Popular Writing Techniques I Actually Hate (and What to Do Instead)

Over my years of editing, I've compiled a list of my top novel writing pet peeves that I commonly see. Here are some of the popular writing techniques and habits that grind my gears and what I prefer authors do instead. Now, every editor and reader has their own opinions and preferences, so let me know what your personal pet peeves are!

BAD WRITING MISTAKES TO AVOID:
1:00 - Writing out dialects in dialogue
02:23 - Naming chapters
03:56 - Unrealistic physical attributes
05:52 - Bowtie endings or epilogues
07:37 - Teasing a sequel

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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:
Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer / https://amzn.to/3VE8dtt
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody / https://amzn.to/3Vyk2Bn
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum / https://amzn.to/3Z4at03

SOME OF MY FAVORITE NOVELS:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones / https://amzn.to/3vvWItt
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips / https://amzn.to/3CFz4Pt
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid / https://amzn.to/3CjFFi5

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RELATED VIDEOS:
How to Write Realistic Characters: 5 Common Mistakes:    • How to Write Realistic Characters: 5 ...  
My Biggest Dialogue Pet Peeve:    • My Biggest Dialogue Pet Peeve  

ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.

Feel free to get in touch!

Website: https://www.alyssamatesic.com
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Email: [email protected]

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Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.