April 14, 2014 – Written by Corina Martinez Chaudhry
Writing is such an unpredictable business. There are so many loops to close and so many things to juggle when writing a successful novel, children’s book, or non-fiction book. If you think that writing a great book is just about completing your manuscript and getting it published, you’ve got a rude awakening. It’s a lot more than just this! Not only do you have to worry about the technical part to ensure you have a good book, but it’s also about knowing how to market your book and following through with your plan. In this article we are covering some of the writing/technical mistakes.
Bad editing. Many writers think that editing is reviewing only for spelling errors and typos; however, editing is much more than this. Good editing is being able to review your manuscript for unnecessary words and looking for ways to really sharpen your message through use of words that are concise, vivid, and exciting without rambling on. This is an art and one that can be mastered with practice and most likely lots of rewriting. One of the best things you can do when editing is to step away from your work for a while and then come back to it after a few days. You’ll be surprised at how errors will glaringly step out from the pages.
Dull Characters and situations. When writing fiction, ensure your characters are not dull. Be sure that your characters are full of life and avoid stereotypes (unless it’s intentional). Remember that a villain can also be compassionate and quirky just as your protagonist. This adds life to the story. When writing non-fiction, use interesting situations that add credibility to your book and will keep your reader enticed.
Excessive irrelevant information. Having too much information that is irrelevant can turn off a reader whether you are writing a fiction or a non-fiction book. Remember that in fiction, it’s about showing versus telling and too much information could be harmful to your story. Avoid details that don’t move your story forward and avoid leading up to events. It’s usually best just to jump right in and get your readers engaged. In non-fiction, having too much information can be just as bad. You will lose the reader if the information is excessive and boring. Remember, it’s about finding that right mix of information to keep your audience engaged and wanting to read more.
Giving Attention to Language. Choosing the right verbiage is essential to a successful book. Careful attention to the amount and type of language used is crucial. A writer should know the audience they are targeting and should strive to use the correct language to entice this reader. Use your imagination and remember that how you say something is just as important as what you are trying to convey to your audience. Choose your words carefully.
Extensive Use of Clichés. Using standard clichés do not add to your book. Use your imagination to express how your characters will react to situations or to describe who they are. The use of clichés in non-fiction can be just as distracting. Avoid these if possible unless they are meant to be intentional. Example of clichés: Light as a feather; One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure.
Providing No Sense of Place. When writing fiction, it’s important that a reader get a sense of where a character lives or works. All of us are shaped by our environment and this is a great way to shape your characters and give them substance. Use this to your advantage. Remember to engage the readers’ senses as this will make them become more vested with the story.
Pacing. This is an important element for both fiction and non-fiction writing. In fiction it’s crucial to pace your story so that you provide the reader with just enough information to keep him hooked. It’s about creating the right amount of tension and speed as well as slowing your story down in the right places. For non-fiction, it is just as critical. Not only is the pacing important, but also the layout and structure of information within each chapter. Each topic should be carefully thought out and planned within the book.
Use of Ineffective Dialogue in Fiction. Using good dialogue is a must for a successful novel. If your dialogue doesn’t move the story forward, then it’s irrelevant and should be redone or removed. Remember that dialogue should provide essential information to the story.
Use of Bad Grammar and Punctuation. If you are not great with grammar or punctuation then take some time to brush up on these two items. Many authors don’t realize how essential this is to the success of a book. If you are just not comfortable with grammar or punctuation then find someone who can review your book for these types of errors. It will be one of the best decisions or investments you make.
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