Article: 5 Common Pitfalls in Fantasy Manuscripts (And How a Beta Reader Can Help)

If you're a fantasy author, you're already a world-builder, a magic-maker, and a storyteller. Yet even the most imaginative tales can founder on common pitfalls. As a professional fantasy beta reader and book reviewer, I've seen the same issues arise time and again in manuscripts.

Allow me to present five common pitfalls I come across and discuss how a beta reader can save you from them. Regardless of whether you're writing your first novel or editing your fifth, these observations may just rescue your narrative.

1. Overwhelming World-Building

Fantasy requires elaborate settings, yet most writers overwhelm their readers with too much description right from the start. I find myself reading opening chapters that read like history textbooks, complete with lore and geography, before the story gets under way.

How a beta reader helps:

We identify where your world-building is awkward and how to naturally incorporate details into the narrative. The goal is to involve readers without lecturing them.

2. Unreliable Magic Systems

Any magical system will be accepted by fans, provided it is self-consistent. What causes problems is when the spells behave one way in Chapter 3 and a different way in Chapter 10.

What a beta reader does:

We question the logic of your magic system, pointing out contradictions or gaps. Our feedback helps you ensure consistency, a key element of gaining readers' trust.

3. Flat or Overpowered Characters

An infallible hero or a characterless sidekick can suck tension out of your narrative. I've seen drafts in which protagonists encounter no meaningful obstacles, and the stakes vanish entirely.

How a beta reader helps:

We highlight where characters need more background, flaws, or development. Honest feedback can transform cardboard characters into human beings readers care about.

4. Predictable Tropes Without New Twists

Tropes are not inherently evil, but excessive use without innovation will render your story stale. The best fantasy knows how to twist expectations while still paying heed to tradition.

How can a beta reader help?

We identify tired tropes and recommend new twists. Perhaps your "Chosen One" flops, or your villain has understandable motivations. A clever twist can help your story rise above the rest.

5. Unbalanced Pacing

A plodding middle or a rushed ending can ruin even the strongest of tales. I've read manuscripts in which crucial battles are compressed into a paragraph, yet minor scenes drag on interminably.

How a beta reader can help:

We monitor the rhythm of your story, observing where tension slows down or rockets. Well-balanced pacing captivates readers from start to end. 

Why This Matters 

These are problems that can transform a potential manuscript into a lost opportunity. A professional beta reader brings an experienced, objective eye to your work, catching issues before they hit agents or editors. 

My goal is straightforward: to assist you in making your story the best it can be. Whether you're seeking traditional publishing or travelling the indie path, sage feedback can make your writing shine amidst the competition. 

Your Next Step 

If you're having trouble with any of these problems, try employing a beta reader. I offer personalized feedback for fantasy authors, combining the enthusiasm of a reader with the sharp eye of a critic. 

Which one of these traps do you find most difficult personally? Have you ever worked with a beta reader? Please do share your experiences in the comments or send me a message; I would be interested in knowing how your experience was.