Bestseller Secrets: 18 Novel Writing Tips for New Authors (2023)
Reveal your authorial potential with these essential tips… your literary success awaits.
Do you feel the thrill bubbling within you, eager to unleash your creativity onto the page?
According to the latest book reading statistics, 96% of people worldwide read at least one book in 2022. And 64% of them planned to read more in 2023.
Exciting? Yes!
Scary? YES!
As a new writer, how do you capture attention in the vast sea of books?
Crafting a story worth reading requires more than a brilliant idea. Yet, it is an art form — a skill you can hone. In this post, we’ll uncover invaluable novel writing tips that will help you keep your readers spellbound.
So, let’s begin.
The 18 Novel Writing Tips
1. Cherry-pick your favorite idea
2. Commit to your story
3. Devour great books
4. Consider creative writing courses
5. Evoke a “bestseller” state of mind
6. Draft an outline
7. Craft unforgettable characters
8. Establish a narrative voice
9. Enhance with subplots
10. Sidestep clichés
11. Show, don’t tell
12. Employ literary devices
13. Write fast
14. Leverage technology
15. Beat writer’s block
16. Polish your work
17. Enjoy the ride
18. Ignore what doesn’t ring true
Ready to Put These Novel Writing Tips Into Action?
1. Cherry-pick your favorite idea
When it comes to choosing the right idea for your first novel, heed your passion. As legendary filmmaker Spike Lee advises, write the story that consumes your thoughts, the one you can’t let go of.
If you feel torn between ideas, reflect on these points to decide which idea to pursue:
- How baked-in the idea is in your mind
- Is the narrative simple enough to take on
- How much this book will contribute to your growth as a writer
Write down a synopsis capturing the beginning, end, and pivotal events so that the story is clear in your mind.
2. Commit to your story
Stay dedicated to the story you choose. Resist the temptation to shift gears and start over as new ideas come to mind.
Starting anew will only hinder your pace, and impede the developing narrative. Instead of making progress, you’ll lose sight of your path, and be left with a collection of unfinished fragments.
Remain focused on finishing what you have started, and save new ideas for later.
3. Devour great books
Writer Toni Morrison advises,
“Read a thousand books, and your words will flow like a river.”
Sharpen your imagination by reading engaging books. Dive into different genres to discover various writing styles.
Analyze the techniques like character development and scene transitions. Pay attention to sentence structure, flow, and punctuation, and expand your vocabulary.
Discover your unique writing style, along the way, by exploring different voices and perspectives.
4. Consider creative writing courses
Enrolling in a creative writing course can offer several advantages — structured guidance, feedback, and a supportive community.
However, some people contend that writing can be self-taught through practice and reading. They believe that classes can stifle creativity and be a waste of money.
Weigh the pros and cons before deciding to enroll in such classes. If you think a formal program will benefit you, there are several writing classes to explore.
5. Evoke a “bestseller” state of mind
Even if you’re telling a heartfelt story, the end goal is to publish. So, write with your audience’s expectations in mind.
However, as no two readers are alike, create a specific ideal reader in your mind. Give them a name, a personality, and explore their preferences — just like a character.
Write for that one reader. Your goal isn’t to please everyone but to satisfy this particular reader.
This will help you establish a connection with your intended audience. And, in the long run, cultivate your niche.
6. Draft an outline
To ensure your maiden novel sees the light of day, start with a solid outline (instead of winging it with unstructured discovery writing).
When you face the dreaded writer’s block, your outline will serve as a guiding light.
The most common way of writing a novel outline is the three-act structure — defining the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution. The setup introduces characters and their world, the confrontation presents obstacles and conflicts, and the resolution brings closure.
This structure provides rhythm and a well-balanced pace to the story.
7. Craft unforgettable characters
Reflect on the best books you’ve read; it’s the characters who often steal the limelight.
When creating characters, probe deep into their goals and motivations — what do they want and why? For instance, Frodo Baggins from “The Lord of the Rings” wanted to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth to preserve peace.
Draw inspiration from real life to build unique characters; genre no bar.
Yes, you can even base fantasy and sci-fi characters on actual people. Did you know, Dracula was based on the real-life brutal prince, Vlad the Impaler?
Plunge into their psyches, revealing their complexities, like unwrapping a gift — what do they like, how do they talk, do they transform or remain unchanged?
8. Establish a narrative voice
Narrative voice refers to the distinct style through which a story is told. A strong voice should evoke emotions and captivate readers.
Remember these points when crafting your novel’s voice:
- Narrator’s personality: Their traits, background, and worldview
- Point of view: First person, third person limited, or omniscient
- Tone: Serious, humorous, mysterious, etc.
- Language: Matching the narrator’s vocabulary
- Personal opinions: Allow them to share their beliefs and biases
- Consistency: Avoid sudden shifts in tone or perspective
- Target audience: Tailor the voice to suit intended readers
Read books with compelling narrative voices and analyze the techniques used by their authors. For instance, in “The Catcher in the Rye,” the voice of Holden Caulfield, a rebellious and cynical teenager, is iconic for its colloquial language and introspective tone.
9. Enhance with subplots
Real life is multi-dimensional, and the same goes for the lives of your characters. Introducing subplots can add depth to the story, keeping readers hooked.
Take, for instance, a crime thriller where the hero wants to catch a serial killer. In his pursuit, he develops a romance with a fellow detective. This romantic subplot can add an extra layer of tension and emotional investment to the story.
However, don’t overdo the subplots. A forced subplot can disrupt the flow of your story, leaving readers disengaged.
10. Sidestep clichés
Clichés are worn-out phrases, ideas, or characters that have been overused to the point of losing their impact. Nobody wants to read tired tropes about a cop munching on donuts, a mad scientist, or an evil uncle.
Steer clear of worn-out descriptions and overused phrases like “uphill battle,” “better late than never,” etc.
Instead of writing clichéd idioms, engage your readers’ senses through vivid imagery. Infuse originality by taking unique approaches to characterization and plot development.
11. Show, don’t tell
‘Show, don’t tell’ is a writing technique that makes readers experience an event like it’s firsthand.
For example, instead of saying the character is scared, show their racing heartbeat, trembling hands, and cold sweat, to describe the fear.
Another related concept is Ernest Hemingway’s iceberg theory. This technique exploits the power of omitting details, allowing readers to infer deeper meanings.
In “The Old Man and the Sea,” Hemingway subtly reveals Santiago’s resilience, and struggle through vivid descriptions of the physical challenges he faces. The author paints a picture of Santiago’s unwavering determination by comparing his weary body battling against relentless waves.
Use these techniques to allow readers to participate in your story.
12. Employ literary devices
Literary devices are creativity on steroids; they add depth and layers of meaning to words.
Invigorate your prose with literary devices like these:
- Metaphor: Paint vivid pictures by comparing two unrelated things. For example, “Her laughter was a chorus of birdsong.”
- Hyperbole: Exaggerate for emphasis. Like saying, “I’ve told you a million times!”
- Foreshadowing: Hint at future events to create suspense. “Little did she know, her life would change forever.”
- Imagery: Create mental images through sensory details. “The aroma of freshly baked bread transported me back to grandma’s kitchen.”
13. Write fast
Writing fast will not only save time but also enable you to capture your ideas before they slip away.
Try stream-of-consciousness writing, and let unfiltered thoughts flow onto the page, leading to surprising insights and creative breakthroughs. Minimize distractions and find a quiet space to maintain focus.
If you hand-write faster than typing, use a smartpen to capture handwritten notes that can be transferred to digital format.
And remember to write now and edit later. Let your ideas pour out without worrying about perfection.
14. Leverage technology
If you seek superior writing tools beyond Word or Google Docs, specialized novel writing software makes navigation and organization a breeze.
There are several options to cater to every writer’s needs. For instance, Reedsy provides a user-friendly interface; Bibisco offers comprehensive story structuring features; and Scrivener excels in outlining capabilities.
AI can elevate your writing process even further. While it cannot replace the originality of human writing, AI can serve as a valuable tool to augment your creativity.
AI tools offer a wide range of capabilities like suggesting character traits, generating plot ideas, proposing alternative storylines, and more.
15. Beat writer’s block
Self-doubt and writer’s block can hinder even the most seasoned writers. To regain your creative flow, establish a daily writing routine. Choose a time that suits you and commit to writing every day. Don’t wait for inspiration; just write something.
Set a daily word target and don’t stop until you reach it. Push through the challenges.
In Margaret Atwood words,
“A word after a word after a word is power.”
Invest in an ergonomic chair to ensure your writing sessions are comfortable. And, incorporate regular exercises into your routine to keep that back strong.
16. Polish your work
After drafting your manuscript, take a break before revising. Address big-picture issues first, like plot holes, structure, and character inconsistencies.
Then, make multiple editing passes for grammar, typos, and word choice. Although writing software provides built-in editing, standalone tools serve specific purposes.
Some of the popular tools are:
- Grammarly and ProWritingAid: to check grammar and spelling
- Hemingway App: to improve readability and simplify complex sentences
- Turnitin and Copyscape: Plagiarism checkers to ensure originality
Seek feedback from peers or beta readers. Or hire a professional editor for expert guidance. Be open to constructive criticism.
17. Enjoy the ride
Writing shouldn’t feel like a chore. Pushing yourself too hard, without taking breaks can lead to burnout.
Once you’ve met your daily word target, give yourself a well-deserved break. Step away from the screen, stretch your legs, and indulge in joyful activities.
Remember to savor every step along your journey. Enjoy the process and celebrate your accomplishments.
18. Ignore what doesn’t ring true
Writing is a path to self-discovery. Whether you write novels, short stories, or blogs, there’s advice galore for aspiring writers, including this post. But, not every piece of advice will resonate with you — and that’s okay.
Keep iterating, keep experimenting. Embrace what speaks to you, and disregard what doesn’t.
Ultimately, you’ll discover your unique style and authorial voice.
Ready to Put These Novel Writing Tips Into Action?
Bet your enthusiasm is fired up already.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all novel writing formula for success. The key lies in improvising. By minding these novel writing tips, you can craft a story that leaves your readers enthralled until the very last page.
It’s all about taking that first step.
So, grab your tools and gadgets, and write that first page today. It may seem small, but it’s the foundation on which your masterpiece will be built.
You’ve got this!
Deepshikha Arora is a certified content writer, seasoned SEO pro, and lifelong learner. With an extensive background in digital marketing and SaaS, she is adept at crafting content that captures readers’ hearts and catches Google’s attention — read clicks :) She has a track record of driving traffic and audience engagement, and brings a wealth of experience to every word she writes. Get in touch to supercharge your content strategy — https://deepshikha.carrd.co/
