5 Mistakes Every First-Time Author Should Avoid (And What You Can Do Instead)

So, you’ve finally started writing your first book.Or maybe you’ve even finished it, and you’re dreaming of the day you see your name on the cover.

That’s a big deal. Writing a book is a huge achievement.

But let’s be honest—it’s also a confusing journey. There’s so much advice out there, and it’s easy to feel lost, especially when you're just starting out.

That’s why this article is here. To help you avoid the most common mistakes that first-time authors make—and to guide you toward smoother publishing.

Let’s get started 👇

Mistake 1: Starting Without a Clear Plan

“I’ll figure it out as I go.”

This might work for a few chapters, but many writers end up getting stuck or overwhelmed later. Without a clear plan, the story might lose direction, characters might feel flat, and the plot can become confusing—even to you.

You may get halfway through and realise you've gone off-track. Or maybe you wrote a beautiful beginning but have no idea how it should end. This is very common, especially when you're filled with ideas and emotions but haven't organised them.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Try creating a simple outline. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just sketch out:

• The beginning

• The major twists or events

• The ending you have in mind

You can even break your story into acts, like in movies: Act 1 for the setup, Act 2 for the main conflict, and Act 3 for the resolution.

Having a structure helps you stay on track. And you can always change things along the way—it’s your story, after all.

Also, consider writing short bios for your characters. Understanding their background and motivation early on makes it easier to write them consistently throughout the book.

Mistake 2: Skipping Proper Editing

“I think it’s good enough.”

No matter how confident you feel about your first draft, it’s not ready for readers yet. All good books go through several rounds of editing.

Skipping this step means risking spelling mistakes, confusing sentences, or weak storytelling.

Even bestselling authors rewrite and edit. In fact, the first draft is often just the beginning. The real writing happens in the rewriting.

✅ What to Do Instead:

• Let your manuscript rest for a few days after finishing.

• Read it again, slowly, and make changes where needed.

• Ask a few trusted friends or readers for feedback.

• If possible, hire a freelance editor or proofreader.

Don’t just look for spelling errors. Look for plot holes, unnatural dialogue, or parts that feel slow or boring. If something feels off to you, it probably will to your readers too.

If hiring an editor isn’t possible, there are affordable editing tools online that can help catch basic grammar and sentence issues.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the Reader

“I’m writing this just for myself.”

That’s a beautiful thought. And yes, your voice matters. But if you’re publishing the book, it’s important to think about your reader too.

A book is meant to be read. And if your writing is too complex, slow, or confusing, readers may stop halfway.

If you're writing fantasy, but your reader expects a romance, they might feel misled. If you start with humor and suddenly switch to tragedy with no warning, your reader might feel confused or disappointed.

✅ What to Do Instead:

Ask yourself:

• Who do I want to read this book?

• What kind of stories do they like?

• Is my language and tone suitable for them?

Read books in your genre. See how they talk to their readers. Notice the length of chapters, the kind of characters, or the pace of the story. You don’t have to copy, but it’ll help you learn what works and what doesn’t.

Also, feedback is gold. Share parts of your book with people from your target audience and ask for honest thoughts. This helps you write something readers will connect with.

Mistake 4: Rushing to Publish

“I just want to get it out.”

Many first-time authors get excited (understandably!) and want to publish quickly. But rushing can lead to bad formatting, poor cover design, or even missed typos.

A good story deserves a good presentation. And your first impression matters. A poorly published book might turn readers away, even if the story is amazing.

✅ What to Do Instead:

• Take your time with layout and formatting.

• Invest in a good cover design—first impressions matter.

• Order a sample copy (if you’re printing) to check everything.

• Don’t be afraid to delay the launch if needed.

Research your publishing options. Self-publishing? Hybrid? Traditional? Each has its own steps. Make sure you understand the path you’re taking.

And remember: good publishing is like cooking. You don’t serve food half-cooked. Let your book cook properly—your readers will thank you.

Mistake 5: Staying Silent About Your Book

“If it’s good, people will find it.”

Unfortunately, that’s not how it works today. Even great books need a little help being seen.

Many writers hesitate to talk about their work. They feel shy or unsure. But readers love hearing the story behind the story. And your journey matters.

Even a small post or update can spark curiosity. People follow people, not just products. When you share your writing journey, people start rooting for you.

✅ What to Do Instead:

• Share little updates on social media.

• Talk about your writing process, challenges, and joys.

• Reach out to friends, communities, or forums.

• Consider doing a simple book launch—even if it’s just online.

• Be proud of what you’ve created.

You don’t need thousands of followers. Just start where you are. One reader at a time.

Also, don’t forget to create a simple author bio, and keep your book’s info handy in case someone asks. Make it easy for people to support you.

Other Small But Common Mistakes

• Not backing up your work regularly (please save your draft!)

• Not researching publishing terms (ISBN, royalties, etc.)

• Ignoring formatting (margins, fonts, chapter breaks)

• Not setting realistic goals or deadlines

• Comparing yourself constantly to other writers

These might seem small, but they add up. Take time to learn, grow, and forgive yourself for little slips. It’s all part of the journey.

In Summary:

Final Thoughts

Being a first-time author is exciting—but also overwhelming. You might feel unsure, tired, or even scared sometimes.

That’s completely normal.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to keep going.

The important thing is:

• Don’t give up.

• Don’t rush.

• Learn from your mistakes.

• Keep your passion alive.

Writing a book is more than just putting words on a page. It’s about sharing a part of yourself with the world.

Avoiding these five common mistakes can make your journey smoother, less stressful, and a lot more joyful.

So take a deep breath, sit down with your story, and give it the care it deserves. Your voice matters. Your story matters.

And someone out there is waiting to read exactly what you’re writing.