I’m a Professional Editor — These Are the 4 Biggest Mistakes New Writers Make

Introduction: The Harsh Truth Most New Writers Don’t Hear

Everyone wants to be a writer.

But not everyone wants to become a great writer.

As a professional editor, I’ve worked with hundreds of new writers — from bloggers and newsletter creators to aspiring novelists and Medium hopefuls. And in nearly every case, the early struggles come down to the same 4 critical mistakes.

Here’s the truth: Talent is overrated. What really holds writers back isn’t lack of skill — it’s blind spots they don’t even realize they have.

That’s what this article is about. If you’re a new writer (or even if you’ve been writing for a while but still feel stuck), these are the 4 mistakes you must stop making — today — if you want to grow, get noticed, and write with impact.

Let’s break them down.

1. Trying to Impress Instead of Communicate

> “Clarity is the new clever.”

This is mistake number one — and by far the most common.

New writers often fall into the trap of thinking, “If I use bigger words, more metaphors, and longer sentences, people will think I’m smart.” But the reality is the exact opposite.

The best writing isn’t complicated — it’s clear. It gets to the point. It respects the reader’s time. It sounds human.

Here’s how this mistake shows up:

Using words like ameliorate instead of improve

Writing overstuffed sentences with five commas and two semicolons

Trying to sound like an academic paper instead of a human being

Why does this happen? Usually, it’s insecurity. Writers want to be respected, so they try to “write up.” But in doing so, they lose connection with their audience.

> The best writers don’t write to show off. They write to connect.

✅ Pro Editor Tip:

Always choose the simplest word that still carries the right meaning.

And remember: short sentences = better flow = more readers who actually finish.

2. Not Understanding Who They're Writing For

> “Writing without a reader in mind is like throwing darts in the dark.”

One of the core principles of good writing — especially online — is audience awareness.

Yet many new writers have no clear idea who they’re writing for. They write what they think is interesting without asking: Will this actually help, inform, entertain, or move someone else?

Whether you're writing for Medium, a blog, or a newsletter, you have to understand:

Who is your target reader?

What problems are they facing?

What style of content do they enjoy?

What questions are they asking online?

Without these answers, your writing lacks purpose. With them, you write with focus — and your content becomes magnetic.

Example:

Writing about “how to wake up early” is fine.

But writing “how to wake up early when you’re a freelance writer juggling 3 gigs” speaks directly to a specific person. That’s how you build trust and loyalty.

✅ Pro Editor Tip:

Create a reader profile. Give them a name, a job, a struggle.

Then write every article as if you’re writing to that person — not the world.

3. Skipping the Editing Process Entirely

> “Writing is rewriting. Every. Single. Time.”

This mistake separates amateurs from professionals.

Most new writers finish a draft and hit “ ” immediately. No revision. No second read. No polish. They assume that writing = thinking, and that the first draft is good enough.

But every editor — and every great writer — knows this:

Your first draft is where you find the idea.

Your second draft is where you make it shine.

The editing process is where:

You cut unnecessary sentences

You fix awkward transitions

You correct grammar and spelling

You tighten your message

You add emotional impact

Think of it like sculpting. The first draft is the lump of clay. Editing is where you carve out the statue.

Common editing blind spots:

Long intros that delay the main point

Repetition (saying the same thing twice in different ways)

Passive voice that weakens your message

Paragraphs that are too dense for online reading

✅ Pro Editor Tip:

Use a tool like Grammarly, Hemingway App, or Wordtune for early edits — then always read your piece out loud. If it doesn’t sound natural, it won’t read well either.

4. Fearing Their Own Voice

> “Your voice is the most valuable writing tool you have — but it takes guts to use it.”

This one is personal — and powerful.

Many writers, especially in the beginning, try to mimic others. They copy the tone of a bestselling author, the style of a popular blogger, or the rhythm of someone else’s Substack.

But here’s the truth:

You can’t beat someone by being their echo.

You only win by being original — and that starts with your voice.

What does “voice” mean?

Your voice is the unique combination of:

Your personality

Your tone (serious, funny, sarcastic, warm, etc.)

Your sentence rhythm

Your values and beliefs

The way you naturally explain things

When you fear your voice — when you tone yourself down, hold back your opinions, or write like someone you’re not — readers can feel it. And they disconnect.

But when you lean in to your way of writing — even if it’s raw, imperfect, or different — readers start to connect with you. And that’s where the magic happens.

✅ Pro Editor Tip:

Try “freewriting” in your own voice before editing. Don’t think — just write like you talk. Then edit for flow. That raw energy is often what gives your writing personality.

5. Bonus Mistake: Quitting Too Early

> “Most writers don’t fail. They just stop too soon.”

Let’s add one more mistake — the silent killer of creative careers.

Too many new writers expect instant results:

1 viral post

10,000 followers

$5,000 a month from Medium

And when that doesn’t happen in the first 30 days?

They quit. Or stop showing up consistently. Or start chasing trends instead of building their craft.

Writing is a long game.

You get better with every article.

You grow your audience one reader at a time.

You find your rhythm by showing up — even when no one is watching.

✅ Pro Editor Tip:

Give yourself a 6-month challenge. Publish 2x a week for 6 months. Don’t look at the numbers. Just focus on growth and improvement. You’ll be shocked at the results.

Final Thoughts: From Editor to Writer — Here’s What Matters Most

There’s no magic formula to becoming a great writer.

But there is a clear path:

✅ Write often

✅ Write with clarity

✅ Write for someone specific

✅ Edit with care

✅ Own your voice

✅ And most importantly… keep going

If you avoid these 4 (now 5) mistakes, you’ll already be ahead of 90% of new writers. You’ll build confidence. You’ll attract readers. And you’ll find your place in a world that desperately needs more real voices, not more noise.

So the next time you sit down to write, remember:

👉 Don’t write to impress.

👉 Don’t guess who you’re writing for.

👉 Don’t skip editing.

👉 Don’t hide your voice.

👉 And never, ever give up too soon.

✍ Article Summary

Top 5 Mistakes New Writers Make:

1. Writing to sound smart instead of being clear

2. Not defining their audience

3. Skipping the editing process

4. Copying others instead of using their voice

5. Quitting too early when growth is slow