Top 7 Mistakes First-Time Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Embarking on a first writing project is an incredibly exciting journey. Passion and ideas are flowing, and the desire to share a voice with the world is strong. However, despite the talent and enthusiasm, many first-time writers stumble over a few common pitfalls. That’s precisely why this guide exists. Knowing what to expect and what to avoid can save time, frustration and help confidently navigate the writing journey.

Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Waiting for the “Perfect” Time to Start Writing

Many writers keep putting off the draft, waiting for the stars to align.

Spoiler: they never do.

The Fix:

Begin with what’s available.

Consistency matters more than ideal circumstances.

Set small, realistic writing goals like “write 100 words a day” or “10 minutes before breakfast.”

You don’t need the ideal mood, setting, or time—just start. Progress happens in the doing.

2. No Defined Audience

It’s tempting to think: “If a book appeals to everyone, more people will read it.”

But trying to be for everyone often makes the content too general and less impactful.

It loses its special spark, unique voice and ends up not truly connecting with anyone.

The Fix:

Take a moment to define an ideal reader.

Who are they, really?

What are their interests, their challenges or their dreams?

Knowing the audience will help shape tone, content, and even marketing strategy.

3. Neglecting Essential Research

Skipping research can lead to inaccuracies or a lack of depth that keeps readers from truly engaging.

The Fix:

Dedicate time to research early and often.

For non-fiction, double-check facts and cite sources.

For fiction, explore the settings, timelines or character roles for authenticity.

Research genre and target audience to align with reader expectations.

Solid research builds trust and enriches the narrative.

4. Editing As You Go

The “perfectionist” approach can stifle creativity and break the flow.

Constant tweaking interrupts flow and slows progress.

The Fix:

Separate writing and editing phases.

Let the first draft be messy—it’s meant to be!

Focus on capturing ideas now. There will be dedicated time later for all the refining and polishing.

5. Inconsistent Tense, Tone, Phrases

A common slip-up is switching tenses within the story (like going from past to present), which can

confuse readers.

Or inconsistent character behaviour and plot details can also pull readers right out of the narrative.

The Fix:

Choose a tense and stick to it.

Keep a style sheet on character traits, settings, and timelines.

Periodically review the draft for continuity.

Cohesiveness is key to clarity and connection.

6. Skipping Professional Editing

It’s tempting to hit “publish” but relying only on self-editing or feedback from friends often means

crucial errors or awkward phrasing.

The Fix:

Plan to engage professional editors at different stages.

Developmental Editor for the big picture structure.

Copyeditor for grammar, tone and clarity.

Proofreader for spelling, punctuation, and final polish.

Trust me, professional editing is an investment, not just an expense. It makes all the difference.

7. Rushing to Publish Without a Strategy

That excitement of finishing a script can lead to premature publishing.

This can mean missed opportunities - fewer readers, less impact and weaker visibility.

The Fix:

Take time to:

Explore publishing paths (traditional, self-publishing, hybrid). Design a book launch plan with marketing, cover design and distribution. Build a timeline for promotions and events. A well-prepared release sets your book up for long-term success. Writing the first book is a huge achievement. Avoiding these common mistakes helps make the process smoother and the final product stronger. With planning, patience and persistence, the story can reach the hearts it was meant for.