How to Print and Publish your NaNo Novel

Every year, we’re lucky to have great sponsors for our nonprofit events. FastPencil, a NaNoWriMo 2015 sponsor, is offering all participants a hard copy of their book for the cost of shipping, and free e-publishing. Read on for more details:

Microsoft Word, an iPad, your journal, an app: regardless of where you write, you have been focused on your writing goals all November. And that’s an accomplishment in itself! As we move toward closing out this month’s 50,000-word writing challenge, let’s turn towards the next step of the book creation process: preparing your manuscript for publishing. 

Although your ultimate goal may or may not be to publish your novel globally, we know that printing your manuscript and publishing a book are two very different projects. That’s why FastPencil is offering a place where you can do both—print and publish your projects—as desired.

Step 1. Compile and Organize

Compiling and organizing your notes into a novel is simple. Import content directly from Evernote, upload Microsoft Word documents, images, and other digital files—and preview your book in seconds. 

Step 2: Polish and Preview

Once notes are pulled into FastPencil’s publishing app, you can edit your content, collaborate, add images, and prepare your manuscript for publishing. Then, preview multiple print and e-book formats. High-quality services paired with free design templates give authors the freedom to concentrate on creating content, instead of page layouts.

Step 3: Print and Revise

Are you ready to publish?

Probably not, and that’s fine. The draft you’ve written will need refinement and polish. But writing a 50,000-word draft in one month is a huge accomplishment, so pat yourself on the back for coming this far! Then take a deep breath and print your draft privately, on-demand before you lose the nerve.

Printing a copy of your draft can give you a good feel for how close your novel is to being publication-ready. With FastPencil’s free book and e-book offer NaNoWriMo winners (valid until January 31, 2016), you can have a printed copy in your hands in about 10 business days.

Revising your book

The first time an author prints out a draft book, there are typically two reactions:

“Yaaaaaaaas, my book is sooo pretty!”

And… wait for it …

“Gasp! Is that a typo? Noooooooooo…”

Okay, so it isn’t perfect. So what? Remember, the draft you’ve printed does not have to be the book you ultimately publish. Mark up your printed copy and have others review it.

Once you’ve revised the words, simply use FastPencil’s powerful publishing workspace to re-create, edit, preview, and prepare your manuscript for your global audience.

Step 4: Publish!

Finally, it’s time to hit the publish button. Don’t be scared, be excited! FastPencil has a special publishing offer just for NaNoWriMo winners, with 70% off global distribution, including two ISBNs, when you publish by 6/30/16. Rejoice!

Getting started with FastPencil

So, ready to make a book?

Open a new project with FastPencil, print your book, and publish your story using the codes available on your NaNoWriMo Winner Goodies page. 

Join the publishing revolution!  Connect quickly and preview your manuscript in book and e-book formats. Guided publishing: Private or 3-year Global Distribution with ISBNs available. Your Team. Your Timeline. Your Budget. Your Books. FastPencil is Publishing Simplified.