An author is like a parent to their manuscripts, handling them with care, creativity, and dedication. However, just as no parent is born with the knowledge of how to raise a child perfectly, no writer starts flawless.

They all make mistakes, and honestly, this is part of the journey. Recognizing and avoiding subtle missteps is essential to carve out a space for oneself in the crowded market.

In this blog, we will discuss in detail the five most common mistakes writers make and what they should do to fix or avoid them.

More Than Just Bad Reviews: A Deep Dive into Book Failure

Mistake #1: To Write a Weak Opening

Most of the time, when a writer has not hired book proofreading services, they write a story that does not grab attention. The most immediate effect of this blunder is that the reader will lose interest.

Thus, it is important for the first section to set the tone and make sure readers are curious for more. You can try anything, such as action, emotion, or intrigue, to keep them engaged.

To Fix It:

You might want to rewrite the entire thing to make it more gripping. However, it is totally your choice, so ask yourself: Does it create interest? If the answer is no, revise it until it turns into a yes.

To Avoid It:

You should start with a compelling hook. Be it a question, a bold statement, or an attractive scene, it should just be there.

Mistake #2: Using Inconsistent Tone

Whether you are a print on demand UAE author or an online publishing one, it is important that you use a balanced tone throughout your script. Any unnecessary shift in the tone can confuse the readers and weaken storytelling.

To Fix It:

You need to review and edit all the inconsistencies. You also want to reread sections aloud to yourself or someone else. This way, you will be able to effortlessly adjust wording wherever required.

To Avoid It:

You should define the tone before writing, make notes and stick to it. You must also make sure that the dialogues, narrations, and pacing align with the script's intended mood.

Mistake #3: Having Underdeveloped Characters

In the third episode of What Mistakes Writers Make, we have the very uncommon blunder where the author, for some reason, has introduced immature characters. This calls for more research and attention to detail because, without a character's complete emotions and growth, the story is flat and lacks depth.

To Fix It:

You need to improve the dialogues, internal thoughts, and actions. They help reveal the character's personality. Moreover, you can add a backstory for extra lifelike effects.

To Avoid It:

You should develop detailed character backgrounds. Most importantly, the ones which include strengths and weaknesses. You can also ensure that they face challenges as proof of their growth and emotional depth.

Mistake #4: Conveying Vague Messages

Another major slip-up that writers make is that they do not make sure whether or not their message and purpose are comprehensible. This is significant because if the theme is scattered, readers may struggle to understand what it's about. Thus, every book should deliver a message that is easy to understand and stays with the audience.

To Fix It:

You should identify the biggest takeaway and highlight sections that support it. Apart from this, you can work on the dialogues and plot points to underline the intended message clearly.

To Avoid It:

You need to clarify the book's theme quite early. When you do this, the characters, plot, and conflicts support the central message in a meaningful way.

Mistake #5: The Poor Editing of the Manuscript

Last but not least, authors are often very tired after writing a long story, and they do an injustice to their editor's responsibilities. As a result, their final draft is packed with several spelling errors, awkward phrasing, and pacing issues. The poor readability is so dangerous that it can scare away the readers and many potential buyers/opportunities.  

To Fix It:

You should reread carefully and check the book for clarity and structure. Moreover, you can also break down edits into sections called grammar, storytelling, and pacing to refine each layer properly.

To Avoid It:

You need to reread the draft multiple times and get fresh eyes on the manuscript. A simple trick is to hide the script away for days and then start the proofreading process. Alternatively, you can try using professional editing tools or hire an editor for polished writing.

The Frequently Asked Questions of an Author

Is it normal to dislike my own book after finishing it?

Yes, it is normal. Writers often feel self-doubt after finishing a book. So, if you are feeling the blues, try distancing yourself from your book and rereading it later with fresh eyes. Other than this, feedback from the readers can also remind you why your story matters.

Is it really necessary to kill my favorite parts just because an editor says so?

It is necessary to agree with the editor. Their suggestion is meant for clarity, but if you think otherwise, you can follow your instincts. After all, it is your script, and you can always experiment.

What if my book doesn't fit into a single genre? Will that hurt my chances of success?

No. Instead, it can be an advantage. So, if your book is falling into mixed genres, identify your target readers and frame your book in a way that appeals to multiple audiences. Hence, without clarity, you might be in hot water.

How do I make sure that my book doesn't get ignored after publishing?

You can try promoting the script through social media, book giveaways, and collaborations with bloggers or schools. You can also engage with the readers, build excitement and not be afraid of marketing experiments.

The Summary of Writers' Subtle Writing Mistakes

Experienced people say that writing a book is a journey full of creativity, challenges, and growth. They also mention that mistakes do happen in the course, but they only occur to help the writers improve.

Some common mistakes writers make include the absence of a strong opening. Think for yourself: what would a vague opening feel like? Would anybody want to read it? Of course not. 

Moving on, the rest of the mistakes are spread all over the body of the book (and are discussed above in the blog). Go through it and make sure that you avoid all of these blunders in your next script.