How to Write a Novel: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a novel is one of the most ambitious creative endeavors you can undertake. This guide breaks down the entire process—from initial idea to finished manuscript—into manageable steps that any dedicated writer can follow.

Phase 1: Before You Write

Step 1: Find Your Novel Idea

Every novel begins with an idea that demands to be explored. Your idea doesn't need to be completely original—it needs to excite you enough to sustain months or years of work.

• What if? Ask hypothetical questions. "What if memories could be traded?"
• Combine ideas: Merge two unrelated concepts. "Jane Austen meets space opera."
• Personal obsession: What themes, questions, or settings do you keep returning to?
• Character first: Start with a character who fascinates you and discover their story.

Step 2: Develop Your Premise

A premise is your novel idea distilled to its essence. Before committing months to writing, test your premise:

• Protagonist: Who is your main character? What do they want?
• Conflict: What stands in their way? (This is the engine of your plot.)
• Stakes: What happens if they fail? Why does this matter?
• Setting: Where and when does this story take place?

Step 3: Choose Your Planning Approach

Writers generally fall into three camps:

• Plotters: Outline everything before writing. Know every scene, twist, and character arc.
• Pantsers: Write by the seat of your pants. Discover the story as you go.
• Plantsers: A hybrid. Outline major beats, improvise the scenes between.

There's no right approach—only what works for you. If this is your first novel, consider starting as a plantser: outline your major plot points, but leave room for discovery.

Step 4: Create Your Outline (If You're a Plotter)

An outline gives you a roadmap. Popular methods include:

• Three-Act Structure: Setup, confrontation, resolution.
• The Hero's Journey: 12 stages from ordinary world to return.
• Save the Cat Beat Sheet: 15 story beats with page targets.
• The Snowflake Method: Start small, expand systematically.

Phase 2: Writing Your First Draft

Step 5: Set Your Writing Schedule

Novels are written in sessions, not bursts of inspiration. The secret is consistency:

• Daily word count: 500-1,000 words/day is sustainable for most. That's 3-6 months for a first draft.
• Time-based goals: Write for 30-60 minutes daily if word counts stress you out.
• Protect your writing time: Same time, same place, every day. Build the habit.

Step 6: Write the Opening

Your first chapter needs to:

• Introduce your protagonist
• Establish the setting and tone
• Hook the reader with a compelling situation
• Hint at the conflict to come

Don't obsess over perfecting Chapter 1. Write it, move on, and revise later. Many authors rewrite their opening last.

Step 7: Push Through the Middle

The middle of a novel is where most writers quit. Combat the "sagging middle":

• Escalate: Each scene should raise the stakes or complicate the situation.
• Midpoint twist: Plan a major revelation or reversal at the halfway mark.
• Subplots: Use secondary storylines to add variety and depth.
• Keep writing: Even when it feels bad. You can fix bad pages; you can't fix blank ones.

Step 8: Write the Ending

Your ending should:

• Resolve the central conflict
• Complete character arcs
• Deliver emotional payoff
• Leave the reader satisfied (even if bittersweet)

Phase 3: Revision

Step 9: Let It Rest

After finishing your first draft, set it aside for 2-6 weeks. You need distance to see it clearly. Work on something else. Read. Then return with fresh eyes.

Step 10: Structural Revision

Read your manuscript and ask:

• Does the plot work? Are there holes or contradictions?
• Is the pacing right? Where does it drag or rush?
• Do character arcs make sense? Is their growth earned?
• Are there scenes that don't serve the story?

Be willing to cut, add, or restructure entire sections.

Step 11: Line Editing

Once the structure is solid, polish the prose:

• Tighten sentences. Cut unnecessary words.
• Strengthen verbs. Replace "walked slowly" with "shuffled."
• Vary sentence length and structure.
• Read dialogue aloud for authenticity.
• Check for consistency in voice and tense.

Step 12: Get Feedback

Share your manuscript with trusted readers:

• Beta readers: Regular readers who can tell you where they got bored or confused.
• Critique partners: Fellow writers who can identify craft issues.
• Professional editors: For final polish before publication.

How Long Should Your Novel Be?

Word count expectations vary by genre:

• Literary fiction: 70,000-100,000 words
• Mystery/Thriller: 70,000-90,000 words
• Romance: 50,000-90,000 words
• Fantasy/Sci-Fi: 90,000-120,000 words (debut); longer for series
• Young Adult: 50,000-80,000 words

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Endless editing of early chapters: Finish the draft first. You'll rewrite anyway.
• Waiting for inspiration: Pros write on schedule, not when inspired.
• Showing everyone your first draft: Premature feedback can be demoralizing.
• Quitting at the hard parts: Every novel has a point where it feels impossible. Push through.

Related Resources

• Three-Act Structure Guide →
• How to Write Your First Draft →
• 50+ Character Development Questions →
• Hearth for Novelists →