Want to get published traditionally? Don’t make these beginner mistakes.
Many talented writers like you dream of getting their books into the hands of readers, especially through traditional publishing. But here’s the reality: most manuscripts get rejected not because the ideas are bad, but because of simple, avoidable mistakes. I never got a response for my first submission to one of the major publishing firms in Kenya. Five years later, an editor from the same publishing house reached out to me to develop children's stories for a major project. Do not give up! I am doing this blog to help you avoid the mistakes that I made when starting out.
At ElevateHub, we commit to walking with writers at all stages. If you are serious about publishing, especially through a traditional publisher, then this post is for you.
✅ 1. Writing Without a Clear Purpose or Audience
🔻 What goes wrong:
Many writers jump into their manuscript with passion but without direction. They mix writing styles, change tone, and lose focus along the way.
Example: A story aimed at teens suddenly uses legal terms, or a children's book with overly complex vocabulary.
The question I ask every writer who tells me they have a story they want to write is, who are your readers?
This simple question opens a whole discussion leading to a clear description of the target audience.
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🔑 How to fix it:
- Know who you are writing for.
- Define the core message of your book.
- Stick to a consistent tone and voice.
📌 Pro tip: Create a simple reader profile before you begin. Ask yourself: Who will benefit most from this story or message?
✅ 2. Submitting a Manuscript Before It's Ready
🔻 What goes wrong:
Rushing the process is a common mistake. A rough draft is submitted with spelling mistakes, poor flow, or underdeveloped characters or ideas.
🔑 How to fix it:
- Revise and rewrite. Your first draft is never your final draft.
- Get feedback from trusted readers or writing groups.
- Consider professional editing (developmental + copyediting).
- Let your manuscript “breathe,” then reread with fresh eyes.
📝 At ElevateHub, we offer expert manuscript reviews and editing tailored for Kenyan writers
✅ 3. Telling Instead of Showing
🔻 What goes wrong:
Writers "tell" readers what to think or feel, instead of using action and imagery to create a vivid scene.
Telling: “She was scared and confused.”
Showing: “Her hands trembled as she backed away, eyes darting to the door.”
Telling: "He was very angry and stormed out.”
Showing: “His jaw tightened. Without a word, he grabbed his coat and slammed the door behind him.”
🔑 How to fix it:
- Use descriptive language, not explanations.
- Let dialogue, movement, and emotion guide the story.
- Trust the reader to understand without over-explaining.
📌 This simple shift makes your writing more powerful and more publishable.
✅ 4. Poor Formatting and Ignoring Publisher Guidelines
🔻 What goes wrong:
You might have a great story, but if your manuscript looks messy or doesn’t follow submission rules, it’s likely to be dismissed.
🔑 How to fix it:
- Use standard fonts (Times New Roman or Arial, size 12).
- Double-space your text.
- Title your chapters clearly.
- Add page numbers and use consistent formatting.
- ALWAYS follow submission guidelines from the publisher. Some editors will provide a brief or a book/story structure; ensure you follow it to the letter.
✅ 5. No Clear Structure (Beginning, Middle, End)
🔻 What goes wrong:
The manuscript lacks a strong arc. It reads like scattered thoughts instead of a purposeful journey. This is common in memoirs and motivational books.
🔑 How to fix it:
- Open with a strong hook (a question, moment, or conflict).
- Build logically through your main message or story arc.
- End with a clear resolution or takeaway.
Ever heard of classical story structures?
📚 A good structure guides your reader—and shows publishers you understand storytelling.
💡 Recap: The 5 Mistakes to Watch Out For
| ❌ Mistake | ✅ Solution |
| Writing without a clear purpose | Define your audience and goal |
| Rushing to submit | Revise and edit thoroughly |
| Telling, not showing | Use vivid, descriptive scenes |
| Poor formatting | Follow standard manuscript guidelines |
| Weak structure | Plan your beginning, middle, and end |
✍️ Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a perfect writer; you just need to be a prepared one.
Publishing is not just about writing well; it’s about submitting smart. Every editor is looking for clarity, consistency, and confidence in your manuscript. Avoiding these five simple mistakes gives your work a much better chance.
🔥 Ready to Submit Your Manuscript the Right Way?
Let us walk with you. At ElevateHub, we help writers just like you:
- Fine-tune their manuscripts
- Understand publishing requirements
- Prepare powerful submissions
- Navigate the publishing world in Kenya and beyond
🎯 Your story deserves to be read. Let’s help you get it published.
➡️Take Action
🗓️ Click here to Book a consultation today.
👉 Visit www.elevatehub.ke or email us at info@elevatehub.ke
🟢Whatsapp us on +254738495042
📘 ElevateHub: Create, Teach, and Grow.