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Sample workbook page from How to Write a Novel Paperback by Joanna Penn
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How to Write a Novel Paperback

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Do you want to write a novel but don't know where to start?

Are you overwhelmed with self-doubt when you try to write?

Have you started lots of stories but never finished one?

This book will help. It's time to break the cycle of unfinished stories.

Paperback edition. Special edition with color title page interior. 302 pages. 5.5 x 8.5 inches.
Click here for ebook, audio and other formats.

Buy on other stores.

I’m Joanna (J.F.) Penn, award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 18 novels and novellas with nearly a million books sold in over one hundred countries.

This book will help you write your first novel, or improve your creative process so you can write more books and reach more readers. It covers mindset, ideas and research, aspects of craft, how to write a first draft, and work through an editing process to a finished book.

If you want to (finally) finish your novel, then buy How to Write a Novel today.


Read sample chapters from this book

The complete book has been published as free chapter excerpts on this site. Read all 38 chapters →

Sample chapters to start with:

See the full chapter list →

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Reviews

★★★★★

This book provides an easy-to-follow blueprint for writing your own book. There is just enough explanation to help the reader organized their own thoughts and ideas without overwhelming them. You can read the book in any order you feel is necessary to pull your own book together in the way that your mind works best. Amazing!

Amazon Customer
5 star Amazon review
★★★★★

Joanna Penn shares so much of her experience while maintaining a tone of positive motivational energy that keeps you focused on pursuing your passion as a writer. I re-read her books often to stay motivated and informed.

kuhl
5 star Amazon review
★★★★★

Really enjoyed this book. I'm currently in the process of writing my first book and I learned plenty of information to help better myself as a writer from this book.

She talks through so much information that works for her and gives links to various writing tools that could help. If you're new to writing, like myself and need help, I highly recommend this book.

Stacie
5 star Amazon review
★★★★★

Joanna Penn shares her substantial breadth of experience and knowledge to help walk authors through writing a novel, from the approach to the planning to the nitty-gritty of drafting and editing. A practical, straightforward, eminently useful guide.

Tiffany Martin
5 star Goodreads review
★★★★★

Extraordinarily well put together. Joanna combines a decade+ of real-world indie author experience & all the advice she's heard from speaking with hundreds of other novelists. If your looking to enhance your writing craft look no further, this book's so incredible that I'm going back now to take notes :)

L.G. Curtis
5 star Goodreads review
  • 5 stars: 14 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
J
J
One of Her Most Helpful

I voraciously read through this book. There is so much good and applicable information and good solid advice that is doable and broken down. If you are lost on how a novel is supposed to come together, this is an invaluable book. Even after reading it cover to cover, I still reference it as I write my own book. It gets you excited to write!

J
J Wilson
Helped me immensely

I've read quite of few in this genre as I've tried to get my first novel finished and this is the best, most complete, and informative of all of them. Add in the plethora of information that she provides on her podcast and you can't go wrong following Joanna Penn wherever she goes!

S
Stacie
Gives plenty of information to help better your writing

Really enjoyed this book. I'm currently in the process of writing my first book and I learned plenty of information to help better myself as a writer from this book. She talks through so much information that works for her and gives links to various writing tools that could help. If you're new to writing, like myself and need help, I highly recommend this book.

A
Avid reader
Informative and fun to read too

Fantastic book for those dipping a toe into writing. This is written in an engaging way - self-deprecating and relatable.

m
mramerica
very nice book

A very well written book from a very honest lady. She provided what was necessary . Thanks a lot .

T
T.J.
I liked this book.

Joanna Penn always organized her book content, so it is easily read and understood. Thanks!

C
Char
Looks promising

This book will assist you on your creative journey

V
Veronica Gilbert
Benefitting from Joanna's experience

Very helpful guidance from a successful author. Joanna's book is well-structured, offering clear, actionable advice illustrated by her own experience and research. Unlike some craft books I have read, Joanna encourages the reader to find the process that works best for them by exploring options and posing application questions. Highly recommended.

P
Polly
Excellent advice

I am working on my first novel, I found this book helpful with lots of practical tips and clear explanations.

N
Noelle Snow
Great alternative to mainstream guidebooks

I’ve read many books on how to write a novel and gleaned lots of good stuff from all of them. But I have a hard time outlining or writing the way many writers teach. Ms. Penn was an excellent alternative. She refers to herself as a “discovery writer” mostly because she’s British, and she does not like the word “pantser” which is distinctly American! Regardless of terminologies, she gave wonderful encouragement in how to write when your creative process is very different from the majority of main stream writers. I found her book encouraging, helpful, insightful, and downright enjoyable to read. She made me want to sit down and write!

a
allthetruth
Helpful and Practical

Very helpful and full of practical advice, busting with insights, wisdom, and her own personal experience and recommendations. I have never written a book, but now have the tools. Thank you.

M
Maggie Miller
Every New Author Needs to Read this Book!

Joann Penn writes this book from her own experience. One thing I like about it is she does NOT say what everyone else is saying. For instance, the new fad is “there is no such thing as writer’s block.” YES there is, they just try to call it something else. In this book she goes from your idea to the publishing of your book and everything in between. There are 5 parts: First Principles - Ideas, Research, Plotting, and Discovery Writing - Aspects of a Novel - Writing the First Draft - The Editing Process. She gives you links to all the tools you will need. The advice given to new authors is just keep writing and fix up whatever mess you made during the editing process. I did that YUK! She offers three solutions - one being doing light editing during the writing process, which I am trying the second time around. Love Joanna Penn. Her books are easy to read and full of valuable information. GET THIS BOOK!

k
kuhl
highly recommend

Joanna Penn shares so much of her experience while maintaining a tone of positive motivational energy that keeps you focused on pursuing your passion as a writer. I re-read her books often to stay motivated and informed.

L
Lisa Mcknett
Well written

So far I am really getting a lot of great information from her book.

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