How to Write a Novel

I might end up taking a slightly ironic approach to this, but hopefully someone will gather something from it. If you want me to give more advice on any topic just comment or contact me. If I can’t answer your question, I know people who can! I’ll also be choosing a few of the topics covered here and turning them into more detailed posts. (welcome to suggestions!)

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Step 1: Brainstorm

Brainstorming is my favorite part of writing. I have hordes of ideas just waiting to be written. Often your first idea isn’t your best idea, so try to come up with more than one. Once you have a few ideas expand on them using plot charts and then pick your favorite!

Step 2: Outline

Not all authors outline, and it’s something I struggle with. If you used plot charts to expand on your ideas you can start with that.

create a few sub-plotsdetail what happens in each chapteruse hill/roller coaster diagrammark out number of estimated chaptersword count estemation







Step 3: First draft

This is the hard part- but the most rewarding. Now is when you’ll be happy you outlined. Remember- just push through. It doesn’t matter how awful the first draft is- it’s called a draft for a reason.

Write when you feel inspired- or when you don’tTry to reach daily word-countsTake breaksdon’t edit



Step 4: Editing round One

Round One? Yes, you read that correctly. There’s more than one round of edits. For my round one, I usually run my writing through a grammar checker (I like grammarly) before I print it and make sure the flow is right.

plot holescohesivenessask friend to read



Step 5: Alpha Readers

What are Alpha readers? After step four you need some outside advice and some feedback! This is a really helpful article.

5-25 peoplegive them instructions of what you want



Step 6: Editing Round Two

At last the Alphas have finished! Now is the time to review their feedback. What did they love? What did they hate? Were your characters memorable?

make changes according to Alphasnote their feelings for the bookdon’t get frustrated with their comments



Step 7: Take a Break

For at least a month, take a step back and don’t even think about your novel. Focus on a different project.

no reading itno talking about itno reading outlinesno reading alpha reviews



Step 8: Editing Round Three

Editing varies in round three depending on the book and the author. Maybe you think it’s ready to be send onto Beta readers. Maybe it needs to be reworked. Coming back to your novel and reading the whole thing through once is important.

prepare for betasre-read alpha reviewsread manuscript overrun it through a grammar checker again



Step 9: Betas

Beta readers very slightly from Alphas. They read the novel when it is almost ready to be published, and so they are looking for slightly different things. This is a good article about both the definition and how to find them.

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Now that you’ve got the basics down it’s time to go out into the world and write that novel! Of course, it’s all a lot more complicated and longer than I made it seem. ;P Like I said before if you have questions comment or contact me.

I’ve finally decided on a cover for Evie’s Empire (thank goodness) so I’ll be hosting a mini blog tour and reveal soon, plus opening sign-ups for Beta readers! This is a big step for me, as I’m going to be having both alpha and beta readers. In the past I’ve gone the quick route and skipped one or the other, but I won’t be making that mistake again. So look for the sign ups on here and Goodreads soon!

And of course, remember to like, comment, or share, whatever floats your boat! Until next time!

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