Over - explaining can also be a mistake. Once you've made your point, stop. If you keep going on and on about the meaning of the ending, it can take away from the impact. Let the readers draw their own conclusions to some extent.
Avoid leaving too many questions unanswered. Readers like closure. If there are too many things left hanging, they'll feel unsatisfied.
Avoid inconsistent time rules. If the logic of time travel is all over the place, it can confuse readers and ruin the story's credibility.
Don't make the plot too confusing or hard to follow. Keep it simple and engaging.
Avoid ending abruptly without resolving the main conflict. It leaves the reader feeling cheated. For example, if it's a battle story and the fight just stops without a clear winner.
One common mistake is ending too abruptly. It can leave the readers feeling unsatisfied. For example, if you're writing a long adventure story and suddenly end it without resolving the main conflict, it's not good.
Avoid starting with too much backstory. For example, don't begin by explaining the entire history of the character's family tree. Readers usually want to get into the action or interesting part right away.
One big no-no is having a confusing plot. Make sure your story flows logically and readers can follow easily.
First, plan your story well before you start writing. Then, avoid cliches and stereotypes. And always keep your audience in mind.
Avoid info-dumping. Don't just throw a bunch of background info at the reader all at once. It can be overwhelming and boring.
A major mistake is sending a rough draft instead of a polished piece. Editors expect a high - quality story. Not researching the target market is also bad. If you send a horror story to a romance - focused publication, it won't work. And don't forget about the cover letter. A poorly written or missing cover letter can give a negative impression. Make it concise and engaging.