I get asked all the time: what are the most common mistakes first-time authors make? As a developmental editor, I see the same issues over and over again. So here's a quick list of 5 mistakes many newbie novelists make in their first drafts—and how to avoid them:

Many authors query far before their manuscript is actually ready. Remember: agents don’t usually sign authors based on potential alone—they need to see strong execution. So how do you know if your story is ready to query? Ask yourself these 5 questions before you hit send.

Me when I say “That’s rough buddy” and no one gets it

Trying out this thing: I write a short story synopsis—you vote if you’d read a page or pass. In a galaxy where wizards were once great heroes, the modern era has diminished Herman the Hermit into a curmudgeon who’s lost his magical unicorn. Satire/slice of life/fantasy

I forgot how much of a drug writing is. Getting back into the groove has my eyes blurring, I’m dehydrated and elbows are sore from resting them on the desk while typing. Im going to have to set a timer to take breaks 😅

Cant afford a therapist so I’m rewatching avatar and taking everything uncle iroh says to heart

everyday I wake up & make direct eye contact with AT LEAST 87 unread books.

Here's a big lesson I learned evaluating queries at a top literary agency: the first 10 pages can be make or break. A strong opening ➡️ full request A weak opening ➡️ a likely rejection Here are 9 common mistakes that are quietly killing your first pages—and how to fix them. 🧵

Trying out this thing: I write a short story synopsis—you vote if you’d read a page or pass. While driving to her grandfather’s funeral, Kim realizes after every six turns she ends up back on her neighborhood street, in front of her house. Psychological/paranormal/horror

Why does my following feed show me a ton of people I don’t follow (aren’t reposts from people I do) and aren’t following me? I’m confused, what is this page for?

I will forever struggle with the dichotomy of wanting to discuss and share my stories and realizing how very cringe that is of me 🥲

Trying out this thing: I write a short story synopsis—you vote if you’d read a page or pass. Two little brothers play at the beach and meet an angry old fisherman. He keeps warning them about something dangerous in the water. They don’t listen… Horror/nautical/fantasy

Trying out this thing: I write a short story synopsis—you vote if you’d read a page or pass. A noblewoman gets stranded atop a mountain by a strange snowstorm and encounters the cursed spirit of her dead lover. Medieval fantasy/paranormal/romance

https://t.co/cypoykUlRu

Trying out this new thing: I write a short story synopsis- you vote and tell me if you’d read a page or pass. An inventor flees for his life when a broken promise to an ancient demon means his inevitable demise. Steam Punk/Wild West/dystopian

Looked at my WIP for the first time in awhile (life stuff has been distracting me from writing longer than I would like) and now I hate everything I wrote. I loved it before??! Where is the disconnect? Is it my mood? Idk anymore 🫠

The Fault in Our Stars. The Silent Patient. The Martian. Jurassic Park. What made all of these wildly popular books so successful? It’s not the genre, the writing, or even the author...

I was talking to a friend about how I didn’t go through a rebellious teenage stage and my friend pointed out how in my late 20s I moved across the entire country away from all my family just because I wanted to 💀 It caught up eventually I guess

Been listening to Short & Sweet on repeat since 7am 💃🩷🎶🩷🎵📻🎵🩷🎶🩷💃