The Editors’ Take: Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid in Fiction

If you're an aspiring novelist, you've likely heard the classic writing advice: "show, don't tell," "limit adverbs," and "watch your backstory." These are valuable lessons, but there are many other common issues that editors and agents encounter in manuscripts—ones that don’t get talked about as often but can significantly impact the quality of your story.

In this article, editors share their biggest "writing icks"—mistakes that can take your story from engaging to frustrating. Don't worry if you recognize some of these in your manuscript. They’re common errors and, with awareness, they can be fixed. Let’s dive in.

Weak Character Motivations

Your characters need clear, tangible goals. Without strong motivations, your protagonist may wander aimlessly from scene to scene, causing the story to feel aimless and dull.

Tip: Make sure your main character has a goal that drives the plot. The stakes should be high enough that readers are rooting for them. A character with no clear desires or objectives is hard to invest in.

The Kitchen Sink Approach

Sometimes, writers include every cool idea they have in one story: a giant robot, an asteroid-wielding magician, and a talking cat. While these ideas may all be fantastic, cramming them into one narrative often leads to confusion and inconsistency.

Tip: Be selective. Focus on the ideas that serve your story and save the rest for future projects. This will give your narrative clarity and cohesion.

Overuse of Names in Dialogue

Characters repeatedly addressing each other by name in dialogue feels unnatural and clunky. While names can provide clarity and emphasis, overusing them disrupts the flow of conversation.

Tip: Think about how often you use someone’s name in real life. Most of the time, you don’t—so in your dialogue, use names sparingly for a more realistic effect.

Cryptic Writing

Using long, complex words for the sake of sounding literary can alienate readers. Clear writing doesn’t sacrifice depth; it enhances it.

Tip: Aim for simplicity without losing nuance. As George Orwell advised, “Never use a long word where a short one will do.” Focus on clear communication to create powerful imagery and complex themes without confusing your readers.

Bad Sex Scenes

When writing romance, the key is emotional intensity, not explicit detail. Unnecessary or awkward sex scenes often detract from the story rather than enhancing it.

Tip: Focus on the buildup of sexual tension, chemistry, and emotional connection between characters. Subtle moments—such as a lingering glance or a near-kiss—can often convey more than explicit descriptions.

Head Hopping

Switching between characters' perspectives too frequently within a single scene can disorient readers. Consistency in point of view allows readers to connect with your characters and immerse themselves in the story.

Tip: If you're using multiple perspectives, establish a clear structure early on and stick to it. Avoid introducing new points of view late in the book unless it’s essential to the plot.

Floating Dialogue

Dialogue without context—also known as "floating head syndrome"—can feel disjointed and tedious. Readers need visual and emotional cues to fully engage with a scene.

Tip: Include character actions, thoughts, and setting details to ground the dialogue. This adds depth and subtext, allowing readers to interpret what’s left unsaid.

Coincidences

Coincidences that conveniently solve plot problems often feel lazy and unsatisfying. They rob your protagonist of agency and make the narrative less compelling.

Tip: Structure your plot around cause-and-effect relationships. Your protagonist’s actions should drive the story forward, with consequences that naturally follow.

Overloading Backstory

While it’s important to develop your characters' histories and world, dumping too much backstory early on can overwhelm readers and slow down the plot.

Tip: Reveal backstory gradually, only when it's relevant to the current story. Avoid long expository sections that disrupt the pacing. Focus on telling this story and let the rest unfold organically.

Slow Starts

Your opening chapters are critical for hooking readers. Lengthy descriptions, excessive backstory, and slow pacing can cause readers to lose interest before the story even begins.

Tip: Start your novel with action or a compelling question. Quickly establish what’s happening, why it matters, and why readers should care.

Condescending Writing

Readers appreciate subtlety. Over-explaining or repeatedly reminding them of important plot points can feel patronizing.

Tip: Trust your readers. They’re capable of picking up on hints and clues without constant reminders. Let them piece things together for themselves to heighten the impact of your twists and revelations.

How to Use This Advice

Editing a manuscript can be overwhelming, but recognizing these common pitfalls is the first step toward improving your work. As you revise, ask yourself:

• Does each character have a clear motivation?
• Are my plot elements cohesive and necessary?
• Am I respecting the reader’s intelligence by trusting them to follow subtle cues?

Addressing these areas will help your story become more polished, engaging, and memorable.

Lose the Ick

Writing is a craft, and even the most experienced authors make mistakes. By avoiding these common issues, you’ll be well on your way to creating a compelling manuscript that captivates both readers and editors. Remember, it's not about perfection—it's about making your story the best it can be. So take these tips, get to work, and most importantly, keep writing!