Common Editing Mistakes: Inconsistent Point of View

Are you an aspiring author crafting your first fantasy saga or a seasoned writer polishing a sci-fi thriller? One of the most common editing mistakes we see at Thoth Editing is inconsistent point of view (POV)—shifting perspectives within a scene or chapter, which confuses readers and breaks immersion. In this post, part of our editing mistakes series, we’ll explore what POV is, why consistency matters, and how to fix common POV errors. Let’s keep your readers captivated!

What Is Point of View and Why Does Consistency Matter?

Point of view determines whose perspective narrates the story—first-person (“I”), third-person limited (“he/she”), third-person omniscient (“all-knowing”), or others. Inconsistent POV, like “head-hopping” between characters’ thoughts in one scene, disorients readers, especially in immersive genres like fantasy, sci-fi, or romance. Consistent POV ensures clarity, deepens character connection, and maintains narrative flow, making your story feel seamless and professional.

Why Inconsistent POV Hurts Your Story

POV shifts can:

• Confuse Readers: Unclear perspectives make it hard to follow who’s thinking or acting.

• Break Immersion: Sudden shifts pull readers out of the character’s experience.

• Weaken Character Depth: Jumping POVs dilutes emotional investment in the main character.

• Signal Amateurism: Inconsistent POV can make a manuscript feel unpolished to agents or readers.

With over a decade editing best-selling novels, Thoth Editing knows a consistent POV is crucial for a compelling narrative. Let’s fix those POV slips!

Common POV Mistakes and Fixes

Using a fantasy novel about a mage, Kael, and his thief ally, Lira, on a quest, we’ll highlight three common POV mistakes and their solutions.

1. Head-Hopping in a Scene
   Mistake: Shifting between characters’ thoughts within a single scene, confusing whose perspective dominates.
   

   Kael feared the dragon’s roar. Lira wondered if her dagger was sharp enough. He sensed magic in the air, while she planned their escape.

   Fix: Stick to one character’s POV per scene, showing other characters’ emotions through actions or dialogue.
   

   Kael’s heart raced at the dragon’s roar. Lira sharpened her dagger, her jaw tight. He sensed magic in the air, hoping she’d planned their escape.

   Tip: Choose one character’s perspective per scene and filter all thoughts and observations through them.

2. Unclear POV Transitions
   Mistake: Switching POVs between scenes or chapters without clear cues, disorienting readers.
   

   Kael cast a spell, his hands trembling. [New paragraph] Lira crept through the shadows, avoiding guards.

   Fix: Use line breaks, chapter breaks, or explicit cues (e.g., character names) to signal POV changes.
   

   Kael cast a spell, his hands trembling.
   
   ---
   
   Lira crept through the shadows, avoiding guards.

   Tip: Start a new POV with the character’s name or a distinct setting to ground readers.

3. Omniscient Slips in Limited POV
   Mistake: Including information the POV character wouldn’t know in third-person limited, breaking the perspective.
   

   Kael scanned the ruins, unaware of the trap. The guards, hidden nearby, planned to ambush him.

   Fix: Stay within the POV character’s knowledge, showing external events through their observations.
   

   Kael scanned the ruins, uneasy. A shadow flickered—guards? He tightened his grip on his staff.

   Tip: Ask, “Would my POV character know this?” If not, rephrase or show it through their senses.

Tips for Consistent POV

• Choose POV Early: Decide on first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient before drafting, based on genre (e.g., first-person for romance, third-limited for fantasy).

• Outline POVs: Plan which character owns each scene or chapter to avoid accidental shifts.

• Revise for Consistency: Check each scene to ensure thoughts and observations align with one character’s perspective.

• Study POV Masters: Read Brandon Sanderson for tight third-person limited fantasy or Ilona Andrews for multi-POV romance.

When to Switch POVs: Multiple POVs are fine in multi-character stories (e.g., epic fantasy), but limit switches to scene or chapter breaks with clear transitions. Avoid omniscient POV unless intentional, as it’s harder to execute well.

How Thoth Editing Can Help

A consistent POV deepens reader connection, and Thoth Editing is here to perfect yours. Our developmental editing ensures clear perspectives, smooth transitions, and immersive narratives. With a nearly 100% client return rate and experience with best-selling authors, we’re your partner from draft to publication. Ready to streamline your POV? Contact us!

Struggled with POV consistency? Share your tips or questions in the comments. Let’s craft clear narratives together!