A common mistake is starting with too much exposition. Don't dump a lot of world - building details right at the start. Readers want to be engaged quickly, not bogged down in a long description of the magic system.
Another mistake is having a slow - paced opening. If the first few pages don't have something interesting happening, like an exciting event or a character in a difficult situation, the reader may lose interest. Also, if the opening is too cliché, like starting with a character waking up in a generic fantasy village, it can make the novel seem unoriginal. You need to find a fresh way to draw the reader in.
Failing to establish a sense of mystery or wonder early on is also a misstep. Fantasy readers expect to be intrigued from the start. If your opening is too ordinary and lacks that element of the unknown, it won't appeal to them. For example, if you just start with a character going about their daily routine without any hint of the fantastical elements to come, it's not going to be very engaging.
Lack of resolution for sub - plots can also be a problem. All the little storylines that have been introduced throughout the novel should be tied up neatly in the last fifth. If not, it can seem messy.
One common mistake is rushing the ending. It's like the author suddenly realized they were running out of pages and just slapped on a quick conclusion. This can leave the reader feeling unsatisfied. Another mistake is being too predictable. If the reader can see the ending coming from a mile away, it's not as engaging. For example, in a romance novel, if it's obvious from the start that the two characters will end up together without any real obstacles in between, it's dull.
Begin with an action - like a young hero being chased by a terrifying, otherworldly creature. It hooks the reader as they wonder what the hero did to be in such a perilous situation and if they will escape. You can also start with a thought - a character's deep longing or a strange premonition. Say, a wizard has a feeling that a great darkness is about to descend upon the land. This creates intrigue and makes the reader want to find out more.
One common mistake is not following the submission guidelines precisely. Publishers and agents often have specific requirements regarding formatting, word count, and what to include in the query letter. Another mistake is submitting a rough or unedited manuscript. It should be as polished as possible.
One common mistake is making the dialogue too formal. Romance is about emotions and feelings, so overly formal speech can kill the mood. Another mistake is having all characters sound the same. Each should have their own voice. Also, avoid long, boring monologues that don't move the story forward.
When writing your novel, don't make the mistake of not doing enough research. If your story is set in a specific time or place, you need to know the details. For example, if it's a historical novel, research the customs, language, and events of that era. Another mistake is having too many sub - plots that don't contribute to the main story. Keep the focus on the central plot and characters, and only include sub - plots that enhance the overall story.
Start with a captivating event or mystery that hooks the reader. Maybe a strange phenomenon in a magical world or the discovery of a hidden power. Make it something that makes them want to keep reading to find out more.
One common mistake is being too rigid in expectations. Fantasy is a genre that allows for great creativity, so applying real - world logic too strictly can be a misstep. Another mistake is focusing only on the surface elements like special effects in movie adaptations and ignoring the deeper aspects of the story. Also, some critics might dismiss a work just because it's part of the fantasy genre without really delving into its merits.
One big mistake is creating a convoluted plot that's hard for readers to follow. Keep it simple and engaging.
Don't make your world-building too complicated. Keep it simple and easy for readers to understand.