5 Mistakes New Authors Make When Writing Their First Book

Writing your first book is an exhilarating journey filled with creative highs and daunting challenges. Yet, many first-time authors stumble over the same hurdles, making it harder to see their dream novel come to life. After all, out of the thousands upon thousands of people that dream of writing a book, only a tiny fraction actually manage to do so, and that’s usually because of first-time author mistakes that can derail your progress. But here’s the thing: they’re entirely avoidable, especially with the right guidance. Avoiding these common writing mistakes will save you time, money, and creative energy. Let’s dive into the most common writing mistakes new authors make and how to avoid them.

#1 - Neglecting to Define Your Target Reader

Ironically, books written for “everyone” rarely end up resonating with anyone. That’s because knowing your target audience influences every aspect of your novel, from tone to plot. If you don’t know who you’re writing for, how can you expect your story to connect with your intended reader base?

Common Mistakes:

• Writing for yourself without considering your audience’s needs.
• Choosing themes, genres, or settings that aren’t aligned with market expectations.

Solutions:

• Create a detailed reader persona. Who are they? What do they enjoy reading? Think about their age, interests, and favorite books.
• Use tools like Goodreads to research genre-specific trends and expectations. Look for patterns in successful books that align with your vision.
• Refine your book manuscript format to reflect reader preferences. For example, if you’re targeting young adults, shorter chapters and fast pacing might work best.

#2 - Underestimating the Importance of Structure

A strong structure doesn’t stifle creativity. Quite the opposite: it enhances it. You see, without a clear framework, even the best ideas can lose momentum, and your readers would end up feeling confused or, heaven forbid, bored!

Common Mistakes:

• First-time authors often think plotting a novel is rigid, but even experimental works benefit from foundational planning.
• Structure ensures consistency, which keeps readers engaged.

Solutions:

• Use the “iceberg method”. Flesh out your characters and world-building beyond what appears in the story, and the depth will definitely shine through.
• Learn how to outline a book effectively. You can start with something traditional like the three-act structure, or alternatively consider trying unorthodox frameworks like reverse timelines or multiple narrators.
• Research novel writing formats that suit your genre. Thrillers, for instance, often rely on short chapters with cliffhangers, whereas high fantasy (think Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire, etc) often have long, highly detailed, sub-divided chapters.

#3 - Editing While Writing

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: never let perfection be the enemy of good! Focusing on every word can trap you in an endless cycle of rewriting without completing your manuscript, and before you know it, you’ll be sitting with endless pages of your unfinished draft. Maybe George R. R. Martin could learn a thing or two from this! (Where is “Winds of Winter”, George?!)

Common Mistakes:

• Embrace the “ugly first draft” philosophy: Completion, not perfection, should be your priority.
• Use placeholders like [XXX] for sections you’ll refine later, which can free you to focus on storytelling and getting that first draft done.

Solutions:

• Schedule separate days for writing and editing. This division really helps prevent creative burnout.
• Incorporate timed writing sessions to bypass overthinking. These can be invaluable tips for new authors who might be struggling with productivity, or stuck in a rut with writer’s block.

#4 - Focusing Solely on Grammar Instead of Big-Picture Editing

A grammatically perfect book can still flop if pacing, dialogue, or plot holes remain unaddressed. That’s why we prioritize Developmental editing over polishing sentences.

Common Mistakes:

• Many new authors mistakenly believe grammar tools are enough. Over-reliance on these tools can make your prose robotic and lifeless.
• Big-picture editing ensures your story flows logically and emotionally.

Solutions:

• Conduct “reader immersion tests” by sharing early drafts with beta readers (you can hire some off Fiverr, Upwork or Fanna For Books). Note where they disengage or get confused.
• Work with a professional book editor for a developmental review to ensure that your plot, characters, and pacing align with your vision.

#5 - Rushing to Publish Without Polishing

Look, we get it. You’ve worked hard on your book, and you want to get it out into the world ASAP. Self-publishing is tempting, but rushing the process runs the risk of leading to amateurish results. Remember: readers notice errors, and poor reviews can haunt your writing career.

Fresh Perspective:

• The myth of instant success: “Overnight” hits often result from years of preparation.
• First-time authors must focus on quality over speed. Take the time to refine every aspect of your book.

How to Fix It:

• Use print-on-demand services to test your book with a small audience before wide distribution.
• Follow a pre-launch checklist that includes professional editing, formatting, and cover design.
• Research how to format a manuscript to meet industry standards, from font selection to margin settings.
• Trust a book editing service like Weaver to polish your draft and prepare it for readers.

Write Smarter, Not Harder. Partner with Weaver Today!

Avoiding these first-time writing mistakes isn’t just about saving time; it’s about creating a book that leaves a lasting impression. Writing your first book is a monumental achievement, but success lies in careful preparation and thoughtful execution. Whether it’s mastering your book manuscript format or overcoming creative hurdles like how to get over writer’s block, the right guidance makes all the difference.