How to Write a Novel: 47 Rules for Writing a Stupendously Awesome Novel That You Will Love Forever

by Nathan Bransford

The most important thing to know about writing a novel is this: You can do it. And if you've already written one, you can write an even better one. Author and former literary agent Nathan Bransford shares his secrets for creating killer plots, fleshing out your first ideas, crafting compelling characters, and staying sane in the process.

Read the guide that New York Times bestselling author Ransom Riggs called “The best how-to-write-a-novel book I've read.”

MORE PRAISE FOR 'HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL'

"In his 47 brilliant rules, Nathan Bransford has nailed everything I've always wanted to tell people about writing a book but never knew how. Wonderfully thought out with lots of practical examples, this is a must-read for anyone brave enough to try their hand at a novel. It's also a great review for experienced writers. Highly recommended."
- James Dashner, New York Times bestselling author of THE MAZE RUNNER

"Nathan Bransford's primer is full of thoughtful, time-proven advice on how to write a novel. Nathan can sound both like a reassuring friend and a tough, no-nonsense coach. Whatever kind of novel you're writing, Nathan's insights will make you think about your process and help you find your own way to success."
- Jeff Abbott, New York Times bestselling author of DOWNFALL

"Nathan Bransford is sharp, thoughtful, and a must-read for all aspiring authors. His advice is not only funny and insightful, it's essential for writers at any stage in their careers."
- Tahereh Mafi, New York Times bestselling author of SHATTER ME

"Nathan Bransford's book on how to write a novel is smart, generous and funny as hell. Read it. No matter where you are in your writing life, whether you're on your first book or are a grizzled, multi published veteran, you'll find practical advice to help you through the process -- and plenty of wisdom to inspire you along the journey."
- Lisa Brackmann, author of ROCK PAPER TIGER

"Equal parts encouraging and butt-kicking, hilarious and wise, Nathan Bransford's no-nonsense manifesto talks you through the process of getting the book of your dreams out of your head and onto the page. Whether you've been writing for five minutes or fifty years, this is the guide for you."
- Sarah McCarry, author of ALL OUR PRETTY SONGS

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2013

About the author

Nathan Bransford is the author of How to Write a Novel (October, 2013), Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow (Dial, May 2011), Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe (Dial, April 2012) and Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp (Dial, February 2013). He was formerly a literary agent with Curtis Brown Ltd. and is now the director of community and social media at Freelancers Union. He lives in Brooklyn.

Reviews

[L.C. Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful ideas and tips for writers and organized into #49 rules/short chapters.

[Jesse (JesseTheReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in preparation of NaNoWriMo and I found it to be very encouraging and helpful. I'll definitely be using it as a source of motivation throughout the month of November as I work diligently towards writing 50,000 words.

[Rissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this so we shall see if it helps me in the future.

[Beverly Diehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me put this out there first: If you are one of the thousands of people who've been visiting Nathan's blog for the last several years, getting all those free goodies and tips, then if you are a decent human being and not a soul-sucking leech, you need to pony up and buy this book. Even if the book sucked.

But, it DOESN'T suck. Some of it is common sense (you're not going to make mountains of money writing books) and some is practical advice (don't chase trends), and some is kind of a shared spirit of camaraderie. Like: "After all, what is the point of writing a novel if not to settle old grudges by taking veiled swipes at people who've wronged you?"

It covers everything from knowing your genre - and why this is important, to the basics (plot, character, voice). What a killer first page actually means and why many authors get it wrong. Editing and revising. Making backups, on the theory that what if you got robbed on the way back to your apartment which is on fire? Even on getting started again, if life has interfered with your novel for XX days/weeks/months, because that whole "write every day" thing works great for independently wealthy novelists who never, ever get sick or who have friends or family who want attention from time to time.

If you write, some of these things you probably already do right, and some of it... We all need reminders. And easy ways to test if we're doing it right. Those things are included here. I laughed, I nodded my head, I highlighted my copy like a fiend. If you write - even if you are writing a memoir - this book can help you.

[Emily Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guy has the sunniest attitude I've ever encountered from someone in the book business. He offers practical solutions to obstacles and an all around easy, breezy approach to writing a novel. If you've ever contemplated doing it, do it. But pick up this book first.

[Jordan Price]

This book reads more like a series of disconnected blog posts for me--yes, they're ordered logically, but there's not much depth. The advice feels general and basic.

I have a difficult time finding writing advice books I can sink my teeth into. I suspect the best way to go is to have my work critiqued specifically, so that rather than reading "most people should heed this general rule," someone would be offering, "I think I see what you were trying to do here, and it might work better with another approach." That's a lot more difficult to arrange than picking up a book.

[Over · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful, comprehensive, funny, and well written. Thank you 🙂

[Rachel Hatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I get to be the first to review this? Well, I guess it did come out today...

Great, straightforward guide to writing a novel. For those who have read a lot of such books, there is a lot here that is familiar, but some new, fresh takes on novel writing, too. The author's humor helps the medicine go down very nicely, even if it is (probably very intentionally) a bit corny.

I especially appreciated the checklist for when your novel is done...

Now one of these days I'll get around to writing my own book that I (and maybe others too) will love forever.

[Lisa Brackmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is an awesome guide to writing a novel. It's smart, generous and funny as hell, a book about about writing that is actually fun to read. His rules are really descriptions of principles of good writing and of how books are put together, so you'll get a lot out of this book whether you're a plotter or a pantser or however you work. I highly recommend it.

[Hannah Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most practical and enjoyable craft book I've ever read. Written in his typical friendly tone (I'm a long-term blog follower), Nathan Bransford offers situations, advice, and personal writing antidotes which mirrors the contemporary writing life/novel struggle experience that I've found lacking in most other popular writing craft books. This book is chock full with real, concrete advice regarding plot, outlining, pacing, voice, characterization, and revision, among other things, that I can actually apply during the novel-writing process. These chapters are exactly the sort of encouraging and helpful writing content I'm always desperately searching for on the Internet and never finding.

One of the pieces of advice Bransford gives is "befriend writers who have finished a novel . . . get to know some of these people. Lean on them." I think a good place to start is with Bransford himself. This entire book made me feel like a much wiser, more experienced, published author had taken me under his wing and was offering a very compact, thorough, and well-organized summary of his wisdom.

Structured in 47 "rules," or well-linked essays, placed in novel-writing chronological order, it's a book I anticipate will offer gems and enlightenment through several re-reads. I will definitely be returning to certain chapters to serve as creative inspiration when it comes time for revisions post-NaNoWriMo (and other chapters probably when I'm struggling with plot structure and misbehaving characters and procrastination this month, too).

[Davonna Juroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading Nathan Bransford's blog since 2007. His advice and insight on both publishing and writing have influenced important decisions I've made in my career. When I found out that he'd written a non-fiction book on how to write a novel, I nabbed it.

Drawing on his many years of experience as a former literary agent, successful middle grade fiction writer, and social media expert, Nathan bundles his pearls of wisdom in a quick, concise read -- perfect for the two-second world we live in. There really is something for everyone from the newbie to the seasoned vet with practical applications for most all writers' woes.

Probably the best aspect to highlight is Nathan's signature voice and humorous style. This book isn't just informative; it's entertaining. Just like on his blog, Nathan also isn't afraid to tell it like it is. The last chapters discuss the emotional struggles many writers will face during their career along with his advice on how to combat fear and insecurity. Nathan's ability to be vulnerable and straightforward with utmost professionalism elevate this book from the other "how to's" in the pack.

Hopefully Nathan expands this into a series, as there are many topics including querying and navigating the traditional and independent publishing labyrinths that many would find helpful.

In order to have an edge as a fiction writer, studying the craft is imperative. This book helps sharpen your skills. Pick it up and check out his blog if you haven't (http://blog.nathanbransford.com/). You won't be sorry.

[Kourtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Bransford’s How to Write A Novel is one of the best writing books I’ve read. He lays out 47 steps for writing “a stupendously awesome novel that you will love forever”. It will be my writing bible going forward.

Bransford’s writing style makes you feel like he’s your mentor imparting morsels of genius over salted caramel hot chocolate at your favorite Brooklyn coffeehouse.

Right now, I’m in outlining mode. I spend the majority of my time in revision mode, so I was experiencing all the issues associated with drafting. But it felt like Bransford was there to remind me we’d been through this before and we could do it again.

There is something about Bransford’s voice that makes you trust in what he says. Maybe it’s the confidential tone or the way he breaks it down. He doesn’t just tell you what to do, he tells you how to do it. His genuine love of writing shines through and his words got lodged in my brain and sunk deeper than other writing books had.

Every single rule in this book will make you a better writer. I went highlighter crazy on my Kindle. So much brilliance to be absorbed and applied.

This book focuses on drafting but also has a really useful section on revising.

Rule #3 really resonated with me: “Find the writing style that works for you.”

The big takeaway: “There isn’t one way to write a novel. There isn’t a formula...as long as you’re getting words on the page you’re doing fine.”

Thanks Mr. Bransford! This is a book that needed to be written for first time writers and those of us a few books in.

[Tyler Metcalfe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s ok. This is not the nitty gritty on how to write a book, it’s more of a commentary/cheerleading and big picture advice.

If that sounds like what you need, read it. Not really what I was looking for.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Nathan Bransford's humorous voice and the style of this how-to book. Well-written and a perfect companion to NaNoWriMo.

[Olivia Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling: informed. Feeling: inspired.

[Anne Earney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of this material is available on Nathan Bransford's blog, but the book is much more convenient to read, in my opinion. Bransford is a former literary agent who publishes a ton of information to help writers. I find his style of teaching very approachable and helpful. I'm trying to use his plot outline spreadsheet to get the novel I'm working on in order and I definitely think it's helping. Helping me to see what's not working, anyhow. I've got a ways to go. This book covers a wide range of writing topics, from beginning (ideas, style, etc) all the way through editing and querying, and as the title indicates, it's broken down into 47 small sections, so it should be easy to reference in the future. Although they're presented as rules, Bransford isn't super strict about things - they're recommendations, but he's looked at a lot of submissions and has written novels of his own, so he seems to have a pretty good idea what works and what doesn't.

[Kyle Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally bought this book for a friend but it got lost in Christmas a few years ago and I just recently found it. I am currently working on finishing my first novel and I have a hard time reading while writing so I thought I’d try this book for a little help on the process. I found this book to be a fine read for little bits of info that could help a new writer. I am not sure how this will help a well versed writer but it was great for me. I found a few of the bullet points to be helpful and mostly just read it until I had a thought about my book and went back to writing. I would recommend this book to young writers or just newish writers looking to learn a bit here and there.

[Nicholas Galinaitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this guide! Not only helpful but entertaining. I'm writing my own novel and teaching a fiction writing class and some of the tips are truly inspiring and invaluable. For example, imagine your reader is blindfolded and dropped into your novel's world; to do well you have to be able to describe that world as if the reader wasn't blindfolded. Other good tips on dialogue, and character, like the elevator test (imagine being stuck in an elevator with your characters to see if they are interesting or not). Etc. This book is extremely helpful for writers! I am going to tell my writer friends to read this!

[mightazerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this must be the most helpful book you’d find out there about writing an MG or a YA book. it was simple, straightforward and engaging. the practical advice and easy to follow rules are really appealing. nathan sometimes uses his books as a reference but only lightly unlike other books that brags their work. also oh my god the star wars references?! can’t help but love all books that has a random yoda or vader reference casually thrown out there and using it writing books? i don’t want to be dramatic but it’s all i needed!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very grateful I discovered this book by Nathan Bransford. I'm in the process of trying to write a novel and have read several other books that claim to provide guidance in this area and this is by far the best. He simplifies (less is more) and lays out a number of clear markers on how to write better. I'm working on my first novel and just finished the first draft and cannot imagine how much worse it would be if I hadn't had this book to keep me on track and focused on what's important in a novel and what makes it more readable.

[Jan Coad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide & encouragement

I’ve followed Nathan Bransford’s blog for many years and have enjoyed his first page critiques and query letter critiques. I’ve written some terrible novels that are forever in my file cabinet or ready to fuel a bonfire. Nathan’s book helped me get through plot holes & plan for an impactful climax in my WIP. I found his book at just the right time when I really needed this guidance.

[Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book's positivity toward the reader of how you can write a book, which is something I have found other books lacking.

As with any 'rules' around writing, you should take these with a grain of salt, and I like how the author says as much. Still, I think this would be a novel that any new writer would find a comfort to read before beginning their journey, if for no other reason, then to reflect on after they are finished writing their own novel. I give it a three out of five.

[Gary Cupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bransford's, 'How To Write A Novel,' is a great refresher on many essential craft items that sometimes get lost in the words. His chapters on revision were particularly outstanding. The book also offers writers a little applause, much needed when bogged down in chapters of rewriting. Finally, Bransford's use of humor throughout the book is greatly appreciated.

[Jenn Flynn-Shon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical advice with real world experience for new writers

Well written guide from a former agent and current writer. Easy to understand and new or seasoned writers can get a lot out of this book.

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little guidebook. None of the advice was really groundbreaking, but the delivery is so concise and entertaining that it’s easy to remember and take to heart. The rules are still relevant today, I definitely recommend it for any writer looking to hone their craft.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming to a youtube channel near you soon!

[Kaili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read three or four books like this one, but I think this is my favorite. This is a good combination of writing advice, stories, and humor.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with short chapters made it easy to read with a busy schedule. Irreverent writing style adds levity.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like "Save the Cat," this is a reference book that one does not really "finish." Great advice and insight. Extremely glad someone recommended it to me.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource.