What are some common mistakes you encounter in manuscripts, and how do you guide authors in correcting them?

One of the most common mistakes I notice in manuscripts is authors formatting their work before it has been edited. This approach is like putting the cart before the horse, as the editing process often disrupts formatting and page numbers for the table of contents. This can lead to unnecessary frustration for authors, who may end up paying for formatting twice—once before editing and again afterward. This mistake is especially common among new authors who are unfamiliar with the proper steps to publication. The ideal process is to first have the manuscript edited, then formatted, and finally move on to cover design, which depends on the final page count after formatting.

Here’s a concise version of the common manuscript mistakes and guidance:

1. Structural Issues: Missing clear organization.
2. Guide: Ensure logical flow with strong introductions, transitions, and conclusions.
3. Clarity: Overly complex or redundant language.
4. Guide: Simplify sentences and reduce jargon, using clear definitions.
5. Formatting: Ignoring journal guidelines.
6. Guide: Review and align with submission requirements.
7. Literature Review: Missing key or recent references.
8. Guide: Expand with recent, relevant studies and provide critical analysis.
9. Methodology: Incomplete descriptions.
10. Guide: Add sufficient detail for replication and ensure rigor.
11. Results: Mixing results with discussion or unclear presentation.
12. Guide: Separate sections and use visuals effectively.
13. Discussion: Reiterating results without interpretation.
14. Guide: Focus on implications, limitations, and future directions.
15. Errors: Grammatical or typographical mistakes.
16. Guide: Proofread thoroughly and ensure consistent terminology.
17. Ethics: Missing approvals or statements.
18. Guide: Include ethical approvals and conflict of interest declarations.
19. Title/Abstract: Vague or unengaging.
20. Guide: Craft clear, concise, and specific summaries.

These tips streamline improvement and boost publication chances.

As a Spanish editor, I often encounter several common mistakes in manuscripts and guide authors in correcting them constructively:

Grammar and syntax errors: Issues like subject-verb agreement, incorrect verb tenses, or awkward sentence structures are common. I help authors simplify and clarify sentences while preserving their unique style.

Inconsistent punctuation: Irregular use of punctuation, such as overusing commas or misusing ellipses, can disrupt the flow. I explain how proper punctuation enhances readability and adjust it for better coherence.

Repetition and redundancy: Authors sometimes repeat ideas or words unnecessarily. I suggest more dynamic and varied ways to express their thoughts, keeping the reader engaged.

Lack of coherence or development: Ideas may feel disconnected or underdeveloped. I provide specific suggestions for improving paragraph structure and elaborating on key concepts.

Calques from English or unnecessary anglicisms: In translated or English-influenced texts, unnatural phrases or misplaced terms can appear. I recommend idiomatic Spanish alternatives to ensure a natural flow.

Guiding authors isn’t just about pointing out mistakes but explaining why they matter and how corrections improve the text. I work collaboratively, respecting their voice while ensuring the final manuscript is clear, cohesive, and engaging for the reader.

Something I see a lot with first-time authors is tense switching. It's when a story jumps between past and present tense without a clear reason. For example, the narrative might start in past tense, and then suddenly shift to present tense mid-paragraph. This can throw readers off and pull them out of the story.

It’s super important to keep the tense consistent so readers stay grounded in the timeline. That said, tense switching can work when done on purpose. For instance, you might be telling the story in past tense but switch to the present during a character’s inner thoughts or dialogue to give a sense of immediacy. Tense switching can be done effectively as long as it's clear to readers.

Another common issue is head hopping, which happens when the point of view suddenly switches between characters within the same scene. It can confuse readers, making it hard to know whose thoughts or perspective they’re following. To keep things smooth, stick with one character’s point of view per scene or use clear scene breaks if you need to shift perspectives.

One of the biggest mistakes I see time and time again is people hiring an illustrator before getting editorial advice.  If  you have already commissioned or completed your illustrations and there are issues with your plot, pacing or structure, unless you are willing to potentially redo some of the illustrations you'll be limited as to what changes you can make as a result of the feedback you get.  Another big mistake is trying to write picture books without actually reading any - picture books are deceptively simple, they are much harder to write than most people realise and there is a lot to get right in so few words!  Being familiar with the types of books being published will help you to see what children actually like in a story.  Another mistake is thinking picture books need to be in rhyme - they don't, and unless you know how to write rhyme well then you might be better off writing in prose.