Writing a novel is something many people aspire to do at some point in their life. However, reality dictates that most people who attempt to write a novel will not actually ever complete one. Even fewer will actually go on to have the novel published by a traditional publishing company.
Novel writing is more difficult than many give it credit, but there are some things an aspiring writer can do to make novel writing easier. This guide will help you in the process of novel writing.
Did you know?
The average tween novel is 40-60,000 words.
The average mainstream novel is 80-100,000 words.
The average science fiction novel is 100-120,000 words.
Novel Writing Basics
The basics of writing a novel are not as easy as they sound. There's a lot more to writing a novel than simply sitting down and writing. Spelling, grammar, style, point of view (POV), character development, plot development and twists, scene setting and more all have to be considered when writing a novel. The story must be compelling, something someone other than the author would want to read, and then it must continue throughout the story and plot to maintain reader interest.
The first step in novel writing is to come up with a great concept to a novel that someone else will want to read, and then move on from there. The concept for novel writing is the first step.
Novel Writing Tips
The next step in the process of novel writing is to sit down and write the novel. Some authors like to write an outline and character sketches before they write while others abhor outlines and character sketches. Neither method of novel writing is right or wrong; every author must use the creative process of novel writing that works best for him or her. If you want to make notes instead of a formal outline, that's acceptable too.
After the outline and notes are written, it's time to write the novel. Novel writing takes time. It's not as simple and just sitting down and writing, but sitting down and writing has to happen first.
Once the writing starts, maintain the novel writing moment and keep writing.
References
Fast Facts
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Difficulty
Writing a Novel is Hard
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Length
The average novel is betwen 60-100,000 words, with some genres differing.
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Editing
After the novel writing, edit and proofread the novel.
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Format for Submission
After the novel writing, format the novel for submission to a publisher or agent.
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Submit
Submit your novel to an agent or publisher.
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Self Publish
Some novel writers prefer to self publish.
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Read and Sell
Sell the novel and enjoy reading and seeing it in publication.
