How to Write a Novel

(Publishing tips not included)

Now days, most people dream of writing a book at some point in their life; they just don't know where to start! It's not nearly as difficult as many may think if you go about it in the right way.

Tools needed:

A computer with a writing software

A place dedicated to writing

A media in which to find editors and beta readers and to publish

Steps:

1. Come up with an idea.
You may already have one, or you may only know you need one. Whatever your inspiration may be, let it come and consider all the possibilities! You'll be spending a lot of time on this, so it should be over something you believe in or something you have always wanted to experience.

2. Find a place dedicated to writing
Write in your dedicated writing space. It could be your desk in your room, a library, Starbucks, etc. Just make sure you only ever write there, and nothing else. Note: A place dedicated to writing is important because every time you go there, all you will think of is writing, which is key when you need to get things done

3. Brainstorm
Brainstorm multiple points on your subject or what you want to happen in the story. This could be data, scenes, experiences, or anything of the sort. Create a schema page to type out every idea you may want to include in your novel.

4. Organize your Information
Organize the points/scenes in the way you want them to be presented. This is the time you decide what goes in each chapter and the general order of the chapters. All of this may change at any point in the writing process, but this is the time to come up with the general layout. Note: This may take time and is more than likely to be revised as you go.

5. Create a Course of Action
If you are still really into this idea and plan on going through with it, make a schedule. Dedicate time every day to write and work and have a set number of words and/or some goal to accomplish every day. Note: If you break the novel down into simpler tasks, it won't seem nearly as hard to complete.

6. Detail each Chapter's Rubric
You already know what you want each chapter to cover; now it's time to write the order of the points you're presenting or the order of scenes. Add as much or as little detail as you want here. Note: You aren't writing the actual chapters yet. Don't waste too much time adding a lot of details that needn't be in these sections, even if you do plan on adding them in the chapter.

7. Actual Writing (at long last)!
Now you can begin writing individual chapters. Though it is typically easiest to go in order for fiction, you may write the chapters in any order you please for fiction or nonfiction. Ignore spelling and grammar mistakes for at least the first few drafts. You will have all of the editing process to fix them. Note: Steps 6 and 7 may end up overlapping each other; just make sure you write the detailed chapter rubric before it's chapter.

8. Onto Revision!
Expect to revise your book about 15 times or more, especially for fiction writers. During the revising, don't dwell on editing. Just go through and change things like phrasing, cutting and adding sections, rearranging chapters, etc. For both fiction and nonfiction writers, you can expect to cut a lot, so don't be afraid. If it isn't adding anything to the thesis, or worse, if it's taking away from it, don't be afraid to cut it. You may really like something you'll have to cut; don't fret! You can always copy and paste things to a document specifically for good things you have to cut. They may come in use later-- for this book or another. Note: The revising process is typically when the final title is created. You may still change it later on, though.

9. Get Feedback 
Once you have revised and revised and revised some more, let some family, friends, teachers, and/or colleagues read it for you. Ignoring grammar mistakes and your emotions, ask them all to give honest feedback. Note: These are not your beta readers. They are just your companions giving suggestions and ideas. Beta readers should be people you don't know at all besides through your books.

10. Remove those Annoying Errors 
You can expect to read your book around 2-5 times yourself editing, but it is suggested to hire a person or two who are specifically looking to edit novels. If you are going into self publishing, freelance editors are best; if you are taking the traditional route, a trained, legal professional is likely more what you're looking for. Both options are great, despite what their titles say. Note: If you plan on writing more books after your first, you are likely to go back to the same editor and beta readers, especially if you are self-publishing. It is always a good idea to build a kind relationship with your connections 

11. Get Beta Readers
Beta readers are readers that you ask or hire to read your book before you publish it. Typically, they read one chapter at a time and you schedule to interview them on their thoughts extremely soon after they finish. It's best to speak to them within a few hours of them finishing the chapter so that it's fresh on their mind. If they predict exactly what you have written, then it is likely best you go back and revise.

12. Revise, Edit, Publish
Once your beta reader tour is complete, you will likely have gone back and revised some more. You should edit it a few more times and ask your editor to check it again before publishing in whatever path you choose to take.

Congratulations! You've written your first novel! Time to go celebrate! Don't write for a few weeks; you deserve a break! Just chillax and don't think too much about the book for a while. You can always see how it's doing, so have a breather. You earned it!