Top 10 Author Mistakes; Writing a book is an exhilarating journey filled with creativity, challenges, and growth.
But it’s also a path where many new authors stumble, often making the same mistakes that have tripped up countless writers before them.
These pitfalls can affect the quality of the book, hinder an author’s progress, or even discourage them from completing their work.
In this article, ”Top 10 Author Mistakes”, we’ll explore ten of the most common mistakes new authors make and provide practical advice on how to avoid them.
Additionally & by recognizing these traps ahead of time, you can increase your chances of creating a compelling, polished book that resonates with readers.
Top 10 Author Mistakes; 1. Not Defining Their Audience Early On
One of the biggest mistakes new authors make is writing without a clear understanding of who they’re writing for.
Consequently, this often results in a story that feels scattered, unstructured, or confusing to readers.
Example Mistake: Imagine a new author who’s writing a mystery novel but also wants to appeal to romance fans. By trying to incorporate both genres without a clear target, they risk diluting the story and missing the expectations of both audiences.
How Successful Authors Avoid This: Bestselling authors often create a “reader profile,” a fictional persona representing their ideal reader. For example, they might define a reader as a “woman in her 30s who loves fast-paced mysteries with a touch of psychological depth.” This helps shape the tone, content, and themes of the story.
How to Avoid It: Identify your audience before you write. Research other books in your genre and observe reader reviews and comments to understand what elements resonate most. This foundation will guide your writing, helping you connect deeply with your intended readers.
2. Overloading the Plot with Too Many Ideas
In an attempt to make their book captivating, new authors sometimes fill their story with multiple plotlines, subplots, and twists. Unfortunately, this can overwhelm readers and muddle the story’s central message.
Example Mistake: A new author starts with a main plot about a treasure hunt but also introduces side plots involving a romance, a betrayal, and a family feud. While each subplot could add depth, they end up clashing and distracting from the main storyline.
How Successful Authors Avoid This: Popular authors often streamline their plots. Take mystery writer Agatha Christie, who focuses primarily on the “whodunit” aspect while using subplots to add flavor rather than distract. Each subplot serves the primary narrative.
How to Avoid It: Start by focusing on your main story arc. Use a simple outline and list only essential subplots. Ask yourself if each element truly serves the story’s main theme or character journey. Save any extra ideas for future projects.
3. Neglecting Character Development
Characters drive a story, and if they feel shallow or inconsistent, readers may struggle to care about them or the plot. Character development requires time and attention to ensure they’re relatable and multidimensional.
Example Mistake: A new writer introduces a protagonist with a tragic backstory but gives no insight into how it affects their motivations or actions. The character’s emotions feel disconnected from their past.
How Successful Authors Avoid This: In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, every character has a rich backstory that influences their decisions, desires, and flaws. This attention to depth is what makes characters memorable.
How to Avoid It: Take time to sketch out each character’s history, personality, and goals. Reflect on their emotional journey and how it drives their decisions in the story. Remember, even minor characters can benefit from this approach, making the world of your book feel fuller.
TOP TIP! Top 10 Author Mistakes 4. Ignoring the Editing Process
Some new authors believe that a quick proofread is enough before submission, but skipping rigorous editing can leave a story with plot holes, inconsistencies, and awkward prose. Editing transforms raw writing into polished work.
Example Mistake: A first-time author finishes their manuscript and quickly submits it to publishers without revision, only to receive rejections due to obvious errors or pacing issues.
How Successful Authors Avoid This: Even famous authors like Stephen King emphasize the importance of editing. In his memoir On Writing, he recommends letting the manuscript “rest” before returning with fresh eyes, ready to cut unnecessary parts.
How to Avoid It: Schedule time for multiple rounds of editing, and consider seeking outside help. Self-edit, then hand your work to beta readers or hire a professional editor if possible. Each layer of editing will improve clarity, coherence, and overall quality.
5. Not Showing Instead of Telling
“Show, don’t tell” is fundamental advice in writing, yet it’s easy to fall into the trap of simply telling readers what’s happening. When authors rely on exposition over sensory details, scenes can feel flat and fail to evoke emotions.
Example Mistake: Instead of describing a character’s sadness, a new author simply writes, “She was very sad.” This lacks the emotional punch that showing could provide.
How Successful Authors Avoid This: Skilled authors use physical reactions, dialogue, and action to “show” emotions. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses setting, expressions, and subtle cues to reveal character emotions rather than directly stating them.
How to Avoid It: Practice writing scenes with descriptive language. Imagine the scene in your head, and ask yourself, “How would the reader know this emotion without me saying it outright?” Adding body language, expressions, or dialogue can help convey emotions more naturally.
6. Failing to Plan or Outline the Story
While some authors prefer a free-flowing style, new authors often get lost without any structure, which can lead to inconsistent pacing, loose plot threads, or unfinished character arcs.
Example Mistake: A new author starts with a thrilling opening, but midway through the book, they’re unsure where the story is going, leading to plot gaps and frustration.
How Successful Authors Avoid This: Famous authors like George R.R. Martin use rough outlines or “beats” to keep track of complex plots and subplots. Even a flexible outline helps guide the writer’s journey.
How to Avoid It: Outline the main beats of your story. Identify key plot points, character arcs, and resolution scenes, leaving room for organic growth. This keeps the narrative on track without stifling creativity.
7. Using Clichés and Overused Tropes
Overused phrases or predictable plots can make a book feel uninspired. Readers crave fresh perspectives and unique storytelling, which often means avoiding common clichés.
Example Mistake: A new romance author uses the “love triangle” trope without adding anything new, which can feel formulaic to readers who’ve seen it many times.
How Successful Authors Avoid This: Authors like Margaret Atwood and Neil Gaiman break genre conventions, creating unique plots and refreshing well-known themes in new ways.
How to Avoid It: Find fresh angles on familiar tropes. Ask, “How can I twist this trope?” For example, instead of a love triangle, consider exploring a complex friendship that interferes with romance.
8. Writing Without Consistency
Irregular writing can stall a book’s progress forming a key aspect of the top 10 author mistakes.
Sporadic sessions can lead to lost momentum, forgotten ideas, and waning enthusiasm.
Example Mistake: An author writes once every few months, struggling to maintain continuity and getting discouraged by slow progress.
How Successful Authors Avoid This: Many successful writers, like Haruki Murakami, stick to a disciplined writing schedule, even setting specific hours or daily word counts.
How to Avoid It: Develop a writing routine that works for you. Try a daily or weekly goal, even if it’s just 300 words. Consistency builds momentum and brings your book closer to completion.
9. Not Seeking Feedback Early Enough
Feedback can be daunting, but it’s essential to improving your book. Waiting until the end means missing out on valuable insights that could shape your story.
Example Mistake: A new author completes their manuscript without any feedback, only to discover issues that require major rewrites.
How Successful Authors Avoid This: Authors like Brandon Sanderson use beta readers and critique partners, incorporating feedback as they go.
How to Avoid It: Seek feedback after initial drafts from trusted readers, critique groups, or online communities. Fresh perspectives can identify areas for improvement, making the editing process smoother.
TOP TIP! Top 10 Author Mistakes; 10. Giving Up Too Soon
Writing a book can be exhausting, and many authors give up at the first sign of rejection or critique and this is probably the most common denominator of the top 10 author mistakes.
But persistence is key to achieving success in the publishing world.
Example Mistake: An author faces early criticism and decides their book isn’t good enough, abandoning the project altogether.
How Successful Authors Avoid This: J.K. Rowling was rejected multiple times before Harry Potter found a publisher. Her persistence paid off, and the series became a global phenomenon.
How to Avoid It: Set realistic goals and stay motivated by reminding yourself of your progress. Treat rejection as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. Keep writing and pushing forward—success often lies just beyond the obstacles.
Top 10 Author Mistakes; Conclusion
Every author faces challenges, but by recognizing these common mistakes, you can navigate the writing journey with greater confidence and skill.
Remember, writing is a process of growth and discovery…& avoiding the top 10 author mistakes should help you escape some of the pitfalls explained within.
Embrace feedback, refine your craft, and persist through setbacks. With dedication, you’ll create a book that resonates with readers and brings your unique voice to the world.
Happy writing!
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