Becoming a published novelist often hinges on a combination of skill, resilience, and a bit of good fortune. First and foremost, your writing must rise above the competition—demonstrating originality and excellence. Then comes the challenge of submitting your manuscript to the right person, someone who connects with your vision. It demands years of commitment and unrelenting passion. Below, we address some of the most frequent questions about writing novels and provide comprehensive guidance to support your journey toward crafting a compelling book.
A novel is a lengthy piece of fictional prose, written to narrate a story and captivate the reader. It recounts a progression of events involving characters, a setting, and a resolution. Typically, publishers favor novels that fall within 80,000 to 120,000 words, although this can vary by genre.
The term “genre” refers to a classification system in fiction, characterized by distinct themes and stylistic conventions. Examples include science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, horror, and westerns.
To meet the expectations of genre readers, authors must observe the established norms of that category. For instance, mystery novels usually start with a crime or its threat, follow with clues and red herrings, and end with the resolution of the puzzle—often revealing the perpetrator and restoring order.
Romance novels are expected to feature a central romantic relationship, typically marked by a strong emotional connection, conflicts or misunderstandings, and ultimately a satisfying resolution, often involving a commitment or union.
Gaining a deep understanding of genre standards is crucial. Reading numerous books in your chosen category can reveal recurring plot structures, character archetypes, and pacing styles that resonate with fans.
Choosing a genre is vital. While hybrid or cross-genre works do exist, most publishers and agents seek stories that fit neatly into a marketable category. A clearly defined genre streamlines marketing, improves targeting to readers, and increases your chances of publication. It’s often wiser to innovate within the rules of a genre than to blur them entirely and risk alienating both publishers and readers.
Ask yourself: Does my book cater mainly to fans of romance, science fiction, thrillers, or another specific genre? Identifying your primary audience allows you to position your novel more strategically and appeal directly to reader expectations.
Broadly, fiction is classified into two categories: literary fiction and commercial (or mainstream) fiction.
Literary fiction tends to emphasize linguistic style, character development, and thematic depth. It often features slower pacing and explores universal or philosophical issues, usually without relying on a tidy resolution. Writers such as Toni Morrison and John Updike are known for their contributions to this form.
Commercial fiction, by contrast, is generally plot-driven, with faster pacing and higher stakes. It often uses straightforward language, focuses less on internal character evolution, and more on engaging scenarios. Books in this category aim for mass appeal and higher sales. Notable authors include Tom Clancy, John Grisham, and Stephen King.
How is a novel structured?
The key building blocks of a novel include chapters, characters, dialogue, narrative perspective, theme, setting, and plot.
Chapters are a way to break down the story into manageable parts. They help structure major events and shifts in time, location, or point of view. Many writers use cliffhangers at the end of chapters to entice readers to continue. The length and content of a chapter are flexible and at the discretion of the author.
Scene transitions within chapters can be achieved through new paragraphs or narrative cues, such as “The next morning, she…”. Alternatively, blank lines can separate scenes, especially when changing perspective or location.
Characters are at the heart of any novel. Central figures include the protagonist—the story’s main character whose goals and struggles drive the plot—and the antagonist, who creates conflict by opposing the protagonist. These roles are pivotal in shaping the narrative’s tension and momentum.
Dialogue plays a crucial role in fiction. It portrays character interactions and can serve to break up dense narrative sections, helping with pacing. Through dialogue, readers learn about personalities, motivations, and relationships. Additionally, conversations can move the plot forward and introduce or heighten conflict.
The plot refers to the structured sequence of events in a story. It illustrates how situations evolve and how characters change in response to those developments.
A compelling plot includes both external events and internal transformations—what happens to the characters and how they grow or change emotionally. These dual threads form the action plot and the emotional plot.
For a story to resonate, readers must care about the characters involved. Your plot should be a vehicle that guides characters through transformative moments while delivering the theme and emotional experience to the audience.
The narrative should begin as close as possible to the point of change, and after the climax of both action and emotional arcs, the story should conclude within a few chapters to maintain momentum.
Point of view (POV) defines the lens through which the story unfolds. Common options include first-person, third-person omniscient, and third-person limited perspectives.
Selecting the right POV is critical. Consider which viewpoint best serves your characters, setting, and overall narrative goals.
In first-person, the story is told directly by a character—often the protagonist—offering intimate access to thoughts and feelings. Classic examples include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.
Third-person omniscient uses an all-knowing narrator who offers insight into the minds and emotions of all characters. This style is exemplified by works like The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.
Third-person limited maintains narrative distance but restricts the reader’s access to one character’s internal world. An example is Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.
Another essential component is the theme—the central idea or question the author wants to explore. Themes often reflect enduring human concerns and guide the emotional and philosophical underpinnings of the story.
Finally, the concept of setting refers to the specific time period and geographical location in which a story unfolds. It’s far more than just a backdrop for your characters; in many narratives, the setting assumes a role as vivid and influential as any protagonist. Elements like cultural customs, coastal landscapes, rugged terrain, and regional speech patterns shape the story’s overall atmosphere. A well-crafted setting enriches your novel, providing the necessary depth to support the story you aim to tell.
Writers approach the planning process in various ways, often refining their techniques over time. Some may prefer a concise outline that captures the essence of the plot, central conflicts, and resolution. Others might create dozens of pages filled with intricate maps of story events, detailed character bios, and descriptions of environments—this extensive method is commonly referred to as outlining.
Supporters of outlining argue that it saves time and minimizes excessive rewriting by fostering a strong understanding of characters and events from the start, resulting in a cohesive and well-structured plot. On the contrary, some writers believe that outlining stifles spontaneity and artistic discovery, potentially hindering the organic evolution of the narrative. You’ll need to experiment and determine which method resonates best with your creative process. A flexible approach—starting with an outline but remaining open to revisions—can be particularly effective as your story develops.
Conducting thorough research is also a crucial component of the outlining phase. As you map out each scene, take note of any information that requires further investigation. Staying organized is key: keep detailed notes and ensure that you can trace every piece of information back to its origin. For printed materials, make photocopies and label them clearly with the title, publisher, publication year, page numbers, and where you found them. This ensures easy access and proper citation later on. For digital research, print relevant pages and verify that the website’s URL is visible. Bookmark pages you expect to revisit frequently.
Integrate your research seamlessly into the narrative. Avoid inserting facts awkwardly or in a way that disrupts the pacing. Reading accomplished novels and author interviews can provide valuable insight into how research is naturally blended into storytelling.
One fundamental truth remains—your success and chances of publication hinge on the caliber of your writing. A compelling story told with skillful prose is paramount. To prepare effectively, consider enrolling in courses offered by Writers Digest University. They provide a range of resources including live sessions, detailed critiques, webinars, and on-demand lessons tailored to writers of all levels. Looking to improve grammar? Try “Elements of Effective Writing I.” First time writing a novel? The “12 Weeks to a First Draft” course is a great place to start. Need expert feedback? Take advantage of the 2nd Draft Critique Service.
How long does it take to write a novel?
The timeline varies for every writer. Some aim to complete their novel in just 30 days, others may take 60, 90, or even several years. The important thing is to set realistic goals, stay inspired, and manage your time efficiently.
To thrive as a writer, mastering your schedule is vital. Prioritize writing as your first task of the day to avoid the many distractions that arise later. Ultimately, managing your time is about managing your own discipline and focus.
Stay committed to your objective and push aside negative self-talk. Don’t wait for free time—carve out space for your writing. Make appointments with yourself, just as you would for any serious commitment. These appointments reinforce your dedication and signal to your mind that writing is a priority.
List your top priorities to help you safeguard your writing hours. And don’t be afraid to decline requests that interfere. Know what matters to you—and what doesn’t. You’ve chosen to write, so plan your life in support of that decision.
What are the steps to writing a novel?
Once your outline is in place, your research complete, and your world and characters imagined, it’s time to write. Take it slow and avoid common pitfalls: avoid overloading your story with mundane activities that don’t push the narrative forward, refrain from overusing descriptive words, and be cautious with flashbacks, which can stall the momentum of your story.
What happens after finishing a novel?
Once your manuscript is polished and ready, you’ll need to prepare a professional submission package to share with agents or publishers. This typically includes:
- A query letter designed to capture the interest of agents or editors.
- A concise synopsis that outlines the main plot points of your novel.
- A partial manuscript—usually the first three chapters or first 50 pages.
The quality and presentation of these materials greatly influence how your work will be received. Ensure that every part of your submission is clean, consistent, and engaging. With a strong manuscript and an equally compelling proposal, you’re ready to attract serious attention from publishing professionals.
What are my options for publishing my novel?
Whether you decide to pursue traditional publishing or take the self-publishing route, this guide covers all the possibilities to help you make an informed choice.
