I’m an Editor and These Are the 7 First-Draft Mistakes I See All the Time

Video Description

❌ If your draft is stuck somewhere—this is probably why. I've seen these 7 mistakes tank even really promising science fiction and fantasy novels—some before they’re even finished. If you want to write a novel readers care about (and that agents or editors will take seriously), you need to avoid these early traps and start building a story with clarity, emotional resonance, and forward momentum. In this video, you’ll learn: – Why “mystery” actually drives readers away – What most SFF authors get wrong about POV characters – How to avoid common traps that make your plot fall flat – And what your draft really needs to become marketable Whether you’re still drafting or deep in revisions, these are the patterns that sneak in to sabotage your story—and keep agents/editors from getting past page 10. That stops now! One tiny but fierce way to help you fix your draft is to work from a guiding premise. I'll show you how (FREE) in these 3 quick lessons: 📕 NOVEL PREMISE COURSE https://www.inkybookwyrm.com/f/novelpremise __________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Join ENCHANT YOUR READERS: https://www.inkybookwyrm.com/courses/enchantyourreaders Get my direct story coaching to get readers reading, make them care, and immerse them page after page. Download the Spellbook Outline Template: https://www.inkybookwyrm.com/courses/spellbook Make sure your story has the major turning points every marketable novel needs. Find a Critique Partner: https://www.inkybookwyrm.com/courses/cp-program?coupon=CPPSUB Get lifetime access to a community of fellow sci-fi & fantasy writers AND the training to give and receive feedback effectively for marketable books. _________________________________ WATCH NEXT 🪄https://youtu.be/G9Ae4ZeqecM 🪄https://youtu.be/abSpe6EReLU 🪄https://youtu.be/Ne3kgIawOIQ 🪄 Don’t Outline Until You Know These 3 Things About Your Story https://youtu.be/3-lrc_HBu20 🪄 How This Writer Drafted Her Novel in 12 Weeks (After 5 Years of False Starts) https://youtu.be/UV6ongnwlN8 🪄 The Exact Beat Sheet That Saves Authors Years of Rewrites https://youtu.be/w6r029f7AZg _________________________________ 📚 Outlining: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6DthoYkdnn6pg8kqGVcAXLHjbYmykCyu&si=q6H4W7dFPO6f2LeP 📚 Drafting: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6DthoYkdnn5yF7pGgimNr5tTtYCJaPOn&si=9hit8RC7MfPI4UTq 📚 Self-Editing: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6DthoYkdnn5TawBpLIpetKAFrryXU4sH&si=TvqWO9BZBEk5IHeL 📚 Magic Systems: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6DthoYkdnn6gyIf_Ki2Al2TllAYvi8pX&si=bHYl_Vj3LJk3n6yz _________________________________ 🗝️🗝️🗝️ 3 KEYS FREE RESOURCE Ready to take your fantasy novel from idea to marketable book? Grab your free copy of the Word Wizard's Journey—a step-by-step roadmap designed to help you turn your story idea into a book readers will rave about: https://www.inkybookwyrm.com/f/bookmap _________________________________ 📖 ABOUT 🐉 Gina Kammer is a dedicated novel writing coach who helps science fiction and fantasy authors turn story ideas into marketable books. With her background as an in-house editor, she offers valuable writing advice, insights on novel planning, developmental editing for fantasy and science fiction, and essential self-editing tips. Join Gina in creating impactful books that readers can't stop thinking about!