The conventional wisdom says modern readers have shorter attention spans. But the truth is more complex … and more damning.

Because i'ts not that readers have shorter attention spans. They have more sources of entertainment competing for their time and money than at any point in human history.

Every time a reader puts down your book, you are competing against every other book, plus YouTube, Netflix, podcasts, social media, and whatever game just hit Steam.

That means the moment your pacing drags, your audience has a thousand frictionless offramps to somewhere else. Because readers will put your book down if they’re bored or frustrated, your job is to make sure they never are.

And because it’s impossible for any author to evaluate his own writing 100 percent objectively, every author needs an editor’s help with that all-important job.

But editors can’t just slash and burn a manuscript to gray ribbons. Readers still demand your voice—the unique style, rhythm, and feel that makes you worth reading.

As an editor, here’s an overview of how I walk the pacing-voice tightrope, so you can, too …

1. Cut the Slow Leaks

Contra common misconceptions, the chief enemy of pacing isn’t long scenes; it’s leaks. Those are spots where tension, curiosity, or forward motion quietly drain away.

Common offenders:

Redundant phrasing: Anything worth saying is worth saying right, and that means once
Unnecessary stage direction: Not every eyebrow raise, sigh, or turn needs to be on the page
Over-clarifying: Trust your reader to connect the dots. Mystery is a feature, not a flaw.

Trim these time sinks, and you’re cutting the fat without touching the muscle.

2. Keep the Hooks Sharp

Every chapter opening and ending is a promise. The first line says, “This is worth your time.” The last says, “You need to know what happens next.”

Good pacing isn’t about writing short sentences. it’s about making every paragraph, sentence, and word pull its own weight, and then some.

If your scene’s opening line could be replaced verbatim with one from a stereo manual, you have a problem.

3. Let Voice Do the Heavy Lifting

The best way to maintain pacing and personality is to trust your natural diction. A crisp, punchy line in your authentic tone moves faster than a bloated “literary” sentence trying too hard to impress.

Think of your narrative voice like a good bassist in a rock band, laying a solid foundation the melody can blast off from.

In short, be clear; not clever.

4. Use White Space Tactically

Modern readers skim by reflex.

Shorter paragraphs, intentional line breaks, and strategic use of dialogue can keep their eyes moving.

White space is not nothing; it’s a useful tool in your kit.

5. Edit Like a Reader, Not a Teacher

When tightening prose, don’t fall into the trap of correcting a manuscript into academic sterility. The goal isn’t perfect grammar, it’s irresistible momentum.

With every pass, ask: If I were my ideal reader, would I keep turning pages?

If not, change it.

And remember: A good editor doesn’t turn authors into textual jukeboxes. A good editor treats each book like an instrument he carefully tunes for the author to play the clearest, most captivating version of the composition only he can deliver.

Brian Niemeier is a best-selling novelist, editor, and Dragon Award winner with over a decade in newpub. For direct, in-person writing and editing insights, join his Patreon.