When rewriting a novel, avoid the mistake of not re - evaluating the characters' arcs. If the characters don't grow or change in a believable way during the story, the rewrite is not successful. Another error is not looking at the world - building. If the setting of the novel is important, but you don't improve or clarify it during the rewrite, it can leave the reader with a sense of confusion. Also, don't be too attached to your original writing. Sometimes you need to be willing to make big changes, and if you're not, the rewrite won't be as good as it could be.
One big mistake is starting with a confusing or overly complex plot. It can turn readers off right from the beginning.
Avoiding inconsistent pacing is crucial. Sometimes the story might move too fast or too slow, making the reading experience uneven. Also, not proofreading thoroughly for grammar and spelling errors can turn readers off.
Don't rush the plot. Make sure it unfolds naturally and keeps the readers engaged.
One common mistake is not following the submission guidelines precisely. Publishers and agents have specific requirements for formatting, word count, etc., and not adhering to them can get your submission rejected right away. Another mistake is having a weak query letter. It should be engaging and clearly convey what your novel is about.
One common mistake is not respecting the original meaning of the quote. You can't just add something that goes against what the character was trying to say. Also, don't use a completely different writing style. If the novel is written in a simple, straightforward style, a highly flowery and complex continuation would seem out of place. Another error is ignoring the context. The continuation should fit within the situation the character is in, whether it's a tense battle scene or a quiet moment of reflection.
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.
One big no-no is having a predictable plot. YA readers want excitement and surprises.
One big mistake is creating a convoluted plot that's hard for readers to follow. Keep it simple and engaging.
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.
One common mistake is not staying true to the characters' personalities. Fans know the characters well, so if you make them act out of character, it can be off - putting. Another mistake is ignoring the rules of the original world. For example, if there are certain magic limitations in a fantasy world, don't break them without a good explanation. Also, poor grammar and spelling can make your fanfiction hard to read. So, always proofread your work.