How to Write a Bestselling Novel from Scratch

Writing a bestselling novel is a dream for many aspiring authors. It’s the ultimate goal, the pinnacle of success in the literary world. But where do you start? How do you take a blank page and turn it into a story that will captivate readers and keep them hooked until the very last page?

The first step in writing a bestselling novel is to come up with a compelling idea. This is the foundation of your story, the seed from which everything else will grow. It could be a character, a setting, a theme, or a plot twist. Whatever it is, it needs to be something that grabs your readers’ attention and makes them want to know more.

Once you have your idea, it’s time to start developing your characters. Your protagonist is the heart of your story, the character that your readers will root for and invest in emotionally. They need to be relatable, with flaws and strengths that make them feel like real people. Your antagonist, on the other hand, is the character that stands in the way of your protagonist’s goals. They should be just as well-developed and complex as your protagonist, with their own motivations and desires.

With your characters in place, it’s time to start outlining your plot. This is where you map out the major events and turning points of your story. Your plot should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each scene and chapter building on the one before it. Think about the conflicts and obstacles your protagonist will face, and how they will grow and change over the course of the story.

As you start writing, remember that the first draft is just that – a draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay to make mistakes. The most important thing is to get your ideas down on paper and keep moving forward. You can always go back and revise later.

Another key aspect of writing a bestselling novel is creating a strong sense of place. Your setting should be vivid and immersive, a world that your readers can step into and experience alongside your characters. Whether it’s a small town, a bustling city, or a fantastical realm, the details you include will help bring your story to life.

Finally, don’t forget about the importance of editing and revising. This is where you polish your story, tightening up the plot, refining your characters, and perfecting your prose. It can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it’s essential for creating a novel that is truly ready for publication.

In conclusion, writing a bestselling novel is a journey that requires dedication, creativity, and perseverance. But with the right approach and a lot of hard work, you can create a story that resonates with readers and stands the test of time. So, grab your pen and paper (or your laptop) and get started on your journey to becoming a bestselling author!

1. Find Your Idea

Every great novel starts with a great idea. Take some time to brainstorm and explore different concepts and themes that interest you. Think about what makes a story unique and what would make readers want to keep turning the pages. Your idea should be something that excites you and has the potential to captivate others.

Once you have your idea, spend some time developing it. Create a plot outline, flesh out your characters, and consider the setting and time period. The more you know about your story before you start writing, the easier it will be to bring it to life.

As you develop your idea, consider the genre of your novel. Is it a romance, a mystery, a science fiction, or a fantasy? Each genre has its own conventions and expectations, so it’s important to understand the genre you’re working in. This will help you shape your story and appeal to readers who enjoy that particular genre.

Additionally, think about the themes and messages you want to explore in your novel. What do you want to say to your readers? What ideas or issues do you want to address? By having a clear understanding of the themes and messages you want to convey, you can ensure that your novel has depth and meaning.

Furthermore, consider the target audience for your novel. Are you writing for young adults, middle-grade readers, or adults? Understanding your target audience will help you tailor your writing style and content to meet their needs and expectations.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild and think outside the box. The most memorable novels often push boundaries and challenge conventions. So, be bold and take risks with your idea. This will not only make your novel more exciting and engaging but also set it apart from others in the market.

2. Plan Your Story

Before you start writing, it’s important to have a plan. This will help you stay organized and ensure that your story flows smoothly. Start by creating a detailed outline that includes the major plot points, character arcs, and any important scenes or events.

Consider the structure of your novel. Will it follow a traditional three-act structure, or will you take a more unconventional approach? Think about how you want to pace your story and where you want to place key moments of tension and conflict.

Remember, your plan is not set in stone. As you write, you may discover new ideas or directions for your story. Be open to making changes and adjustments along the way.

When planning your story, it’s also important to consider the genre and target audience. Different genres have different conventions and expectations, so it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the tropes and themes commonly found in your chosen genre. This will help you craft a story that resonates with readers and meets their expectations.

Additionally, think about the themes and messages you want to explore in your story. What do you want your readers to take away from it? Are there any underlying social or moral issues you want to address? Understanding the deeper layers of your story will give it more depth and meaning.

Another aspect to consider when planning your story is the setting. Where and when does your story take place? Is it set in a real-world location or a fictional one? The setting can greatly influence the tone and atmosphere of your story, so take the time to research and develop it in detail.

Furthermore, don’t forget to flesh out your characters. They are the heart and soul of your story, so it’s important to give them depth and complexity. Consider their backgrounds, motivations, and conflicts. What are their strengths and weaknesses? How do they change and grow throughout the story? Developing well-rounded characters will make your story more engaging and relatable.

Lastly, when planning your story, it can be helpful to create a timeline or a chronology of events. This will ensure that the timing and sequence of events make sense and are consistent throughout your narrative. It will also help you keep track of any important deadlines or time-sensitive plot points.

Remember, planning your story is an essential step in the writing process. It lays the foundation for a well-structured and coherent narrative. So take the time to brainstorm, outline, and develop your ideas before diving into the actual writing. Your future self will thank you for it.

3. Develop Memorable Characters

One of the keys to writing a bestselling novel is creating memorable and relatable characters. Your readers should feel invested in your characters and care about what happens to them.

Take the time to develop your main characters, giving them unique personalities, motivations, and backstories. Think about their strengths and weaknesses, their desires and fears. The more depth and complexity you give your characters, the more engaging they will be to readers.

Don’t forget about your supporting characters as well. Even minor characters should have distinct personalities and roles within the story. They can add depth and richness to the overall narrative, providing different perspectives and driving the plot forward.

Consider creating a character profile for each of your main and supporting characters. Include details such as their physical appearance, age, occupation, and relationships. Explore their past experiences, traumas, and achievements that have shaped them into who they are in the present. This will help you understand their motivations and behaviors, allowing you to write them more convincingly.

In addition to their internal characteristics, think about how your characters interact with the world around them. What are their hobbies, interests, and quirks? How do they speak and move? These external aspects can further distinguish your characters and make them more memorable to readers.

Furthermore, consider the relationships between your characters. Are there conflicts, alliances, or romances? How do these relationships evolve throughout the story? Developing compelling dynamics between characters can add tension and emotional depth to your narrative.

Remember, the key to creating memorable characters is to make them feel real and relatable. They should have flaws and vulnerabilities, as well as strengths and aspirations. Allow your readers to connect with your characters on an emotional level, and they will be more likely to become invested in your story.

4. Set the Scene

The setting of your novel is like a character in itself. It helps to create the atmosphere and immerse readers in your story. Whether your novel takes place in a small town, a bustling city, or a fantastical world, make sure to describe the setting in vivid detail.

Use all the senses to bring your setting to life. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and even the tastes and textures. This will help readers feel like they are right there with your characters, experiencing the world you’ve created.

Imagine a small town nestled in the heart of the countryside. The air is crisp and clean, carrying with it the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers. The cobblestone streets wind their way through the town, lined with quaint cottages painted in pastel hues. The sound of children’s laughter echoes through the narrow alleys as they play hopscotch and chase after each other.
As you walk down the main street, you can’t help but be drawn to the bustling market square. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, mingling with the rich scent of spices from the nearby food stalls. The vendors call out their wares, enticing passersby with their colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts.
Beyond the town lies a vast expanse of rolling hills and lush green fields. The sound of birdsong fills the air, accompanied by the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. As you venture further into the countryside, you come across a babbling brook, its crystal-clear waters inviting you to dip your toes in. The taste of the cool water is refreshing, and you can’t help but marvel at the smooth pebbles beneath your feet.
In the distance, you catch a glimpse of a towering mountain range, its peaks reaching towards the sky. The sight is awe-inspiring, and you can almost feel the chill in the air as you imagine the snow-capped summits. The sound of a waterfall cascading down the mountainside reaches your ears, and you can’t help but be captivated by the sheer beauty of the natural world.
This is just a glimpse of the setting in your novel. By using vivid descriptions and engaging the senses, you can transport your readers to a world that feels real and tangible. Whether it’s a small town, a bustling city, or a fantastical world, make sure to bring your setting to life and immerse your readers in the world you’ve created.

5. Write Engaging Dialogue

Dialogue is an important tool for revealing character and advancing the plot. Good dialogue should sound natural and reveal information about the characters and their relationships. It should create a sense of authenticity, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the conversation and feel like they are eavesdropping on real people.

When writing dialogue, pay attention to the rhythm and flow of the conversation. Think about how people actually speak, with pauses, interruptions, and changes in tone. This will help you create dialogue that feels dynamic and realistic. Consider the characters’ personalities and backgrounds, and let their unique voices shine through their words.

One way to add variety to your dialogue is by using tags and action beats. These can help break up the dialogue and provide visual cues to the reader. For example, instead of using a dialogue tag like “he said,” you could have a character take a sip of their coffee or nervously tap their fingers on the table. These small actions can add depth to the scene and give the reader a better sense of the characters’ emotions.

However, it’s important to avoid excessive dialogue tags. While it’s necessary to attribute dialogue to specific characters, using too many tags can become distracting and disrupt the flow of the conversation. Instead, rely on the context and the characters’ unique voices to guide the reader.

Another tip for writing engaging dialogue is to read it out loud. This will help you hear how the conversation sounds and identify any awkward or unrealistic lines. Pay attention to the cadence and rhythm of the dialogue, and make adjustments as needed. Reading it aloud can also help you spot any inconsistencies in the characters’ voices or any information that feels forced or out of place.

Remember, dialogue is not just a means of conveying information. It is an opportunity to bring your characters to life and deepen their relationships. By writing engaging dialogue, you can create scenes that are not only informative but also entertaining and captivating for your readers.

6. Create Tension and Conflict

A bestselling novel needs tension and conflict to keep readers hooked. Think about the obstacles and challenges your characters will face throughout the story. This could be external conflicts, such as a villain or a natural disaster, or internal conflicts, such as a character’s inner struggles or conflicting desires.

Build suspense by creating moments of uncertainty and raising questions in the reader’s mind. Keep the story moving forward by constantly introducing new obstacles and raising the stakes for your characters.

One way to create tension is by developing complex relationships between your characters. Explore the dynamics between them and introduce conflicts that arise from their interactions. This could be a love triangle, a betrayal by a trusted friend, or a clash of ideologies.

Another effective technique is to use foreshadowing to hint at future conflicts and build anticipation. Drop subtle hints or clues throughout the story that something big is about to happen, leaving the readers on the edge of their seats.

Additionally, consider using pacing to enhance the tension in your story. Alternate between fast-paced, action-packed scenes and slower, introspective moments. This will create a rollercoaster effect, keeping readers engaged and eager to know what happens next.

Furthermore, don’t be afraid to put your characters in difficult situations and make them face tough decisions. This will not only increase the tension but also allow for character development and growth. As they navigate through these challenges, readers will become emotionally invested in their journey.

Lastly, remember that conflict doesn’t always have to be resolved immediately. Leaving some conflicts unresolved or introducing new ones towards the end of the story can create a sense of anticipation and leave readers wanting more. This can set the stage for a sequel or leave room for readers to imagine their own conclusions.

7. Edit and Revise

Once you’ve finished writing your first draft, the real work begins. Editing and revising are crucial steps in the writing process that will help you polish your novel and make it the best it can be.

Start by reviewing the structure and pacing of your story. Look for any plot holes or inconsistencies and make sure the story flows smoothly from beginning to end. Consider the overall arc of your narrative and evaluate if it effectively engages the reader and satisfies their expectations. Analyze the placement of key plot points and character development moments to ensure they are strategically positioned for maximum impact.

Next, focus on the language and style of your writing. Look for areas where you can tighten your prose, eliminate unnecessary words or phrases, and improve the clarity of your sentences. Consider the tone and voice of your writing and ensure they align with the genre and intended audience of your novel. Pay attention to the use of figurative language, such as metaphors or similes, and evaluate if they enhance the reader’s understanding and immersion in the story.

Furthermore, delve into the characterization and dialogue of your novel. Assess the consistency and depth of your characters, ensuring their actions and motivations are believable and well-developed. Evaluate the authenticity and impact of their dialogue, making sure it reveals their personalities and advances the plot. Consider the balance between dialogue and narrative, ensuring they complement each other and maintain a strong narrative flow.

Finally, pay attention to the details. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure your formatting is consistent throughout the novel. Proofread meticulously to catch any typos or punctuation mistakes that may have slipped through the cracks. Consider the visual presentation of your novel, including font choice, paragraph spacing, and chapter headings, to ensure a professional and visually appealing final product.