Common Editing Mistakes: Fixing Improper Dialogue Tags

Are you an aspiring author crafting your first fantasy novel or a seasoned writer polishing a sci-fi thriller? One of the most common editing mistakes we see at Thoth Editing is improper dialogue tags—those little phrases that identify who’s speaking and how. Done wrong, they can jolt readers out of your story or make your prose feel amateurish. In this first post of our editing mistakes series, we’ll explore what dialogue tags are, why they matter, and how to fix common errors to make your dialogue shine. Let’s dive in!

What Are Dialogue Tags?

Dialogue tags are words or phrases that attribute spoken words to a character, such as “said,” “asked,” or “whispered.” They help readers track who’s speaking and convey tone or emotion. For example: “I’m not going,” she said. Improper use—overusing flashy tags, misplacing them, or using non-speech verbs—can disrupt flow and distract readers, especially in immersive genres like fantasy or romance.

Why Proper Dialogue Tags Matter

Effective dialogue tags enhance your story by:

• Maintaining Clarity: Readers always know who’s speaking.

• Supporting Immersion: Subtle tags keep the focus on the dialogue itself.

• Conveying Tone: Well-chosen tags (or none at all) reflect character emotions.

• Polishing Prose: Clean tags signal professionalism, crucial for self-publishing success.

With over a decade editing best-selling novels, Thoth Editing knows polished dialogue can make or break a reader’s experience. Let’s look at common mistakes and how to fix them.

Common Dialogue Tag Mistakes and Fixes

Using a fantasy novel about a rogue mage, Lena, and her warrior ally, Tor, we’ll highlight three frequent errors and their solutions.

1. Overusing Flashy Tags
   Mistake: Using dramatic tags like “exclaimed,” “bellowed,” or “hissed” for every line. These draw attention away from the dialogue and feel forced.
   

   “We can’t stay here!” Lena exclaimed.
   “I know!” Tor bellowed.
   “Then move!” she shrieked.

   Fix: Stick to simple tags like “said” or “asked” most of the time—they’re nearly invisible. Reserve vivid tags for rare, high-emotion moments. Action beats (describing character actions) can replace tags for variety.
   

   “We can’t stay here,” Lena said, gripping her staff.
   “I know.” Tor’s eyes scanned the shadows.
   “Then move!” she snapped.

   Tip: Aim for “said” in 70–80% of tags to keep prose smooth.

2. Using Non-Speech Verbs as Tags
   Mistake: Using verbs that can’t produce speech, like “smiled,” “laughed,” or “nodded,” as tags. These confuse readers and break grammar rules.
   

   “I found the spell,” Lena smiled.
   “Great,” Tor laughed.

   Fix: Use speech verbs (e.g., “said,” “whispered”) or rewrite as action beats. Separate non-speech actions into their own sentences or phrases.
   

   “I found the spell,” Lena said, smiling.
   Tor laughed. “Great.”

   Tip: If it’s not a verb you can speak with, it’s not a dialogue tag.

3. Misplacing or Overloading Tags
   Mistake: Placing tags in awkward spots or adding them to every line, disrupting flow or stating the obvious.
   

   “I think,” Lena said, “we’re being followed.”
   “Yes,” Tor said, “I sense it too,” he said.

   Fix: Place tags early in long sentences or omit them when the speaker is clear, especially in two-person exchanges. Use action beats or context to identify speakers.
   

   “I think we’re being followed,” Lena said.
   Tor nodded. “I sense it too.”

   Tip: Skip tags in short back-and-forth dialogue when context clarifies the speaker.

Tips for Polished Dialogue Tags

• Read Aloud: Test dialogue flow by reading it aloud to catch clunky tags.

• Vary Techniques: Mix tags, action beats, and tagless dialogue for rhythm, especially in romance or fantasy.

• Study Favorites: Analyze dialogue in novels by authors like Ilona Andrews (paranormal romance) or Neil Gaiman (fantasy) for effective tag use.

• Revise Ruthlessly: During editing, cut unnecessary tags and replace overused ones with beats or context.

How Thoth Editing Can Help

Polished dialogue is key to a professional manuscript, and Thoth Editing is here to elevate yours. Our copyediting and line editing services refine dialogue tags, enhance flow, and ensure your characters’ voices shine. With a nearly 100% client return rate and experience with best-selling authors, we’re your partner from draft to publication. Ready to make your dialogue sing? Contact us today!

Struggled with dialogue tags? Share your tips or questions in the comments. Let’s polish your story together!