If you’re worried there are “secret rules” you’re breaking in your manuscript, you’re not alone – most writers feel this way at some point! Let’s break down some common fiction writing mistakes so you know what to work on.

Passive Sentence Structure

Passive voice sneaks in when the subject receives the action, like “The ball was thrown by the boy” instead of “The boy threw the ball.” Switching to active voice makes your sentences stronger and more engaging, pulling readers right into the story. A copyedit or developmental edit can gently spot these and suggest flips for smoother flow.

Glue Words

Words like “that,” “just,” and “very” sneak in everywhere, weakening sentences and adding clutter. Trim them to tighten your writing: “She was very happy” becomes “She beamed,” crisper and more vivid! Copyediting helps hunt these down, leaving your prose clean and punchy.

Purple Prose

Excessive, elaborate descriptions bog down the pace, pulling readers out with too many flowery details. Readers want immersion, not overload. Plain language gifts your audience an immersive ride without distraction. “The sun dipped low” beats a paragraph of sunset adjectives. Developmental edits refine this balance, keeping your manuscript moving effortlessly.

Repetitive Word Usage

Echoing the same words feels monotonous, making prose seem unrefined. Vary your vocabulary – swap “walked” for “strode,” “ambled,” or “trudged” to add rhythm and variety. Style sheets from a copyedit help track these patterns, helping your manuscript shine.

Ready for Help?

If this sounds like your manuscript, a copyedit or developmental edit can address these basic with care. Always start with self-editing! If you suspect some of these mistakes are living in your pages, I am here to help. Reach out and let’s polish your story together.