Even the most seasoned authors make mistakes—but luckily, some of the most common ones are also the easiest to fix. Understanding these pitfalls can help you build a strong foundation in writing that captivates readers and satisfies publishers. Whether you’re new to writing or have years of experience, here are five crucial areas to keep in check.

Mistake 1: Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar

Errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar are easy to overlook but immediately noticeable to readers and editors. Common issues like comma splices and run-on sentences can disrupt the flow of your writing.

Comma splices happen when two independent clauses are joined by a comma instead of a period, semicolon, or conjunction. For example: “He went to the store, he bought milk” should be revised to “He went to the store, and he bought milk.”

Run-on sentences occur when multiple independent clauses are strung together without proper punctuation. Instead of “The sun set it grew dark,” try “The sun set, and it grew dark.”

Incorrect verb usage, particularly with irregular verbs, can also trip up even the most experienced writers. Reading widely and revising rigorously can help sharpen your understanding of these basics.

Mistake 2: Lack of Clarity and Conciseness

Clarity and conciseness are critical for engaging readers. Avoid “throat-clearing” or unnecessary background at the start of your piece—dive into the story or argument. This is especially important in nonfiction, where excessive details can dilute the message.

Point of View (POV) violations are common in fiction. To maintain consistency, stick to one character’s perspective per scene to avoid “head-hopping,” or shifting abruptly between characters’ thoughts. This keeps readers grounded in the story.

Passive voice can make writing sound distant. Instead of “The ball was caught by Sam,” use the active voice: “Sam caught the ball.”

Needless words weigh down your sentences. Instead of “He sat down in the chair by the big, wooden desk,” simplify to “He sat by the desk.”

Mistake 3: Inconsistent Tone and Voice

Your tone and voice help define your style. Tone is the attitude with which you write, while voice is the unique way you express yourself. Keep both consistent. Switching from a light-hearted tone to a serious one without context can jar readers.

Knowing your audience will guide your tone. A blog post might be conversational, while an academic article demands a more formal approach. Experiment with both tone and voice to find a balance that feels authentic.

Mistake 4: Disorganization and Poor Structure

Disorganization can undermine your message. For novels, this means structuring your story with a clear arc that includes an opener, an inciting incident, a climax, and a resolution. For nonfiction, aim for a coherent flow with an introduction, main sections, and a conclusion.

In fiction, establish characters and settings early on, and let crises escalate to maintain reader interest. In nonfiction, use headings, bullet points, or graphics to break up dense information and improve readability.

Mistake 5: Clichés, Tropes, and Overdone Plots

Clichés and overused tropes can make writing feel stale. For example, relying on the classic “damsel in distress” or “love at first sight” can disengage readers, who may feel they’ve seen it all before.

Instead, experiment with turning clichés on their head. Give your characters fresh motivations and flaws to keep them unique. Readers appreciate originality, even when it’s rooted in familiar themes.

Strengthen Your Writing by Cultivating Awareness

Learning these fundamentals doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Mastery of language takes time, and even small improvements can make a significant difference. Reading widely fuels your creativity and reinforces good writing habits. Embrace feedback, and revise consistently, and gradually, these common mistakes will become stepping stones to success.