Editing is such an important part of the writing process, but it is often where first-time authors fall into peril. The excitement of completing your first draft can overshadow the need for thorough editing, leading to mistakes that can make your story less powerful or meaningful. Here are some of the most common editing mistakes that new authors make and some practical tips to help avoid them. 

Skipping the Revision Stage

One of the most common and frequent mistakes new authors make, as silly as it sounds, is skipping the revision stage altogether. After pouring their heart into a draft, many writers feel like their book is ready for publication as soon as they finish writing. But the first draft is never perfect. Skipping revisions can lead to big issues down the line, from plot inconsistencies to poorly developed characters, not to mention missed opportunities with agents or readers if the work is released before this step is taken. 

The best solution to this is to simply embrace the revision process. After completing your first draft, take a break before revisiting the book. The time away can give you a fresh perspective, allowing you to better identify the areas that need improvement. Approach your work with an editor’s mindset, looking for plot holes, pacing issues, and character development. 

Neglecting Structure and Flow

First-time authors often overlook the importance of editing for the structure and flow of their books. They may create interesting and entertaining scenes but fail to connect them in a way that makes sense. This can lead to readers being confused and putting the book down.

This can be fixed by outlining your book before and during the editing process. Make sure that each chapter flows logically to the next, and that transitions between scenes are smooth. Pay attention to the pacing and if any chapters feel rushed or dragged out, adjust the content. Consider reading your outline out loud to help see if there are any awkward transitions or uneven pacing. 

Overusing Adjectives and Adverbs

In an effort to make their writing sound better, many new authors overuse adjectives and adverbs. While descriptive language can make a story more detailed and interesting, excessive reliance on these parts of speech can lead to cluttered writing. This not only takes away from the story but can also weaken the impact of important moments within your book.

To prevent yourself from overusing adjectives and adverbs, aim for strong verbs and nouns instead. Instead of saying “ran quickly”, you could use the word “sprinted”. This kind of writing reduces wordiness and often makes your book a better read. When editing, scrutinize each adjective and adverb. Ask yourself if they add any value or if the sentence could be stronger without them.

Ignoring Consistency

Consistency in character development, tone, and style is so important for maintaining readers interest. First-time authors may unintentionally have inconsistencies that they miss during editing, such as changing a character’s personality mid-story or altering the tone between chapters.

To combat this you can keep a character or setting guide to help yourself stay consistent throughout the writing and editing process. This guide could include details like character traits, backstories, and motivations, as well as key plot points and settings. During the editing phase, cross-reference your draft with this guide to make sure that your characters behave consistently and that the story tone stays steady throughout. 

Rushing Grammar and Spelling Checks

New authors often rush through grammar and spelling checks, assuming that if they don’t see the dotted lines in their document then their writing is error-free. Even the smallest grammatical mistakes, however, can make your readers distracted and undermine a story’s credibility and readability. First-time authors might miss typos, punctuation errors, or improper sentence structures, which can take away from the reading experience.

This can be helped by using grammar and spell-check tools, but make sure you do not solely rely on them. Take the time to read through your draft multiple times, focusing on different aspects during each re-read. For example, one read-through can focus on grammar and punctuation, while another can focus on sentence structure and clarity. Consider asking a trusted friend or hiring a professional editor for an additional set of eyes.

Some great spell checkers and grammar tools are:

Failing to Cut Unnecessary Content

New authors sometimes have difficulty cutting content, fearing that deleting words or entire scenes will weaken their story. This can lead to overly long drafts filled with too much detail which may bore or confuse readers.

Be ruthless during the editing process to prevent this. Review each scene and ask yourself whether it contributes to character development, plot advancement, or world-building. If a section feels unnecessary or distracts from the main story, do not hesitate to cut it out. Remember, less is more. 

Not Seeking Feedback

First-time authors may feel attached to their work and avoid seeking feedback from others. This can result in blind spots, where the author is unable to see mistakes or areas for improvement in their book.

To fix this you must seek constructive feedback from beta readers or writing groups. Choose people who can give you honest and thoughtful critiques. Be open to their suggestions and consider them seriously. Receiving feedback can illuminate issues you may not have noticed and will ultimately make your draft stronger.

Neglecting the Importance of Formatting

Poor formatting can distract readers and take away from the professionalism of your book. First-time authors might overlook this part of the editing process, which could lead to inconsistencies in font, spacing, or indentation. 

Preventing this is a simple solution. Familiarize yourself with standard manuscript and book formatting guidelines, especially if you intend to submit your work to agents or publishers. Use tools like templates or style guides to make sure that your draft meets industry standards. Proper formatting can make your book more readable and create a more polished presentation. 

Being Attached to Dialogue

Dialogue is a powerful tool in storytelling, but new authors can struggle with editing it. They may have a hard time cutting or altering dialogue that feels integral to their characters, even if it does not serve the story.

When editing dialogue, focus on whether it advances the plot or develops the characters. Make sure that each character has a distinct voice, and avoid excessive exposition or filler conversations. Consider using dialogue tags sparingly because readers can often infer who is speaking through the dialogue itself. 

Ignoring the Final Read-Through

After completing edits, many first-time authors skip the final read-through, getting a little too excited and thinking that their work is ready for publication. This final read-through, however, is crucial for catching lingering errors or awkward phrasing. 

Always do a final read-through of your draft. This last step allows you to identify any overlooked mistakes and make sure that your story flows smoothly from start to finish. Consider reading your book aloud because this can help you catch errors you might miss when reading silently.

Editing is such an important step in the writing process, and avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve a draft. By taking time to revise, seek feedback, and focus on clarity and consistency, first-time authors can take their work to the next level and improve their chances of success. Remember, every great author has undergone the editing process. Embrace it, and let your story shine.