How to Write a Novel: 49 Rules for Writing a Stupendously Awesome Novel That You Will Love Forever

by Nathan Bransford

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

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.

MORE PRAISE FOR 'HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL

"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

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2019

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

[Josh Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and informative book about the novel writing process. Much of what is shared comes from insight into what agents are looking for as well as experience of getting his own novel published.

Bransford injects humor throughout his book that makes the book easy and enjoyable to read. Definitely a quick read which had me walking away feeling more confident in my own ability to write a novel.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and not just for beginners. Much of the advice given will be appreciated by those with a good amount of writing under their belts. I read a lot of writing books and I find that even a beginner book can be very useful for the way it explains certain concepts. Sometimes polished and successful authors are not the best at explaining what they do, or what you should do. Bransford's voice is engaging and entertaining.

[Ç A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for self editing your book

I finished my first novel but didn’t know where to start after that. This book gave me what I needed to go back and edit things like writing in the third person and the overall things to keep in mind while I move forward editing and revising my book.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take what works for you, and leave what doesn't. This book has some useful tips and is an encouraging and fun read. I'm not a writer, but I've got a story in my head that needs to be written, so I'm working on it. Obviously, if someone is an expert, this might not be the book for them.

[Jane Nash · Rating 1 out of 5]

waste of money

[Caitlin Decatur]

Well, I'm trying his method now.

[Shenoa Carroll-Bradd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd recommend this to anyone who dreams of writing a book. It covers all the bases, and does so in a friendly, accessible way.

[Serenity Bohon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This updated version is still the book I'll recommend to anyone who wants to write a novel. It has all the elements plus the perfect tone (realistic yet positive). How-to-format-a-story books get paralyzing for me after a while, but this one never will. It's an actual checklist...does your MS have this, this, and this? You'll know how to begin, how to get unstuck, and when you're done; but, you also get to write when and how you want and tell the story you want to tell.

[Tyler Metcalfe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

This was a seemingly light read. It seems padded, but I don’t mean that in too bad of a way.

The author has a great voice that rings out throughout this book, but most of the rules seem to be obvious things. This is not really that much help in writing a book other than cheerleading IMO.

The last few chapters about editing and getting feedback I felt were some of the strongest.

Maybe I didn’t get what the book was about well enough, but this is how to write a novel in a big picture way. This does not get into many fine details.