#3 Is Way Too Common in Self-Published Books
Even the most captivating story ideas and unique voices can be overshadowed by grammar mistakes. These slip-ups distract readers, undermine your credibility, and can even cause editors or agents to pass on your work. Whether you’re self-publishing or aiming for traditional publishing, an excellent grasp of grammar is a must have skill.
In this article, we’ll uncover 7 grammar mistakes that make you look like an amateur writer — including one very common error in self-published books that you absolutely want to avoid. Plus, we’ll provide you with the easy fixes you need so that your work shines as brightly as your story!
1. Misusing Its vs. It’s
One of the most common grammar mistakes writers make is confusing its and it’s. They sound the same but mean very different things.
- Its is a possessive pronoun showing ownership. Example: The cat chased its tail. (The tail belongs to the cat.)
- It’s is a contraction for it is or it has. Example: It’s going to rain today.
Mixing these up can confuse readers and make your writing look careless. A quick check: replace the word with it is or it has. If the sentence still works, use it’s; if not, use its.
2. Confusing Their, There, and They’re
Another trio of words that trips up many writers is their, there, and they’re. Though they sound alike, each serves a different purpose:
- Their is a possessive pronoun, showing ownership.
Example: Their books are on the shelf. - There refers to a place or position.
Example: The books are over there. - They’re is a contraction of they are.
Example: They’re reading quietly.
Mixing these up can distract readers and make your writing seem rushed or careless. When in doubt, try substituting they are—if it fits, use they’re. If you’re indicating ownership, go with their. For locations or existence, there is your word.
3. Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices
This is arguably the #1 grammar problem in self-published books — run-on sentences and comma splices. These errors disrupt the flow, confuse readers, and make your writing feel rushed or unpolished.
- A run-on sentence happens when two complete sentences (independent clauses) are joined without proper punctuation or a conjunction.
Example: I love writing it is my favorite hobby.
(This should be split or connected properly.) - A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma.
Example: I love writing, it is my favorite hobby.
(A comma alone isn’t enough here.)
How to fix these:
- Use a period to create two sentences:
I love writing. It is my favorite hobby. - Use a semicolon between closely related clauses:
I love writing; it is my favorite hobby. - Use a coordinating conjunction with a comma:
I love writing, and it is my favorite hobby.
Fixing these will dramatically improve readability and help your work feel professional and polished.
4. Incorrect Apostrophe Usage
Apostrophes often cause confusion, especially when showing possession versus making contractions.
- Possession means something belongs to someone or something.
Example: The writer’s notebook was full of ideas. (One writer)
Example: The writers’ room was busy. (Multiple writers)
When a word ends in -s, possession is shown by adding an apostrophe:
Example: Marcus’ desk was cluttered.
For singular names ending in -s, style guides differ—both James’s book and James’ book are acceptable. Choose one style and stay consistent. - Contractions are shortened forms of two words.
Example: Don’t (do not), it’s (it is), you’re (you are).
Common mistakes include:
- Using apostrophes to make plurals (incorrect): apple’s instead of apples.
- Confusing its (possessive) with it’s (contraction), which we covered earlier.
Quick check:
- Is it showing possession? Use an apostrophe.
- Is it a contraction? Use an apostrophe.
- Is it just a plural? Don’t use an apostrophe.
5. Overusing Adverbs Instead of Strong Verbs
Many writers rely heavily on adverbs—words ending in -ly like quickly, softly, or very—to add emphasis. While adverbs have their place, overusing them can weaken your writing by making it feel lazy or repetitive.
For example:
- She ran quickly to the door.
- He said loudly.
Instead, try to use strong verbs that convey action clearly and vividly without extra modifiers:
- She sprinted to the door.
- He shouted.
Strong verbs create more dynamic, engaging sentences and reduce the need for adverbs. This makes your writing tighter and more powerful.
6. Mixing Up Your and You’re
This is a small mistake that makes a big impression—especially in digital writing, emails, or social media. Readers notice it instantly, and it can make your work seem rushed or unedited.
- Your is a possessive pronoun, showing ownership.
Example: Your book is on the table.
(The book belongs to you.) - You’re is a contraction of you are.
Example: You’re going to love this story.
(You are going to love it.)
Quick tip: Try replacing the word with you are.
- If it still makes sense, use you’re.
- If it doesn’t, you need your.
This mix-up is easy to fix—and well worth the extra second of attention during editing.
7. Dangling Modifiers
Dangling modifiers are phrases that are intended to describe something—but that something is missing or unclear in the sentence. As a result, readers can get confused or amused (and not in the way you want).
Example of a dangling modifier:
Walking through the park, the birds chirped loudly.
—This makes it sound like the birds were walking through the park.
Corrected version:
Walking through the park, I heard the birds chirping loudly.
—Now it’s clear who was walking.
Dangling modifiers often appear at the beginning of a sentence, and they’re especially common in first drafts. The fix? Make sure the subject of the sentence matches the opening phrase.
Another example:
After reading the book, the ending was disappointing.
—Who read the book?
Revised:
After reading the book, I found the ending disappointing.
Cleaning up dangling modifiers makes your sentences clearer and your writing feel more polished.
Grammar mistakes might seem small, but they can have a big impact on how your writing is perceived. Readers, editors, and reviewers notice them—sometimes more than they notice your brilliant plot or compelling characters.
By keeping an eye out for these seven common errors—and using the quick fixes we’ve outlined—you can elevate your writing from amateur to professional. Clean, confident grammar shows that you respect your reader and take your craft seriously.
✅ Pro tip: Bookmark this page or keep a checklist nearby while editing your next draft. A little grammar polish goes a long way.