How to Write and Prepare a Novel/Book for Publication in 10 Simple Steps

Hey, authors!

Do you have an idea, but are struggling with where to start writing your novel? Have you ever felt that your novel would never be completed? Have you experienced a lack of planning while writing?

If yes. Don’t worry!

I know writing a novel is a long process. It requires time, effort, research, structure and definitely your words. Writers do massive brainstorming to create plots, characters, three-act structure, scenes, and more. It can take weeks or even months to develop.

Many beginner authors believe that their manuscript’s first draft is ready to publish. But, in reality, completing a first draft is only the first step of a publishing journey. Before your book reaches literary agents or publishers, it must undergo final editing, formatting, and rewriting.

A well-written novel can be rejected if it ignores professional industry standards. That’s why in this blog, I’ll share 10 simple steps to prepare a novel for publishing houses. I will discuss the necessary elements for writing a novel, including an idea, genre, theme, brainstorming, a logline/premise, character sketches, plot, a synopsis, industry standards, rewriting, and types of publishing.

So, my author friend. If you feel stuck in your novel writing journey. Don’t miss this blog.

Let’s dive into it.

The Complete Guide to Writing and Preparing a Novel/Book for Publication.

Step 1. Find a Powerful Story Idea and Set Theme, Genre, and Target Audience.

Every story starts with an idea. It is the foundation on which the whole writing journey depends. Finding a worthy idea is a great challenge, but your plot, synopsis, logline, characters, world, and everything depend on it. It should be powerful, personal and engaging to keep the audience engaged till the last chapter.

Also, writers should differentiate which idea is best suited to which writing format (novel, audio or screenplay). An epic idea is not always about a big fantasy world or adventure. It can be a lifelong experience established in a single location.

Your idea can be inspired by external events or personal experiences. It is up to you how you plot your thoughts and serve your audience.

Once you get an idea, set its theme, genre and target audience. It will help you further in your research, brainstorming, plotting, narrating and writing. These are essential elements that clear the path to developing a story. Must work on them before moving to the next step.

Note: If you are struggling to choose an idea and are confused between theme, genre and plot.

You can visit the blog.

Step 2. Brainstorm and Research Thoroughly

Don’t make the mistake of jumping directly into writing your first draft.

Once you get an idea, first relax. Choose a comfortable place to sit. Give yourself some creative freedom. Stop judging yourself for some time.

Take a notebook or digital app to record every research point or idea whenever it strikes.

Start with brainstorming. Write whatever is in your mind. No idea is actually a stupid idea. If it will not work in your present story, then it will work for the next. Every idea has its unique place in some story. Save them for later if it does not work for now.

Do immense brainstorming. Work on each possibility. Create mind maps that will help you connect the points with visual outlines. It will help you discover more depth in plots, characters and worldbuilding. Ultimately, it will increase the credibility of your story.

Then, research to add authenticity. Research is equally important, especially when your novel or book is based on some traditional, technological and local characters. Then every small piece of information matters, like culture, history, economy, technology, worldview, and all.

You can read books, articles, interviews, online resources and more. You can also watch podcasts, interviews, and documentaries for more clarity. If possible, connect with experts in relatable fields.

Always fact-check every detail before including it in your final manuscript. Your readers are already smart, and they can find even a minor mistake in your story. That ultimately affects your credibility as an author.

Note: If brainstorming is puzzling you and you are confused about where and how to start.

You can visit my blog:

Why Brainstorming is Essential Before Writing a Script.

Step 3. Develop a Strong Premise or Logline

John Truby is said in their book, The Anatomy of Story, “You must have a good one-line sentence that is the one decision on which other decisions you make during the writing process.”

“If you fail at the one line, nothing else will work. If a building’s foundation is flawed, no amount of work on the floors above will make the building stable.”

Here, John Truby’s words clearly describe the necessity of a premise or a logline.

A logline and premise are two different terms, but their goals are the same. Give a direction to a story.

Basically, a logline is a term that is mostly used in the screenwriting world. A logline is the most powerful element in writing a story that describes your whole story in just two lines or 50 words. It includes the protagonist, their want, obstacles, stakes, and hook without revealing the end. In fact, most producers or directors make their final decision based on these few words.

A premise is a short summary of your novel’s central concept. It also concludes the story in one or at most two lines. It includes the main character, the conflict and the stakes. The difference between a premise and a logline is that a publisher never demands a premise to make a final decision. It is for the writers to continuously recall what their story is about and the direction they need to go.

Ultimately, both work the same. They clear the journey from beginning to end in a few words. Whether you are an author or a screenwriter, you should work to create a powerful logline/premise.

Once the one- or two-line summary of your book or novel is complete, it will guide you till the final chapter.

Note: If you want to create an impactful logline with all essential elements.

You can visit the blog.

How to Write a Perfect Logline.

Step 4. Build a Believable World

Let’s think about it once.

You have a regional story. For that, you require a regional setup and location, but you set the story in a wealthy background city; will it work?

Definitely no.

The worldbuilding speaks more without dialogue. If your story is a college romance, your college campus setting is a must. If your story is about advanced technology, their world naturally demands a technological setup.

When the background looks natural, the audience feels a personal connection with it. Your setting should feel authentic, real and alive.

While developing the world of your story, don’t forget to work on some factors: geography, history, political systems, cultures, economy, traditions, social issues, language, legal systems, and climate.

These are equally important elements because worldbuilding also affects character sketches. It defines how your character looks, behaves, believes, and acts. If you fail to establish a credible world, your characters and story will start to suffer.

Research well, read more, understand the rules and logistics and create a perfect world. If possible, visit the location, speak with people, or talk with travel guides to gather details. Personal observations and experience become the key to success for writers. It will help to create accurate descriptions that make your setting more believable and help readers connect with the story.

Note: If you want to learn more about worldbuilding. And read about their types and how to apply them in your writing.

You can visit the blog.

How Worldbuilding Shapes Every Story.

Step 5. Build Memorable Characters

Sometimes the audience forgets the plot, but remembers the character. Characters make a story unforgettable. The way they walk, the way they talk, their actions, dialogue, emotions everything becomes memorable if writers finely create a character sketch.

A character sketch is one of the most essential elements while writing a story. Characters act as the driving force. They create emotional connections. Their dialogues people remember through generations. Their actions maintain the pace. Their downfall should feel personal. Their transformation motivates.

A perfect character is not one who has no flaws. But one who transforms themselves with time. And this is called a character arc.

Every character, whether it is primary(protagonist, antagonist), secondary(friends, relationships, etc.) or supporting, is necessary for a story. They have their unique characteristics. And these characteristics depend on the region they live in, the world they grew up in, their traditions, culture, and language. All morals, personalities, wants, values, and beliefs are developed due to these reasons. Their background and backstory also matter.

Writers create proper character sketches with character arcs. Their wants should be clear. Their actions should be neatly defined. Their background and backstory should help to understand them profoundly. Work on their fears, strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, morals, and relationships.

Create a proper character web that will help you visualise how characters connect to each other.

Note: I have shared some blogs below. You can learn deeply about character sketches, essential elements of a protagonist, the psychology of an antagonist, and want.

Step 6. Choose the Right Story Structures

A good story structure always helps make an engaging narrative. It gives more creative freedom to arrange scenes or events in a sequence to serve the audience.

The most commonly used structure is the Three-Act Structure. It is widely used in novels, films, and television because it provides a clear beginning, middle, and end. In this structure, Act 1 is called setup. Act 2 is confrontation, and Act 3 is resolution.

Writers also use more storytelling narratives, following the three-act structure. These narratives are called organic, inorganic, linear and non-linear storytelling.

Organic storytelling is character-driven. In this, the plot grows naturally from the characters’ personalities, emotions, and decisions. Mostly romantic, adventurous, and dramatic stories follow organic structure.

Inorganic storytelling structure is plot-driven. The rest support the plot structure and help it move forward. In this, the author strategically places clues throughout the story to create suspense.

A linear story follows events in chronological order. Readers experience the story exactly as it happens. This is the most common storytelling method.

A non-linear narrative does not follow chronological order. It uses major flashbacks, parallel storylines, or different character perspectives. This technique creates mystery, suspense, and thrill.

There isn’t a single “correct” structure. The best choice depends on your story, genre, and writing style.

Note: Here, I’ve attached some blog links. You can visit them as needed.

Step 7. Start Plotting Your Novel

Start plotting your novel. A plot is a sequence of events that writers organise as per their narrative. Start organising your plot in a logical sequence. Ensure that every piece of information has a purpose in the story. Don’t ignore this step. It is a roadmap that maintains the fluency of the writing process.

You can use flashcards or mind maps to gather the ideas in a frame. Also use suitable writing techniques, including the inciting incident, the architect of his own misery, breadcrumbing, foreshadowing, Save the Cat!, economy of words, domino effect, misdirection, and all. These techniques create a gripping narrative.

As you develop your plot, focus on cause-and-effect storytelling. Every event should happen because of something that came before it. Characters should face conflicts, increase the stakes, learn and transform throughout the narrative. Also, pay attention to pacing. Every chapter should end with a cliffhanger so that readers want to continue.

Note: Here are some blogs for your reference.

Step 8. Write a Brief Synopsis Before Drafting

Now, before jumping into your first draft, create a brief synopsis. A synopsis is a concise summary of a story that outlines the main plot, conflicts and ending. It gives a complete direction to a story.

A synopsis also becomes an essential document when submitting your manuscript to literary agents, publishers, and writing competitions. They demand a 1500- 2000-word synopsis.

Writers should create a synopsis with a proper beginning, middle and end. Add each element of your story into it. Define each plot, character, and scene. A complete synopsis surely makes your drafting journey easier.

If you ignore it and dive directly into your first draft, maybe you save time for now, but you will welcome countless hours of rewriting later.

A synopsis is essential because it clearly establishes a complete picture of your story. Anything you miss before can easily be covered here. In fact, you get a clear idea about the pacing, subplotting, character arcs, character web, and fluency of events.

This version gives publishers and editors a deeper understanding of your novel’s structure and character development.

Note: If you are struggling to create a synopsis and are confused about what to add and what not to.

You can visit my blog. Here you will know everything about a professional synopsis.

How to Craft a Professional Synopsis.

Step 9. Format Your Manuscript and Write the First Draft

Once you have created a complete synopsis, you are ready to write your first draft. Let’s transform your planning into a complete manuscript.

Start with professional manuscript formatting. Publishers and agents demand a neat and formatted manuscript. It is easy to read and also increases an author’s credibility in the industry.

Remember some major points for English-language manuscripts.

Use font Times New Roman.
Font size: 12-point.
Set one-inch margins on all sides.
Use double line spacing to provide room for editorial comments.
Indent the first line of each paragraph (except after chapter titles or scene breaks), and align the text to the left.
Your chapter headings should be clear and consistent. Start each chapter on a new page and use simple titles such as Chapter 1, Chapter 2, or chapter names.
Add page numbers in the header or footer, along with your name and the book title if required by submission guidelines.
Save your manuscript in widely accepted file formats such as DOCX.

With your document ready, begin writing your first draft, called the vomit draft. The goal of this stage is not perfection; it’s completion. Write freely without worrying about grammar, spelling, dialogue, or scenes. Don’t try to edit paragraphs while writing. It interrupts creativity and slows your progress.

Remember, “You can’t edit a blank page.”

Once you’ve completed the draft, you’ll have a foundation to revise, refine, and transform into a polished, publishable book.

Note: Here are some blogs to make your writing journey easier.

Also, you will find a brief about the documents publishers usually demand before submitting the final manuscript. The first point holds the information.

Step 10. Revise, Rewrite, and Edit Your Novel

Your first draft is not the final draft. Relax for a week or two and then edit your manuscript. You already achieved a milestone. Now it’s time to revise, rewrite and edit your words.

Even big authors and novelists follow rewriting. They know many wonderful ideas come during the process. Also, unnecessary information/scenes/dialogue can be removed only through rewriting.

Rewriting is not a single edit process. Even successful authors rewrite multiple times to strengthen their plot, characters, and language and remove grammatical errors. It is a very layered process that needs time and effort.

Don’t be afraid of rewriting. It ultimately improves the fluency of your words and credibility of your novel or book. In fact, rewrite the whole chapter if needed.

Edit line-by-line. If your manuscript shows silly grammatical, punctuation or simple dialogue writing errors, it can become a red flag. Keep the sentences tight. Avoid overinformation and misinformation. Stay consistent with your tone and writing style. The goal is to make every sentence clear, engaging, and enjoyable to read.

You can also hire a professional editor for a final check.

Note: Some useful blogs for you.

Bonus Point.

Choose the Best Publishing Path

After months of planning, writing, editing, and polishing, your novel/book is finally ready for publication. The final step is choosing the publishing path that aligns with your goals, budget, timeline, and career.

Today, authors have three primary publishing options: Traditional Publishing, Self-Publishing, and Hybrid Publishing.

Each offers unique advantages and challenges, so it’s important to understand how they differ before making your decision.

For that, you can visit my blog, Which Publishing Path is Right For You? Traditional, Partnered or Self-Publishing.

Final Words

I know this is the era of AI, and AI can write a book in just a few hours. But it will definitely not be reliable. Artificial intelligence is still not perfect and cannot edit like human minds.

Only human writing can connect with people because it is full of emotion, empathy and experience. I can understand that writing a novel or a book demands time, and it is not easy to take out in this fast world. But if your words are your power, don’t spoil it with the use of AI.

Finely researched, human-written content shows authenticity. Its credibility is much higher than AI-generated text. Don’t spoil your real tone by adding machine language to it. It will ultimately harm you.

Stay real. Write what you feel and what is fact. Make rewriting your habit. Believe in your words and in yourself.