Many authors finish writing their book, which may have taken them months or even years to complete and suddenly want to publish immediately. What they don’t realise is that writing is only THE FIRST STEP to publishing a book. There are MANY STEPS TO GETTING A BOOK PUBLISHED. So many first-time authors come to October/November each year and reach out to publishers with an urgency to publish their books “before the end of the year”. In the process of rushing, they look for the quickest, cheapest option and try to skip all the essential edits and checks that will distinguish their book as a book that has been completed with excellence. Each of the mistakes or issues that are not ironed out can affect the clarity, flow, and professionalism of a manuscript.

Don’t Panic – there is still next year to publish your book!

Editing is a vital step in the writing process that helps refine a story and ensure it reaches its full potential. Many first-time authors make common mistakes that can undermine their work.

Reality Check 101

Here are some common mistakes new authors make:

1. They skip the all-important revision phase (self-editing)

We have had authors tell us that they have read their manuscript through after writing it and they don’t want to read it again. Or that reviewing each edit is time-consuming and they are getting tired of their own writing. One of the biggest mistakes new writers make is skipping revisions entirely. Unfortunately, the first draft is never perfect.

What helps to view your manuscript with fresh eyes is to take a break from it – maybe even up to a month. When you return to work through it, work through it as though you are reading someone else’s draft. Revise it from that point of view.

NOTE: This does not replace editing by another person. An editor will look at your work with fresh eyes and from the point of view of a person reading your book. They are essential for refining the manuscript for printing.

2. They neglect to check the structure and flow of their content

Making sure that each chapter leads logically to the next and has a good start and ending will also help to lead your readers through your content from cover to cover.

3. Decluttering language of overuse of descriptive and pet words

Descriptive language can enrich your story but overusing adjectives and adverbs often clutters your writing, leaving readers feeling overwhelmed. Strong sentences are better than the overuse of flowery language.During revising/self-editing, question every adjective and adverb: does it enhance meaning, or can the sentence stand stronger without it?

4. They ignore inconsistency

If you can present your manuscript to an editor with as much of the content being consistent as you are able to, it will make the editing process smoother.

5. They rush through spelling and grammar checks

There is nothing as off-putting for an avid reader as having to wade through a book that is full of grammatical and spelling errors. Many first-time authors rely solely on spell-check tools, missing subtle mistakes in the process. Some authors will honestly admit that their spelling is not up to scratch, but should still make the effort to clean up as much this as possible.

6. They are afraid to trim excess content

Cutting content can be emotionally difficult for an author, after all, this is your creative work. However, keeping every scene, paragraph, example, etc., often leads to a bloated manuscript.

Ask yourself: Does this add to the manuscript, the plot, develop a character, or enrich the setting? If not, cut it. Remember, CONCISE writing is more powerful than excessive detail.

7. They avoid receiving feedback from others

Many new authors hesitate to share their drafts, fearing criticism. However, skipping feedback can leave major blind spots unaddressed.

Alpha and Beta Readers: A fresh pair of eyes, such as a trusted friend or family member, can also make a big difference. It’s good practice to ask one or two people to read through your manuscript before you hand it in to a professional editor. Seek readers who can provide honest, thoughtful feedback. Listen to their perspectives with an open mind. Constructive criticism is one of the fastest ways to strengthen your work.

8. They skip the crucial final read-through

After multiple editing rounds, it’s easy to assume your book is finished. But skipping a final read-through is a mistake that can leave lingering errors or awkward phrasing. A good publisher/co-publisher/editor will request that you perform a final read-through of the print-ready manuscript to ensure that you are happy with your book and to check for any final mistakes or issues.
Always perform one last careful read through.

TIP: Read it aloud.

To steer clear of these common mistakes, it helps to approach editing one step at a time. Give yourself breaks between drafts, look over your work with fresh eyes, and don’t be afraid to ask for honest feedback. Paying attention to formatting and grammar will also make your story shine. Most importantly, embrace the editing process; it’s not just about polishing your manuscript, but about growing and improving as a writer, too.

And remember … every successful author has gone through this process.