For many Nigerian writers, completing a manuscript feels like reaching the finish line. The story is told, the research is complete, and the document is ready to send off to a publisher or self-publishing platform. Yet, this stage is not the end—it is only the beginning. Too often, authors rush to submit their work, only to face rejection, poor reviews, or expensive corrections later.
Whether you are writing fiction, non-fiction, or academic work, avoiding common writing mistakes in Nigeria is crucial. Nigerian publishing is growing rapidly, but with growth comes higher standards. Publishers and readers alike expect manuscripts that are polished, professional, and error-free.
In this article, we will explore the manuscript errors to avoid, practical editing tips for Nigerian authors, and key insights into how to prepare a manuscript for submission or publication.
Why Mistakes Matter in Publishing
Mistakes in manuscripts may seem small—like a missed comma or a poorly phrased sentence—but they carry big consequences. For publishers, mistakes signal a lack of professionalism. For readers, they interrupt the flow of a book and reduce credibility. In the Nigerian literary market, where competition is fierce and readers are increasingly exposed to global standards, avoiding Nigerian publishing mistakes is essential.
Simply put: mistakes cost opportunities. They can lead to rejection from publishers, low ratings on online platforms, and reputational damage for authors.
Common Writing Mistakes Nigerian Authors Make
1. Neglecting Proper Editing
Many writers assume self-editing is enough. However, even the most experienced authors cannot spot all their own errors. Submitting a manuscript without professional editing is one of the biggest manuscript errors to avoid. Issues such as poor grammar, inconsistent tense, and confusing structure often slip past self-revision.
Tip: Always hire a professional editor before submission. In Nigeria, services like Black Tower Publishers provide affordable editing packages for authors at all levels.
2. Weak Structure and Flow
Some manuscripts lack proper organization. Fiction writers may jump between timelines without transitions, while non-fiction writers may present ideas without a clear order. A weak structure confuses readers and frustrates publishers.
Tip: Create an outline before writing and revisit it during editing. Ensure chapters flow logically and ideas are connected.
3. Overwriting and Repetition
Nigerian writers sometimes feel the need to “fill space” with unnecessary details, long-winded explanations, or repeated points. Overwriting reduces clarity and makes manuscripts unnecessarily long.
Tip: Be concise. Every sentence should serve a purpose. If a passage does not move the story or argument forward, cut it out.
4. Poor Grammar and Spelling
Simple errors like subject-verb disagreement, run-on sentences, and misspellings create the impression of carelessness. With global competition, readers expect polished English, whether British, American, or Nigerian standard.
Tip: Use editing tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to catch surface errors, but rely on professional proofreading for the final version.
5. Ignoring Formatting Guidelines
Publishers and agents often reject manuscripts for not following submission guidelines. Common issues include wrong font size, poor spacing, missing page numbers, or inconsistent headings.
Tip: Research and follow the publisher’s requirements. If self-publishing, stick to professional formatting standards (Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced, 1-inch margins).
6. Inconsistent Style and Tone
Switching between casual and formal tones, or shifting from British to American English spelling, weakens the manuscript. Consistency builds trust and readability.
Tip: Choose one style guide (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style, Oxford, or APA) and stick to it throughout your book.
7. Overuse of Nigerian Pidgin and Local Expressions
While cultural expressions add authenticity, excessive use without explanation may confuse readers outside Nigeria. Publishers targeting global audiences often frown on this.
Tip: Use Nigerian expressions strategically and provide context where necessary. Balance authenticity with accessibility.
8. Weak Dialogue in Fiction
Some Nigerian fiction writers struggle with dialogue. Characters may speak unnaturally, sound the same, or use dialogue only to deliver information instead of showing personality.
Tip: Read dialogue aloud to test its natural flow. Each character should have a unique voice. Avoid long monologues unless essential.
9. Lack of Research in Non-Fiction
Inaccurate facts or weak referencing can ruin the credibility of a manuscript. Nigerian non-fiction writers sometimes neglect thorough research or fail to cite sources properly.
Tip: Double-check facts and statistics. Use proper referencing styles (APA, MLA, or Chicago) depending on your field.
10. Rushing to Publish
The excitement of completing a book often leads writers to publish too quickly. This results in avoidable mistakes, poor reviews, and the need for costly second editions.
Tip: Take time for multiple rounds of revision and professional editing. A carefully prepared book always outperforms a rushed one.
Editing Tips for Nigerian Authors
Avoiding mistakes requires a proactive approach. Here are key editing tips for Nigerian authors:
Take a break before revising – Time away gives you fresh eyes.
Read your manuscript aloud – This reveals awkward phrasing and pacing issues.
Check consistency – Ensure names, dates, and terms are uniform.
Work in stages – Focus first on structure, then on grammar, then on formatting.
Seek beta readers – Feedback from readers before submission helps catch blind spots.
Hire professionals – A skilled editor can make the difference between rejection and success.
How to Prepare a Manuscript for Submission
Nigerian authors should think of preparing a manuscript as dressing up for an important interview—you want to make the best impression possible. Here are steps to ensure readiness:
Follow Submission Guidelines – Check the publisher’s website for details on word count, formatting, and file type.
Polish Your Synopsis and Cover Letter – These are often the first things publishers read. Make them concise and engaging.
Ensure Proper Formatting – Use standard fonts, spacing, and page numbers.
Check Citations (for Non-Fiction) – Make sure references are accurate and complete.
Final Proofreading – Always proofread one last time before submission.
Nigerian Publishing Mistakes to Avoid
Beyond writing errors, there are common Nigerian publishing mistakes that writers make:
Submitting to the wrong publisher – Not every publisher handles your genre.
Ignoring contracts – Some authors sign without reading terms carefully.
Skipping professional services – From editing to cover design, some writers cut corners, only to regret it later.
Relying only on friends/family feedback – While supportive, they may not offer objective critique.
Why Professional Editing Services Matter
To avoid these pitfalls, investing in editing is essential. Nigerian authors now have access to affordable editors in Nigeria who understand both local context and international publishing standards.
Services like Black Tower Publishers provide manuscript editing in Nigeria, combining cultural insight with professional expertise. By working with experienced editors, Nigerian authors can refine their manuscripts, avoid costly mistakes, and increase their chances of success both locally and globally.
Conclusion
Writing a book is only half the journey; preparing it for submission is what truly defines success. Nigerian authors often fall into avoidable traps—weak structure, poor grammar, lack of research, or rushing to publish. These common writing mistakes in Nigeria can delay or even derail a promising career.
By focusing on manuscript errors to avoid, following editing tips for Nigerian authors, and using reliable services like Black Tower Publishers, writers can position themselves for publishing success. The Nigerian literary market is expanding, and readers are ready for fresh voices—but only polished, professional manuscripts will truly stand out.
If you’re working on your manuscript today, take the extra time to prepare it properly. Avoid the mistakes, seek feedback, hire editors, and polish your work. By doing so, you’ll not only impress publishers but also earn the respect and loyalty of your readers.
