Nathan Bransford | Writing, Book Editing, Publishing

Helping authors achieve their dreams

My guide to writing a novel

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Cover of the writing guide "How to Write a Novel" 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. My guide to writing a novel has all my secrets for creating killer plots, fleshing out your first ideas, crafting compelling characters, and staying sane in the process.

I’m extremely psyched that New York Times bestselling author Ransom Riggs said this is “The best how-to-write-a-novel book I’ve read.”

Order now!

Ebook:

Paperback:

Audiobook:

Praise for my guide to writing a novel

In case you don’t take my word on this one:

“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

Thanks so much to Christine Pride and Bryan Russell for their astute editing, Mari Sheibley for the cover design, and D. Robert Pease for the interior formatting.

Most importantly, thanks to all of you for reading and commenting on this blog and making this whole thing possible and so much fun. You guys are the best. I couldn’t have created this guide to writing a novel without you.

Woohoo!

Need help with your book? I’m available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and coaching!

For my best advice, check out my online classes, my guide to writing a novel, and my guide to publishing a book.

And if you like this post: subscribe to my newsletter!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. Marc says

    I know your post says "soon", but do you have any idea when the print version is expected? I am excited to purchase! 🙂

  5. Anonymous says

    Well done Nathan, prefer the hard copy, but have ample references until then on the blog. Congratulations can't wait to buy it.

  11. Jaimie says

    Just in time for NaNoWriMo!

    Who knew all those years ago when you were starting those ebook polls you'd be releasing a book exclusively digital first.

    And thanks for the reasonable price. Big publishers, yugh.

  17. Anonymous says

    Actually, Nathan, I've been reading your blog for several years now, from even before the Gordon Jerome escapades, remember that?

    I have made great use of your how-to advice all this time, created a file called the NB Test and went through planning a novel way back when. But it's awesome to see it collected in one place like this. Definitely getting a copy. I imagine there's new stuff that will prove valuable.

    Congratulations and good luck with it.

    Armando

  21. Backfence says

    I know it will be chock full of useful advice, as is your blog, which has been indispensable to me for years now. I look forward to starting in on my new book tonight on my Kindle.

  23. Gretchen says

    Sweet!! I am so stoked for this! Thank you so much, Nathan, for all the advice and inspiration over the years. You are such an asset to the writing community.

  25. wendy says

    Just grabbed an ecopy from Smashwords and had a browse through. If I don't finish several wips and get them out there, now, before the end of the world, I'll be shocked. Watch out world!

    Thanks for this encouragement and advice, Nathan.

  29. Mira says

    Congratulations, Nathan! What an accomplishment! I'm so happy that you are now both a fiction AND a non-fiction writer. That's awesome and impressive! 🙂

  33. Carolynnwith2Ns says

    Well Nathan, I bought the book yesterday at 9:30am. By last night you convinced me that first person would not fly for my third novel. I'm a hundred pages in and wondering why it just didn't feel right.
    This morning I dove in and you are correct. Third person it is for my third book. I'm on it and will keep you posted.
    BTW if this thing goes all the way you're in the acknowledgements.

    • Emily Adams says

      Dear Nathan would you like to publish my none fiction book about my life about being a potter for making different shapes out of clay and selling the none fiction potter book out of the book store please write me back on my tablet soon Emily Adams.

  35. Neil Larkins says

    Amazing book! Amazing you, Nathan! Recommending it to everyone I've ever known who has written or contemplated writing. I am not worthy!

  37. thewriteedge says

    When does the hard copy come out? I definitely want it, but I would like the hard copy so I can make notes, highlight, etc. in the pages. Can't wait!!!

  39. Kevin Ott (www.kevinott.net) says

    Just bought it, Nathan. Very excited to read it. By the way, your years of blogging helped me finally land a literary agent. I could not have done it without you, frankly. Thank you for all that you do to help writers!

  44. Nicole DiGiacomo says

    After begging my husband for years to write a book, he’s finally doing it! I heard you were the guy to see about this and I just bought your book. I am really excited for him and thank you for helping people that don’t know where to start. I hope your book does well sir!

  46. Dave Cantrell says

    I just want to thank you for your book. I think every rule has value, but the most important thing I picked up was to just stop fussing and start writing. I'm new to writing but with your good counsel I've got 170 pages behind me and having a ball at the same time.

  47. Mike Shaw says

    Sorry to be the 48th comment. Just finished the book and loved it, and it has kept me going on my novel and set me in the right direction in 47 glorious ways. Much appreciated.
    -Mike

  48. Roger Raffee says

    Hello Nathan,

    When you are reviewing books again, would you be interested in reviewing my book, Devil Out Of Texas ?

    https://www.amazon.com/Devil-Out-Texas-Roger-Raffee-ebook/dp/B01L6O9X8I/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472555961&sr=1-1&keywords=devil+out+of+texas

    I just posted it for sale as an ebook in Amazon. Please let me know what I need to do or send you in order to have it reviewed. It's 449 pages.

    Here is the brief synopsis I posted with the book:

    In the summer of 1973, a fourteen year old kid spends time with his grandfather and his friends, George Burns, Jack Benny, Georgie Jessel, and others, as they play cards at the Hillcrest Country Club near Beverly Hills, California. He later sits down to listen as his grandfather tells him the action-packed tale of his great-grandfather, the first Jewish Texas Ranger, and how his grandfather came to Hollywood to become one of the pioneers of the movie industry.
    The young man learns about how his grandfather came to be friends with the early stars of the silver screen, like Tom Mix, William S. Hart, Lionel Barrymore, and Doug Fairbanks, and his grandfather's association with the great Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa, the famous lawman Wyatt Earp, and other fascinating characters.

    Thank you,

    -Roger Raffee