A few things that do not improve level ratings include:
[list=1][*]Bickering about who has the higher J2O average rating.[*]Telling yourself that you can not do it.[*]Not practicing.[*]Thinking that you can not do it.[/list=1]

Now, some things that do help:
[list=1][*]Practice, practice, practice.[*]Experience.[*]Time. It is significantly more difficult for those 10 1/2 and under to make levels than those older, for various reasons.[*]Playing other levels. Not just looking at them. Get a feel for levels.[*]Not rushing.[*]Being as creative as possible.[*]Spending time on every little detail. Meticiculous levelmakers are good levelmakers.[*]Quality over both speed and quantity. You can work on the second two once you master the first.[*]Use good, easy to use tilesets at first. Then, use good, moderately hard to use ones, and so on. Only after you are completely certain of your abilities should you use a really bad tileset.[*]Don't try to make levels that are more than one gametype at a time.[*]Be confident and do not say you can not do it.[/list=1]

Nearly everyone is capable of being a good levelmaker. For some, it is more difficult than others; for some, less. Just remember the important thing: never give up.

~ Traft