Common Mistakes First-Time Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Writing a book is a thrilling yet daunting journey, especially for first-time authors. While every writer’s path is unique, most encounter the same pitfalls along the way. That is what makes writing your first book so challenging—there is so much to learn! But you’ve come to the right place to learn more about the craft of writing to help you be successful from the beginning of your writing journey. By understanding common first-time author mistakes, you can navigate the writing process with more confidence and clarity.
Not Defining Their Book’s Purpose
Many new authors start writing without fully understanding their book’s purpose. Yes, writing a book is a “purpose,” but your book should stand for something. There is a reason a reader wants to pick up your book and read it. Your book’s purpose should be clear to the reader so that they know what they will experience or learn from reading your book. This applies no matter if you’re writing a romance or a self-help non-fiction book—knowing the why behind writing your book will provide an anchor for you to revisit along the writing journey to help you stay on track.
A lack of clarity around your book’s purpose can result in an unfocused manuscript that struggles to engage readers.
A strong book begins with a clear why. Fiction writers should consider their story’s core themes and emotional impact, while non-fiction authors must define their key message and the problem their book solves. Ask yourself: What do I want readers to take away from this book? The more defined your purpose, the more compelling your book will be. For more on this, check out my Idea to Manuscript workbook on Amazon.
Skipping the Planning Stage
Some writers rely on inspiration alone, believing they can write their way through without a plan. While writing from the seat of their pants and allowing for creativity is essential, failing to outline can lead to plot holes, structural issues, and a time-consuming revision process.
Even a simple roadmap can provide direction. Fiction writers can draft a loose plot structure with key turning points using the 3-act structure for example, while non-fiction authors should outline chapters with a logical progression of ideas. Planning prevents frustration and helps ensure a smooth writing process without getting stuck in the messy middle.
Overwriting or Underwriting
First-time authors often struggle with balance—some write excessively long, meandering chapters, while others barely flesh out their ideas.
Personally, my brain needs to focus on getting the plot points out before I can go back and add more descriptive writing in my novels. Whichever way you approach writing is perfectly okay. The most important part is to get words on the page. The magic does happen in the editing process, but for the first draft focus on writing clearly and concisely. Avoid unnecessary fluff, but also ensure your scenes and ideas are fully developed. Fiction writers should focus on vivid descriptions and pacing, while non-fiction writers should provide enough detail to support their arguments.
Reading aloud can help identify areas that need trimming or expansion.
Relying Too Much on Passive Voice
Overuse of passive voice can make writing feel weak and disengaging. While passive voice has its place, excessive use often distances the reader from the action. For example, instead of writing, “The decision was made by the team,” say, “The team made the decision.”
Fiction writers should use active verbs to create dynamic, immersive scenes. Non-fiction authors can make their points clearer and more persuasive by favoring direct, strong phrasing. Reviewing your manuscript for passive constructions and revising where necessary will create a more compelling read.
Not Taking the Editing Process Seriously
Writing a first draft is a huge accomplishment, but the real magic happens in revision. Many new writers either rush to publish their first draft or get stuck in an endless editing loop.
Take a break after finishing your draft before revising with fresh eyes. Work through multiple rounds of edits, focusing on structure, clarity, and consistency. Fiction writers should refine character arcs and plot pacing, while non-fiction authors should ensure their arguments flow logically. A professional editor can also provide invaluable feedback, catching inconsistencies, awkward phrasing, and structural weaknesses that might be overlooked.
Self-editing is crucial, but every writer has blind spots. Relying solely on spell-checkers or personal judgment can leave grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and awkward phrasing intact.
Professional editors bring an objective eye and expertise to elevate your work. Developmental editors help with structure and coherence, while copy editors refine language and clarity. Investing in editing ensures a polished final product, whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing or self-publishing.
Giving Up Too Soon
Completing a first draft is a huge achievement, but the real work begins in revision. Some new authors rush to publish too soon, while others get stuck in endless edits, never feeling their work is good enough.
Taking time away from your manuscript before revising allows for fresh perspective. Start with big-picture edits: Are the themes clear? Do the chapters flow logically? Fiction writers should focus on character development and pacing, while non-fiction authors should ensure clarity and logical progression. Multiple rounds of editing, including structural, line, and copy editing, will refine your manuscript into its best version.
Becoming a published author is an incredible achievement, but it requires preparation, patience, and persistence. By recognizing and avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother writing journey and a more successful book launch. Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, your story deserves to be told—so keep writing, learning, and growing!
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