Over the past five years, I have reviewed more than 140 full-length manuscripts while providing fiction novel editing. In that time, I’ve spotted recurring habits that reveal inexperience more often than lack of talent. Every writer begins here—it’s part of learning the craft. These aren’t harsh criticisms but insights to help you recognize and correct patterns before submitting or self-publishing your book.

Whether you’re preparing to edit your novel yourself or working with professional book editing for authors, avoiding these mistakes will strengthen your style and storytelling.

1. Overused Character Names

Writers often reuse names that sound dramatic but have lost originality. Names like Skye, Jade, Chance, or Hunter appear in countless manuscripts. And “Kat” for a strong female lead? I’ve seen it more than two dozen times.

Unique names make your characters—and therefore your story—memorable. Novel editing services can help you identify clichés and find fresh, fitting alternatives that reflect personality rather than trends.

2. Telling Instead of Showing

New writers frequently tell the reader what’s happening rather than showing it through action and emotion. Phrases like “Suddenly,” “Before he knew it,” or “Without warning” attempt to create tension but instead announce it.

A skilled storyteller builds tension through pacing, dialogue, and sensory detail. Developmental editing for fiction focuses on this transformation—helping writers replace summary with scene.

3. Reporting Emotion Instead of Revealing It

Saying “She had a look of surprise on her face” is no more effective than “She was surprised.” Readers engage better when they infer emotions through description or reaction.

For example, swap “He was amazed” for “His breath caught halfway through the question.” Manuscript editing services refine these moments, so readers feel emotions without being told what to feel.

4. Unnecessary Directional Words

Words like up, down, and off often clutter sentences. “He stood up” or “She rode the elevator down” are redundant. Simply write “He stood” and “She rode the elevator to the third floor.”

Line editing for fiction manuscripts often targets this type of polish—streamlining phrasing so prose reads clearly and confidently.

5. Using Verbs as Dialogue Tags

Tags like “Stop!” he exclaimed or “I don’t want to,” she argued distract from the dialogue itself. Powerful dialogue doesn’t need extra performance notes.

When you hire a fiction editor, they’ll suggest replacing such tags with gesture, rhythm, or silence—enhancing authenticity while tightening word economy.

6. Overusing “Very” and the Exclamation Point

Overemphasis dulls impact. Too many verys weaken sentences, and excessive exclamation marks make writing sound forced. One strong word choice beats multiple intensifiers.

Professional book editing for authors ensures emotional tone stems from syntax and structure rather than punctuation theatrics.

7. Overdoing Nicknames and Pet Terms

Dialogue often reveals character personality, but when every speaker uses nicknames—Chief, Buddy, Sweetie, Champ, Ace—it becomes artificial. Give one character a verbal tick, not an entire cast of cliché catchphrases.

8. Craft Takes Time and Revision

Many of these issues vanish through careful revision. Remember: even seasoned authors rely on editing support. Partnering with an editor helps bridge the gap between good writing and professional storytelling.

To edit your novel effectively, take time to self-review before handing it off. The combination of self-awareness and expert feedback is where real progress happens.

Final Thoughts: Growth, Not Judgment

Every writer begins as an amateur. Recognizing these habits means you’re already improving. Invest in your future as an author by learning the craft, rewriting bravely, and trusting collaboration with an expert offering manuscript editing services.

Mistakes don’t define you—revision does.