The bad initial light is a big factor. My joints are always perfect because I use on of those little plastic rolling machines. Every now and then I light one like an idiot and get a canoe on a perfectly even roll. Also, use raw brand organic papers. You will never use anything else.
light it then blow a lil and lick around the part of joint thats around to be burnt then slowly puff then when you feel its burning nicely take big puffs
After you have it rolled up with the end twisted, grab it by the "filter" end (I hardly use filters, so I guess it should be called the unlit end? idk) and give it a few shakes to evenly pack the weed in it. It's a good way of fixing a joint or forcing your weed to evenly pack in the joint if you roll it kind of uneven or loose.