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NaNoWriMo Prep: Your 10-Step Checklist for a Successful November
Every November, hundreds of thousands of writers around the world embark on a wild, caffeinated, and incredibly rewarding creative journey: National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo. The goal is audacious: to write a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days. But the secret to a successful NaNoWriMo is not what you do on November 1st; it’s what you do in the weeks leading up to it.
Successful “Wrimos” know that NaNoWriMo prep is the key to victory. October, affectionately known as “Preptober,” is the time to build your story’s foundation, clear your schedule, and prepare your tools. This 10-step checklist will guide you through everything you need to do to hit the ground running.
Key Takeaways & Summary
- Preparation is Key to Winning: A successful NaNoWriMo is won in October. “Preptober” is the time to plan your novel and your life for the month ahead.
- The Goal is 50,000 Words, Not a Perfect Novel: NaNoWriMo is about finishing a first draft. It’s an exercise in creative abandon, not perfectionism.
- A Little Planning Goes a Long Way: Even if you’re a “pantser” (a writer who doesn’t outline), doing some basic prep work on your core idea and characters will be a lifesaver in week three.
- It’s a Community Event: One of the best parts of NaNoWriMo is the global community. Get connected!
Your 10-Step NaNoWriMo Prep Checklist
1. Announce Your Intention (and Find Your Community)
Go to the official NaNoWriMo website and officially declare your project. This simple act of commitment is a powerful motivator. Find your local region’s forum and connect with other writers in your area.
2. Develop Your Core Novel Idea
You don’t need a full plot, but you need a spark.
The “What If” Question: What is the central premise of your story?
The Logline: Try to distill your idea into a single, compelling sentence. (e.g., “A timid librarian must team up with a roguish space pirate to find a legendary book that holds the key to saving the galaxy.”)
3. Get to Know Your Protagonist
Your protagonist will be your companion for 30 intense days. You need to know what they want more than anything.
What is their goal (the external plot)?
What is their flaw or “the lie they believe” (the internal character arc)?
4. Create a “Bare Bones” Outline
Even for pantsers, this is a lifesaver.
Know your three main plot points: the Inciting Incident (what kicks off the story), the Midpoint (a major turning point), and the Climax/Ending. Having these signposts will keep you from getting lost.
5. Do Your Essential World-Building or Research
If you’re writing fantasy or sci-fi, do your basic world-building. If you’re writing historical fiction, do your essential historical research. Gather the key details you’ll need so you don’t have to stop and research in the middle of a writing sprint.
6. Choose Your Writing Tools
Decide what software you’ll be using. Will it be Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or a dedicated novel-writing program like Scrivener? Get it set up and ready to go.
7. Prepare Your Life for November
Writing 1,667 words every day is a huge time commitment.
Clear Your Schedule: Say “no” to extra commitments in November.
Meal Prep: Cook and freeze some meals in advance.
Talk to Your Family: Let your loved ones know that you will be less available and ask for their support.
8. Build Your Support System
You can’t do it alone.
Find an Accountability Partner: Find a fellow Wrimo and agree to check in with each other daily.
Attend a Write-In: Look for virtual or in-person “write-ins” in your local NaNoWriMo region.
9. Create a “Writer’s Emergency Pack”
Prepare a playlist, a folder of inspirational images, or a list of writing prompts that you can turn to when you get stuck.
10. Give Yourself Permission to Write Badly
This is the most important prep of all. NaNoWriMo is about quantity, not quality. It’s about finishing a messy, glorious, and complete first draft. The magic of revision comes in December. And when it does, our book editing services will be there to help you polish your new novel.
If the idea of writing 50,000 words in a month is still too daunting, our novel writing services can help you get that first draft done on a professional timeline.
Short FAQ
Q: Do I have to write exactly 50,000 words?
A: 50,000 words is the official “winning” goal of NaNoWriMo, as it is the standard length for a shorter novel. However, any progress you make is a victory. The true goal is to build a consistent writing habit.
Q: What if I don’t finish? Have I failed?
A: Absolutely not. If you write more than you would have otherwise, you have succeeded. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to encourage creativity and discipline. Any words on the page are a win.
Q: Can I edit as I go?
A: It is highly discouraged. The motto of NaNoWriMo is “No plot? No problem.” The spirit of the event is to silence your inner editor and just write. Editing is for December.
