7 Big Novel Writing Mistakes 

One of the top Google searches leading to this blog is ‘novel writing mistakes’. Writers want to avoid the big novel writing clangers because writing a manuscript is a big undertaking. If we can avoid them, all the better!

As someone who works one-to-one with authors all the time these days, I thought I’d highlight some of the most common novel writing mistakes here. You’ll also find out how to fix them. Ready? Then let’s go …

Mistake #1: Weak or Confusing Premise

It’s said in the screenwriting world that if your core idea is not strong, nothing else matters. If it was ever different in novel writing (I doubt it), then it’s the same in publishing in the 2020s!

This means you need a strong premise, concept, controlling idea or whatever you want to call it. It’s a non-negotiable, especially as you will need this elevator pitch for your cover letters and query emails in the submissions process.

HOW TO FIX IT: Road test your premise with the B2W Free Logline Cheat Sheet. You can also find a comprehensive list of logline DOs and DON’Ts HERE.

Mistake #2: Flat or Unrelatable Characters

Readers need to be able to relate to your characters in some way. (Important: this doesn’t mean your characters have to be likeable! Nor do readers have to condone characters’ behaviour, especially if they are antiheroes).

Put simply, characters need to be compelling. That’s it.

HOW TO FIX IT: There’s lots of things you can do to revive flat characters:

• Investigate tropes on Tropedia or TVTropes.org 
• Map out their back stories (as long as it impacts on their present!)
• Check out character archetypes
• Fill out character questionnaires
• Contrast their flaws and strengths
• Give characters goals, conflict, and growth!

Mistake #3: Ignoring Structure and Pacing

It’s a fact that characters and structure are inextricably linked. This in turn affects your pacing in your book, because a story with no ebb and flow means readers stop engaging.

HOW TO FIX IT: Using plotting archetypes like The Hero’s Journey, Voyage & Return, or Rebirth etc, can really help. So can ‘mini-cliffhangers’ to keep the reader turning the pages into the next chapter.

MORE: Download a free B2W Plotting Worksheet

Mistake #4: Overwriting or Underwriting

Novels can use the 5 senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell), plus the psychology of the character … however, you still need to find the right balance. Readers do not want too many thoughts and feelings! We still want character behaviour and concrete events, not to mention visual writing.

Info dumps of too much backstory or storyworld information will also slow your novel down. We need to stay away from too much purple prose and OTT description as well.

HOW TO FIX IT: Make every word serve plot, character, or mood.

Mistake #5: Dialogue That Feels Fake or Stiff

Your characters should sound feel realistic (even in fantasy, horror or sci-fi worlds). Don’t have them over-explain their motivations, wants or needs too much.

Also, don’t have them recapping stuff they already know all the time. Lastly, make sure they don’t all sound the same!

HOW TO FIX IT: Read dialogue aloud and keep it natural, purposeful, and character-specific.

Mistake #6: Forgetting the Story’s Theme

What is your story trying to say? If you don’t know, then nobody else will! Your story needs a spine, so work out what your theme, message or point is. Stay away from multiple conflicting messages or random plot threads.

That said, you don’t want to obsess over your theme too much either! Readers will make their own meaning, too. As with anything else creative, it’s all about striking the right balance.

HOW TO FIX IT: Work out what your story is really about, emotionally and thematically.

Mistake #7: Skipping Revisions

Never forget the first draft is just the beginning. Unfortunately, authors often stop too soon, yet editing is where a novel truly shines. So make sure you don’t hit ‘publish’ or submit your manuscript to agents or direct to publishers before structure, pacing, or character arcs are polished.

HOW TO FIX IT: Embrace multiple drafts, beta readers, and professional editing. You won’t regret it.

Good Luck!

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