Writing a novel is extremely rewarding, whether you're simply doing it for yourself or looking to become published. If you are following the latter route, there are a few things to consider before you hit 'publish' or 'submit'.
“Write what will stop your breath if you don’t write.”
― Grace Paley
Research subgenres
Genre can be a tricky thing to define. Many genres contain their own subgenres. Being able to pin-point your subgenre can help with the marketing side of things. Fantasy, for example, includes sub-genres such as high fantasy (epic), low fantasy (set in the real world), magical realism, and dystopian fantasy, amongst others. There are many helpful websites that list subgenres, so it's worth educating yourself on what they each entail.
“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”
― Jack London
Identify your market
Are you writing for adults, young adults, children? Is there a specific 'type' of reader you are hoping to reach? As an author, you should always be aware of your target audience. While you don't have to know all the answers straight away, understanding where your book will be placed on the market and who it will appeal to, is certainly useful prior to submission or publication. Having said that, it's important not to become fixated on your target audience. While a consciousness is beneficial, don’t let it define your story.
“An author must learn the principles of good storytelling
only in order to write better from the heart.”
― Uri Shulevitz
Find your USP
No book is complete without a USP (Unique Selling Point). There are thousands of novels already on the market, and thousands currently being written, so finding your unique edge is important. Your USP is personal to you. No idea is entirely new, but it’s up to you, the writer, to find a fresh perspective. Write about what you love and what you know, but don’t be afraid to push the boundaries.
“I believe that writing is derivative. I think good writing comes
from good reading.”
― Charles Kuralt
Read widely
All writers should be prolific readers. Reading can help writers to understand plot and perspective and what makes a novel successful (or not). It is always worth familiarising yourself with books specific to your genre but you should not limits yourself to these alone. Read widely for the more you understand about the ways in which different writers construct their works, the easier it will be to develop and define your own unique style.
“The difference between real life and a story is that life has significance,
while a story must have meaning.”
― Vera Nazarian
Make your story believable
This doesn’t mean you should drown your story in facts or dull it down with lengthy explanations. Making your writing realistic simply requires the ability to bring your story to life. Readers want to believe in the stories they are reading and find a sense of escapism. A poor plot, weak characters, and unimaginative settings will imply that you don’t have faith in your own creations. Write in a way that shows readers your world is real; convince them to believe in your story.
“Write what disturbs you, what you fear,
what you have not been willing to speak about.”
— Natalie Goldberg
Do your research
Stories are often inspired by real places, people, and events, and the world around you is the best place in which to conduct research. Visit or read about places around the world, learn about real events (past and present), reflect on your own life experiences, note down your dreams. Through observation, experience, and knowledge, you can breathe life into your story.
“The best fantasy is written in the language of dreams."
— George R. R. Martin
Know your 'world' inside out
If someone were to ask you a character's middle name, would you know it? Would you be able to talk about their background, their hobbies, their behaviour? To build a believable setting and plot, you must know your 'world' inside out. Learn everything there is to know: what it is called, where it exists, what it looks like, what makes it identifiable?
Before you begin
So, whether you have established all the key elements of your novel and audience before you reach publishing stage or you need a little time to work things out, the points covered on this list are a helpful way to prepare yourself and your writing.
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