How to Avoid Info-Dumping

Info-dumping is one of the quickest ways to lose a reader’s interest (even if your story is full of fun plot points or your topic is genuinely important). Whether you're writing a romance or a science-fiction novel, overloading your readers with character info or backstory can feel overwhelming and unnatural. However, the good news is that with a few smart techniques, you can deliver essential information organically. Continue reading for tips on how to give readers context without bombarding them with info!

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Reveal Information Slowly

When writing fiction, less is often more, especially when it comes to backstory or worldbuilding. Instead of explaining everything up front, reveal details gradually or as they become relevant to the story. For example, instead of describing a character’s traumatic past all at once, let pieces emerge through how they react in high-stakes situations, or through cryptic hints in their dialogue or thoughts. In general, slow revelation like this encourages readers to be curious and gives them a reason to keep turning those pages.

Strategically Use Dialogue

Dialogue can be a powerful way to convey information, but only when it sounds natural and serves the scene. Make sure to avoid clunky and forced lines like, “As you know, we’ve been living in this bunker since the nuclear war of 2042.” Instead, let your characters talk like real people with agendas, emotions, and gaps in their knowledge. You can even use arguments and tension to subtly slip in details. Overall, when a character’s voice is unique, the information they share will feel more natural and less like a reporter.

Show Don't Tell

Show, don't tell is a classic rule that's especially helpful for avoiding info-dumps. Rather than telling traits, settings, or histories, show them through actions, sensory details, and behaviors. For instance, instead of telling us a character is brave, show them stepping into danger while others hesitate. Or, rather than saying the city is war-torn, describe the broken structures and the smoke in the air. Your readers will absorb information more vividly when they experience it alongside your characters. You need to trust that they'll pick up on what you're trying to convey.

Edit, Edit, Edit

There's no doubt that your first draft will contain way more explanation than necessary—and that’s totally normal! The real work of avoiding info-dumps often happens during the editing process. Edit, edit, edit! To do so, read your scenes aloud or have someone else read them to help spot any info-dumping. Ask yourself: Does the reader need to know this now? Is there a way to imply this rather than state it directly? Can I cut or condense this information without losing meaning? For more tips on editing, click on the button below!

10 Tips For Editing Your Novel

Split Up Paragraphs

Relating to the previous point, long paragraphs loaded with information often signal an info-dump. So, for a quick fix, consider splitting up your long, info-heavy chapters. Breaking them up helps pace the delivery and keeps the reader from feeling overwhelmed. A well-placed line of dialogue, a character’s thought, or a visual detail between chunks of information can also provide "breathing room" for your readers.

Sometimes info-dumps are necessary and can't be avoided. However, most of the time, info dumps really aren't needed and just draw readers away from the scene. Thankfully, the tips above will help you curb the number of info-dumps in your story and keep readers engaged!