you find that you are getting a lot of your writing pieces back, make sure you ask why and take the time to learn how to correct yourself rather than throwing in the towel.