As writers, we’ve all been there – staring at a manuscript riddled with mistakes, wondering how we could have been so blind to them in the first place. The good news is that mistakes are an inevitable part of the writing process, and the best way to learn is by making them. The better news is that many of these mistakes can be easily fixed with a bit of knowledge, patience, and practice.
Common Writing Mistakes to Look Out For
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of fixing mistakes, let’s take a look at some of the most common offenders. These are the mistakes that can make your writing look amateurish, confusing, or just plain sloppy.
- Show, don’t tell: One of the most common mistakes new writers make is telling their readers what’s happening instead of showing them. This can lead to long, clunky passages that slow down the pace of your story.
- Weak character development: Flat, one-dimensional characters can make your story feel unrealistic and unengaging. Give your characters unique personalities, motivations, and backstories to make them come alive.
- Poor pacing: A story that moves too quickly or too slowly can lose readers’ interest. Make sure to vary the pace of your narrative to keep things engaging.
- Overuse of adverbs: Adverbs like “very,” “really,” and “extremely” can weaken your writing and make it feel lazy. Instead, opt for more descriptive language that paints a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
- Typos and grammatical errors: These mistakes can be embarrassing and detract from the overall quality of your work. Always proofread your manuscript multiple times before publishing.
Finding and Fixing Mistakes
Now that we’ve covered some common writing mistakes, let’s talk about how to find and fix them. This is where the real work begins.
The first step in fixing mistakes is to take a step back from your manuscript and give yourself some distance. This can be as simple as setting your work aside for a few days or a week before coming back to it with fresh eyes.
Next, print out your manuscript and read it aloud. This will help you catch awkward phrasing, unclear sentences, and other mistakes that might be hiding in plain sight. You can also try reading your work aloud to a friend or family member – this can help you identify areas that need improvement and get feedback from someone you trust.
Another great tool for finding mistakes is writing software like Grammarly or ProWritingAid. These programs can help you catch grammatical errors, suggest alternative phrases, and even provide feedback on your writing style.
Polishing Your Work
Once you’ve found and fixed the mistakes in your manuscript, it’s time to polish your work and make it shine. This is where the fun begins – it’s your chance to add the finishing touches to your writing and make it truly unforgettable.
One of the most important things to consider when polishing your work is formatting. This can make a huge difference in the overall readability of your manuscript, especially if you’re planning to self-publish. Consider using a tool like Vellum or Canva to create a professional-looking interior and cover design.
Another key element of polishing your work is choosing the right paper and binding. If you’re planning to create a physical chapbook or book, consider using high-quality paper with a weight of at least 80gsm. This will give your book a premium feel and make it more enjoyable to read.
Finally, don’t be afraid to seek out feedback from others. Whether it’s a writing group, beta readers, or a professional editor, getting feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and take your writing to the next level.
“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story. The second draft is where you start to make it make sense, and the third draft is where you start to make it good.” – Jane Vonnegut
As you work on fixing mistakes and polishing your writing, remember that it’s a process. It takes time, patience, and practice to create something truly remarkable. Don’t be too hard on yourself if your first draft is rough – just keep writing, learning, and growing, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a masterpiece.
If you’re looking for more tips on writing and self-publishing, be sure to check out our articles on Write Better Poetry with These 3 Tips and DIY Book Design: Create a Pro-Quality Cover. And if you’re wondering why you should bother with a chapbook in the first place, take a look at our post on Why Write a Chapbook Anyway.