How To Write a Novel and Get It Published?

Why Writing a Novel Still Matters

Despite a digital world saturated with short-form content, writing a novel is still one of the most impactful creative acts you can commit to. Novels aren’t just entertainment; they are tools of empathy, catalysts for societal change, and portals into entirely new worlds. When you write a novel, you’re not just adding a book to a shelf—you’re offering a perspective, a vision, and an emotional experience.

Novels give you a voice in the literary ecosystem. A published novel can launch a full-time writing career, earn you royalties, attract speaking invitations, or even land film deals. And while publishing trends shift constantly, there’s always a hunger for powerful stories. Writing and publishing a novel, then, is more than an artistic feat—it’s a personal legacy.

What Makes a Novel Worth Publishing?

Publishing is competitive. Every day, thousands of new books flood the market. So, what makes one novel worth picking up and another easily forgettable? Publishers and readers alike look for a few critical elements:

Element	Why It Matters
Original Concept	A unique premise stands out in the crowded book market.
Strong Characters	Relatable or memorable characters drive emotional impact.
Tight Structure	A well-paced story keeps readers hooked till the end.
Polished Prose	Quality writing reflects your professionalism.
Market Fit	Publishers need to see audience potential and genre fit.

These five fundamentals form the backbone of publishable fiction. Before you write a word, measure your concept and vision against these standards. Are you telling a story only you can tell, and telling it in a way that serves the market?

Step 1: Build a Writing Routine That Works

The first hurdle in novel writing isn’t craft—it’s discipline. You can’t write a book if you don’t write. You don’t need hours every day, but you do need consistency. That’s what separates aspiring writers from published authors.

Create a routine that suits your lifestyle. If you’re a morning person, try writing before work. If you’re most alert at night, schedule a quiet evening block. Consistency is key. Whether it’s 500 or 2,000 words a day, regular output compounds quickly.

Consider:

• Setting clear word count goals
• Using a writing app like Scrivener, Dabble, or Novel
• Joining a writing challenge like NaNoWriMo

Think of your writing time as sacred. Turn off notifications. Close extra tabs. Protect your creative space. It’s a discipline and a gift.

Step 2: Develop a Concept That Holds Power

Before outlining or drafting, get crystal clear on your novel’s core idea. A compelling concept isn’t just interesting—it has tension, relevance, and emotional stakes.

Ask yourself:

• What’s the “what if?” of my novel?
• Why now—why is this story timely or necessary?
• Who cares—what emotional investment will readers have?

A strong concept can be summed up in a single sentence. For example: “What if a young woman volunteered for a deadly game to save her sister, only to become a revolutionary symbol?” That’s The Hunger Games in essence.

Work on your pitch early. It’ll guide your writing—and help later when querying agents or self-publishing.

Step 3: Outline Like a Story Architect

Writing a novel without structure is like building a house with no blueprint. While pantsers (writers who write by the seat of their pants) exist, even they benefit from a loose framework.

A strong outline gives your story pacing, purpose, and shape. The most common structures include:

• Three-Act Structure
• The Hero’s Journey
• Save the Cat Beat Sheet
• Snowflake Method

Here’s a simple narrative progression:

Stage	What Happens
Beginning	Set up the world, introduce the protagonist and the conflict
Middle (Act II)	Escalation, stakes rise, character transformation
Climax	Tension peaks, decisions are made
Ending	Loose ends tied, thematic closure

Outlining can be as detailed as scene-by-scene breakdowns or as loose as major plot points. Use what works best for your brain—but use something.

Step 4: Write the First Draft Without Fear

This step is about quantity, not quality. Permit yourself to write terribly. The first draft is raw material. It’s clay you’ll sculpt later.

Avoid these traps:

• Editing as you go
• Obsessing over chapter length
• Worrying about audience reception

Instead, embrace forward momentum. Write scenes out of order if necessary. Skip ahead and backfill later. Use placeholders for names or research. The only thing that matters is finishing.

The goal of a first draft isn’t perfection. Its completion.

Step 5: Edit Ruthlessly, Revise Purposefully

Now that you have a draft, take a break. Distance gives clarity. When you return, read your manuscript as if you’re a reader. What’s missing? What drags? What shines?

Editing usually involves multiple passes:

1. Structural Edit – Fix pacing, plot holes, timeline
2. Character Arc Edit – Ensure emotional development
3. Line Edit – Refine voice, rhythm, sentence flow
4. Copy Edit – Spelling, grammar, punctuation

Consider beta readers—nonprofessional readers who give honest feedback. If the budget allows, hire a professional editor, especially for developmental editing.

Great novels aren’t written—they’re rewritten. Don’t rush this stage.

Step 6: Decide Between Traditional and Self-Publishing

This is a major fork in the road. Both publishing routes can lead to success, but they come with different responsibilities, timelines, and outcomes.

Traditional Publishing

• Submit to agents or publishers
• Often requires a query letter, synopsis, and sample chapters
• Long timelines (6 months to 2 years)
• Lower royalties but professional production
• No upfront cost to the author

Self-Publishing

• You become the publisher
• Total creative and financial control
• Requires professional editing, cover design, and formatting
• Higher royalties but upfront expenses
• Can publish in weeks, not years

Factor	Traditional	Self-Publishing
Time to publish	1–2 years	1–3 months
Cost	Free (agent/publisher pays)	$500–$3000+ (author pays)
Creative control	Limited	Full control
Royalties	5–15%	30–70%
Marketing responsibility	Shared	Mostly yours

Choose the path that aligns with your goals, budget, and timeline.

Step 7: Submit, Publish, and Promote Strategically

Once your manuscript is polished, it’s time to launch.

If You’re Querying Agents:

• Write a killer query letter
• Follow submission guidelines exactly
• Personalize queries when possible
• Track submissions using spreadsheets or tools like Query Tracker

Rejection is common—even for great books. Don’t take it personally. Learn from feedback and keep going.

If You’re Self-Publishing:

• Upload to platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital
• Hire professionals for cover design, formatting, and proofreading
• Write a compelling book description
• Set up preorders if possible

Marketing is the final (and ongoing) phase:

• Use email newsletters, social media, and blog tours
• Reach out to bookstagrammers, reviewers, and influencers
• Consider paid ads on Amazon or Meta platforms

Build your author brand as much as your book.

Realistic Timeline from Idea to Publication

Phase	Time Estimate
Concept development	2–4 weeks
Outlining	1–3 weeks
Drafting	2–4 months
Editing & revising	1–3 months
Publishing process	1–6 months (varies)
Total Time	6–12 months

It’s not about speed. It’s about getting it right.

The Author Platform: Your Secret Weapon

Your author platform is how readers find you. It includes:

• Your website
• Social media presence
• Email list
• Public speaking or interviews
• Community engagement (forums, workshops, webinars)

Start building this early—even before your book is finished. A loyal audience can be the difference between crickets and bestseller lists.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing to publish before the book is ready
• Skipping professional editing
• Neglecting marketing
• Writing without a target reader in mind
• Letting rejection end your journey

Success requires creativity and strategy. Passion and patience.

Final Words: The Courage to Finish

Writing a novel is hard. Publishing one is even harder. But it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys a writer can undertake. Your story matters. Your voice has value.

Stay the course. Keep writing. Learn constantly. Be open to feedback. And above all—finish.

Because once your novel is out in the world, it can do something magical: it can outlive you.