Top 5 Editing Mistakes Writers Make (and How to Fix Them)

Hey there, wordsmiths! Let’s talk about editing – the love-it-or-hate-it writing stage where the magic happens. As someone who’s seen their fair share of first drafts (and trust me, some were doozies), I can tell you that a handful of mistakes pop up repeatedly. If you’re wondering what they are, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the five most common errors editors see and, more importantly, how you can fix them.

1. Repetition Overload: Saying It Twice… or Three Times… or… Ever notice how some writers seem to say the same thing over and over? It’s like they think readers won’t get it the first time. Repetition can make your writing feel redundant and, well, boring.
Example:
Original: The sky was a dark, inky black. It was so black that it looked like ink had spilt all over it.
Edited: The sky was as dark as spilled ink.
Fix It: Be concise. Read your sentences aloud – if you feel you’re explaining the same thing twice, cut the fluff.

2. Overusing Adverbs (a.k.a. the “-ly” Crutch) We get it – your characters do things quickly, happily, or angrily. However, relying too much on adverbs can make your writing feel lazy. Show us the emotion or action instead of telling us.
Example:
Original: He walked quickly to the door.
Edited: He rushed to the door, his shoes slapping against the hardwood floor.
Fix It: Replace adverbs with vivid verbs or descriptions that bring the scene to life.

3. Dialogue Tags Gone Wild Ah, the dreaded overuse of fancy dialogue tags. We’re looking at you, “she exclaimed,” “he retorted,” and “they interjected.” While these are fine in moderation, sticking to simple “said” or “asked” keeps the focus on the dialogue itself.
Example:
Original: “I can’t believe this!” she exclaimed angrily.
Edited: “I can’t believe this!” she said, her voice rising.
Fix It: Use action and tone instead of over-the-top tags to convey emotion. Let your dialogue shine!

4. Sentence Structure That Never Changes Your writing can feel monotonous when all your sentences are the same length and structure. Short sentences. Long ones. It’s all about balance, my friends.
Example:
Original: He walked into the room. He looked around. He saw a chair. He sat down.
Edited: He walked into the room, scanning it quickly. Spotting a chair in the corner, he sank into it with a sigh.
Fix It: Mix it up! Vary sentence length and structure to keep your readers engaged.

5. Overcomplicating the Plot (a.k.a. the Kitchen Sink Syndrome) Sometimes, writers try to cram everything into one story—subplots, twists, side characters, and backstories galore. The result is a bloated, confusing narrative that leaves readers scratching their heads.
Example: Imagine a murder mystery with a love triangle, a subplot about ancient treasure, and a villain with a secret twin. Phew. Too much, right?
Fix It: Keep it focused. Ask yourself: does this element serve the main plot? If not, it’s time to let it go.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Edit Alone!Even the best writers need a second pair of eyes. After your edits, get feedback from a trusted friend, critique partner, or professional editor. Fresh perspectives can catch things you might’ve missed.

Wrapping It Up: Editing isn’t about tearing your story apart but making it the best version of itself. By avoiding these common mistakes (and learning to spot them in your own writing), you’ll take your story from “meh” to chef’s kiss. So, grab that red pen (or your favourite editing app) and start polishing!

Do you have any editing horror stories or funny mistakes you’ve made? Share them in the comments—let’s commiserate together!