Plot Twists: Are You Making These Mistakes? (Self-Editing Tips from a Developmental Editor)

Do you want to know what makes a good writer great? Today in our writing podcast for authors, we discuss how to write a great plot twist and how to spot plot twist mistakes.
In episode 23 of the Story Savvy Series, we explore how to masterfully build and edit plot twists that hook your readers and shift your story’s path. So, let’s join together as we unravel the secrets of twisty storytelling. Developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] reveal how to transform surprising moments into satisfying turning points.
This week in the 52-Week Story Savvy self-editing series we break down how to execute genre-specific twists that align with character arcs and pacing. Whether you're planning your midpoint surprise or final reveal, this episode offers the insight you need to make it land.
They also discuss:
How to balance big twists with smaller story surprises
The dangers of deus ex machina endings
How to recognize a well-executed twist
Why a protagonist’s belief system matters
The role of POV in misdirecting readers
Crafting foreshadowing that only makes sense after the twist
If you want your twists to feel earned—not forced—this episode is your blueprint for creating "surprising but inevitable" reveals.
Recommended Resources:
Hart Bound Editing Services – [https://hartboundediting.com]
Authors’ Alcove Membership Community – [http://authorsalcove.com]
Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]
Chapters:
[00:00] Intro
[01:06] What is a plot twist?
[04:40] Do genres shape twist size?
[07:57] When should twists happen?
[10:20] What ruins a twist?
[12:19] How to foreshadow well?
[15:38] Was the twist effective?
[19:53] Too many twists?
[22:10] What do twists affect?
[24:22] Great twist or not?