Common Editing Mistakes: Weak Pacing in Key Scenes

Are you an aspiring author crafting your first sci-fi thriller or a seasoned writer refining a romantic fantasy? One common editing mistake we see at Thoth Editing is weak pacing in key scenes—moments that feel rushed, dragged out, or unbalanced, leaving readers disengaged. In this post, part of our editing mistakes series, we’ll explore what pacing is, why it matters in crucial scenes, and how to fix common pacing pitfalls. Let’s keep your readers hooked!

What Is Pacing and Why Does It Matter?

Pacing is the rhythm of your story—how quickly or slowly events unfold, balancing action, dialogue, and description to maintain reader engagement. In key scenes like climaxes, romantic confessions, or battles, pacing is critical to deliver emotional impact. Weak pacing, such as a rushed showdown or an overly detailed exposition dump, can flatten tension or bore readers, especially in immersive genres like fantasy, sci-fi, or romance.

Why Weak Pacing Hurts Key Scenes

Poor pacing in pivotal moments can:

• Diminish Impact: Rushed climaxes or slow buildups rob scenes of emotional weight.

• Break Immersion: Overloaded exposition or uneven rhythm pulls readers out of the story.

• Frustrate Readers: Unbalanced pacing disrupts the flow, making moments feel unearned.

• Signal Inexperience: Inconsistent pacing can make a manuscript feel unpolished.

With over a decade editing best-selling novels, Thoth Editing knows balanced pacing is essential for gripping storytelling. Let’s fix those pacing issues!

Common Pacing Mistakes and Fixes

Using a sci-fi novel about a hacker, Nova, and her rebel ally, Dax, facing an AI uprising, we’ll highlight three common pacing mistakes in key scenes and their solutions.

1. Rushing the Climax
   Mistake: Hurrying through high-stakes moments, like a final battle, skips emotional depth and tension.
   

   Nova hacked the AI, and it shut down. They won.

   Fix: Slow the pace with vivid details, short sentences for tension, and character reactions to heighten impact.
   

   Nova’s fingers flew over the console, code flashing. Sweat stung her eyes. The AI’s voice faltered. Dax gripped her shoulder. Lights dimmed—they’d won.

   Tip: Use sensory details and brief internal thoughts to stretch climactic moments without dragging.

2. Overloading with Exposition
   Mistake: Dumping too much backstory or world-building in key scenes slows the pace and buries action.
   

   As Nova fought the drones, she recalled the AI’s creation by a scientist who studied neural networks for decades, funded by a secret corporation...

   Fix: Integrate minimal, relevant details and save exposition for quieter scenes, keeping action brisk.
   

   Nova dodged a drone’s laser, cursing the AI’s creator. Her code surged, disabling its sensors. She ducked, heart pounding.

   Tip: Limit backstory to one or two sentences in action scenes, weaving it through dialogue or earlier chapters.

3. Unbalanced Dialogue and Action
   Mistake: Long dialogue in tense scenes or excessive action without character interaction disrupts rhythm.
   

   “We can’t let the AI win,” Nova said. “It’s too powerful.” “I know,” Dax replied. “We need a plan.” They kept talking as drones attacked.

   Fix: Blend concise dialogue with action and description to maintain urgency and flow.
   

   “We can’t let it win!” Nova shouted, firing at a drone. Sparks flew. “Plan?” Dax grunted, slashing another. “Code its core!” she gasped.

   Tip: Keep dialogue sharp and intersperse it with action beats to reflect the scene’s intensity.

Tips for Strong Pacing in Key Scenes

• Vary Sentence Length: Use short sentences for action and longer ones for reflection to control rhythm.

• Outline Key Scenes: Plan pacing before drafting, noting where to speed up (battles) or slow down (emotional reveals).

• Trim Filler: Cut unnecessary details or repetitive actions to keep scenes tight, especially in sci-fi or romance climaxes.

• Study Pacing Masters: Read Becky Chambers for balanced sci-fi or Sarah J. Maas for intense romantic fantasy scenes.

When to Adjust Pacing: Slow pacing works for emotional beats (e.g., a love confession), while fast pacing suits action (e.g., chases). Aim for a dynamic balance, adjusting based on scene goals.

How Thoth Editing Can Help

Perfect pacing keeps readers glued to your story, and Thoth Editing is here to make it seamless. Our developmental editing refines scene rhythm, balances action and emotion, and ensures every moment lands. With a nearly 100% client return rate and experience with best-selling authors, we’re your partner from draft to publication. Ready to pace your story perfectly? Contact us!

Struggled with pacing? Share your tips or questions in the comments. Let’s craft gripping scenes together!