Writing a novel is synonymous with birthing a baby. First is the conception where you get the idea. This will go through different transformations before the gestation period when the idea becomes a published book. Have you been nursing the idea of writing a novel, but you don’t really know where to start? Don’t worry, I am here to help you.
Frankly speaking, anything worthy of applause like writing a novel requires a certain level of dedication and perspiration. Whether you are a budding writer or an established writer, you must go through these processes before you can come out with a manuscript that will win the heart of both the editor and publisher. To this end, here are the seven steps you need to write a novel.
- Idea generation
Every invention starts with an idea. So, before you can start writing a novel, the first thing is to generate the idea. What do you intend to write about? You also need to decide on the type of novel you want to write. Are you planning on writing a historical novel, a horror novel, picaresque or what sort? You need to decide.
2. Write an outline
An outline is like a map that will detail all the events from the beginning to the end of the novel. Writing an outline will give you a sense of direction so that you don’t go off point. This will also include characterization and setting.
3. Write the first draft
After you must have written an outline, the next thing to do is to start writing the novel. Don’t make the mistake of editing while you are writing, especially if you are typing on your laptop or other devices. Doing this will slow you down and it can affect your thought process. Just keep writing. Don’t bother about grammar or perfecting your tenses. There is enough time to do that.
4. Revise
Your first does not equate the final stop of your manuscript. This is just the beginning of the journey to publishing. You need to go through what you have written. This is the period where you check for grammatical errors to correct.
5. Write a second draft
After you must have revised your first draft, you need to write it again. This time, you will do away with parts of the draft that do not add to the progress of the novel.
6. Submit your manuscript for editing
Bear in mind that a badly edited manuscript is not going to win you any literary award. Worse still, it will be thrown into the trash can. You need a source for a credible and reliable editor who will do a thorough job on your manuscript. If it will require you to go out of your way to spend a good amount of money to get the best of the best, kindly do so. A shoddily edited manuscript is the bane of any writer.
7. Publish your book
After a thorough job has been done on your manuscript and you have effected all the corrections made on it, the next thing is to publish your novel. However, before doing that, you need to decide if you want to self-publish it, or you will go through a traditional publishing method. Whatever decision you come up with, go ahead and publish your manuscript.
Conclusion
What is most important in writing a novel is to sustain the drive to make sure it reaches completion. Otherwise, you may start the process and stop halfway. However, with the steps stated above, you can’t go wrong when it comes to writing a novel.
READ ALSO: How To Craft A Memorable Fictional Character
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