There’s an art to becoming a novelist; a journey (or adventure) many aspiring writers take in full-force so they become the efficacious individual they’ve always envisioned. To weave the words into a mesmerizing plot is a talent, and one only so many people possess. You can teach yourself to write, but only so many can teach themselves to write people, environments and events as if they were real flesh and blood, bricks and mortar, time and proceedings.

The journey to becoming a novel success is, however, tricky. It is longwinded and disheartening at times, but once your first story or lyrical anthology has been accepted and published, it is worth the writer’s block, late nights, crying, great lists, and plans of twists and plot points. The journey can be a long one, so you need to be properly equipped.

Finish Your Story

To become published, you must have a complete novel to publish. This means you need to move away from the accidental cliff hanger you’ve created and move towards the close. Once you’ve completed the start to finish, it’s time to review your novel as a whole. Pick it apart; rewrite large volumes; do so until it’s perfect and every detail is correct and complete. Publishers will help edit your novel once it’s accepted, however, you need to impress them. They will be more open to human error once you’ve written out a second or third bestseller.

Trial and Error

Asking friends and family to read your work can be terrifying; after all, having an outsider read the pages of your thoughts and feelings can trigger anxiety and panic. Stay calm as you hand out copies to those you trust, and remember that they are here to help not to torment. Any criticism will be constructive, and whether you implement their thoughts and opinions is entirely up to you.

Proposition Publishers

Print off your novel appropriately, and format your manuscript to the guidelines each publishing company specifies. Ensure there are no typos in your cover letter and manuscript, and refrain from using capitals as this can come across and rude and unsightly. Send off your manuscript in printed folders which are beautifully created, and show the genre of your novel, the title and your name. Nowadays, email is often favored over post; therefore, send your manuscript virtually as well as physically. Send your work to multiple publishers; prepare for both rejection and success.

Acceptance or Rejection

Brace yourself for both outcomes. Remember, rejection does not mean your story is not good enough, it simply means they are currently not interested or, sadly, have something similar. Publishing sites are overworked; the competition is fierce, and so you need to write them a unique and beautiful tale told through a natural and striking narrative. The greats, JK Rowling, Agatha Christie, C.S. Lewis have all experience such disheartening turmoil, however, they did not abandon hope. Now, they are bestselling authors and household names; their novels sit in many people’s bookshelves and are studied in schools and universities. Writers must stay strong and keeping putting pen to paper; fingers to keyboard to become a novel success.

Share this Story