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Finishing Your Novel: 10 Tips to Finally Get to "The End"
For countless aspiring writers, the digital graveyard of their hard drive is littered with the ghosts of unfinished stories. Starting a novel is an act of inspiration, but finishing your novel is an act of pure, unglamorous determination. The middle of a book—often called the “sagging middle”—is where the initial excitement fades and the hard work of building a narrative sets in. This is where most writers quit.
But you don’t have to. The ability to finish a novel is not a matter of talent or genius; it’s a matter of strategy and habit. This guide will provide you with 10 practical, actionable tips to help you push through the resistance, overcome writer’s block, and finally type those two beautiful words: “The End.”
Key Takeaways & Summary
- Finishing is a Skill, Not Magic: The ability to finish a novel is a learned skill based on discipline and strategy, not just creative inspiration.
- Perfectionism is the Enemy: The single biggest obstacle to finishing is the desire to get it “right” on the first try. You must give yourself permission to write a messy first draft.
- Small, Consistent Efforts Win the Race: A small, daily writing habit is infinitely more powerful than waiting for large, infrequent bursts of inspiration.
- The Goal is a Finished Draft, Not a Perfect Book: Your only job is to get to the end of the story. The magic happens in the revision.
10 Practical Tips for Finishing Your Novel
1. Give Yourself Permission to Write Badly
This is the most liberating advice you will ever receive. Embrace the concept of the “shitty first draft,” a term coined by author Anne Lamott. The first draft is not meant to be good. It is a place for you to make mistakes and figure out your story. You can’t edit a blank page.
2. Set a Tiny, Non-Intimidating Daily Goal
A massive goal like “write a novel” is paralyzing. A tiny goal like “write 250 words today” is achievable.
The Power of Habit: A small, consistent daily habit will finish a novel faster than any all-night writing binge. This principle of “atomic habits” is a powerful tool for any long-term project.
3. Know Your Ending
You don’t need a detailed, 50-page outline, but you need a destination. Knowing what your climax and final scene are will give you a “north star” to write toward, which is invaluable when you get lost in the middle of your story.
4. Schedule Your Writing Time
Treat your writing like a job. Put it on your calendar. Whether it’s 30 minutes before the kids wake up or an hour after work, make it a non-negotiable appointment.
5. Find External Accountability
Tell someone your goal. Find a writing buddy and agree to exchange word counts at the end of each week. Join an online writing community or a group like National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). This external pressure can be a powerful motivator.
6. Don’t Look Back
Resist the urge to constantly reread and tweak your opening chapters. This is a form of procrastination disguised as productivity. Your job is to move forward. Keep your eyes on the end of the book.
7. Use Placeholders (“TK”)
If you get stuck on a detail—the name of a town, a piece of research—don’t stop. Just type “TK” (a journalism term for “to come”) and keep writing. You can fix it later. The goal is momentum.
8. Write the Fun Parts First
If you’re dreading a particular chapter, skip it. Jump ahead and write the exciting scene you can’t wait to get to. You can fill in the gaps later.
9. Re-Read Your Favorite Scene
If you’re feeling uninspired, go back and read the one chapter or scene you’ve written that you are truly proud of. This can remind you that you can write and reignite your passion for the project.
10. Get Professional Support
Sometimes, the best way to finish is to bring in a partner. A book coach can provide the structure and accountability you need. Or, if your time is the biggest obstacle, our novel writing services can pair you with a professional writer to get the manuscript finished for you.
Finishing your novel is the first step. The next is revising your novel with the help of our professional book editing services.
Short FAQ
Q: What is the “sagging middle”?
A: The “sagging middle” is a common term for the long stretch of Act II where the initial excitement has worn off, and the plot can feel like it’s losing steam. This is the most common place for writers to give up.
Q: What if I hate my story halfway through?
A: This is a very common feeling. It often means you’ve lost the thread of the core conflict. Try to push through to the end of the draft. Often, the passion can be rediscovered during the revision process when you start to see the story’s true potential.
Q: Is it okay to take a break?
A: Yes, but be careful. A short, intentional break of a week or two can be refreshing. A long, indefinite break is often the death of a manuscript. It’s usually better to lower your daily goal than to stop completely.
