Now What?
During the “Now What?” Months in January and February, we support the revision and publishing process.
It’s an extension of our anything-goes, wombat-infused noveling philosophy, with the added aim of helping you fulfill your novel’s potential: from first draft to final.
Check out additional resources on our blog, or start chatting on the “Now What?” forums now!
Set new goals for your novel.
Use our Goal Trackers to set a creative goal for the beginning of the year, whether you want to keep track of the words added to your draft, or the hours you spend revising.
Track your next creative goal!
Sign our official Revision Promise.
Prepare for your novel at a #NaNoNowWhat event!
To see what time an event starts in your time zone, click into the event, then click “copy to my calendar”.
Webcast: Ask an Editor!
Wednesday, January 31, 4 PM PST
Swoon Reads editors are here to answer your questions about craft and the best ways to revise your most recent project. They’ll share tips and tricks, and all the best ways to make this painful process as painless as possible.
Webcast: Understanding Publishing (with Stephanie Chandler and IngramSpark)
Tuesday, February 13, 4 PM PST
Getting a book published is a top goal for many aspiring writers, but understanding the publishing options can be overwhelming and confusing. In this information-packed session, we will dispel some of the myths you may have heard about publishing and discuss essential facts that every author needs to know before traveling down any publishing path. Author Stephanie Chandler has been both traditionally published and self-published, which gives her a first-hand understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of each. She will share real-world examples and insights to help you make the best choice for your unique goals.
This webcast is sponsored by IngramSpark an award-winning independent publishing platform. IngramSpark offers authors access to the same quality and distribution enjoyed by major traditional publishers and shares your book with 39,000+ retailers and libraries, including Barnes & Noble and indie bookstores, and 70+ major online retailers, including Amazon, Kobo, and Apple iBooks. Upload your print or ebook (or both!) for free with promo code NANO17. This code is also valid for free revisions so you can edit your files in your account free of charge! Code expires 3/31/18.
The Fictionary Finish Your Novel Contest
Submissions accepted January 18—February 18, 2018
You’ve written a first draft. Congrats! Now what? Finish your novel with Fictionary and get published by FriesenPress! Grand Prize is a lifetime Fictionary subscription and a $1999 FriesenPress Publishing Path. Additional Prizes include $200 annual Fictionary subscriptions for 3 lucky writers!
To enter the contest, sign up for a free 10-day Fictionary trial by February 18, 2018, using the code NANO2017. Then upload your 50,000+ word manuscript and start your Fictionary story edit. Winners will be chosen at random in April.
The Fictionary Finish Your Novel Contest Winners Announced.
Pitchapalooza 2018
Submissions accepted February 1—February 28, 2018
Submit a 250-word pitch of your book for the chance to win an introduction to an agent or publisher! Seasoned editors Arielle Eckstut and David Sterry (a.k.a. The Book Doctors) team up with two guest industry insiders to form the judging panel for this annual contest. Whether potential authors pitch themselves, or simply listen to trained professionals critique each presentation, Pitchapaloozas are educational and entertaining for one and all. All attendees come away with concrete advice on how to improve their pitch as well as a greater understanding of the ins and outs of the publishing industry.
Submissions will be accepted from February 1, 2018—February 28, 2018. The winner will be announced in a live webcast on March 15, 2018. Fan favorite voting closes April 1, and the fan favorite will be announced April 2.
Learn more about Pitchapalooza.
Tweet Chat: #NaNoNewLeaf (with New Leaf Literary Agency)
Tuesday, February 6, 10 AM PST
Once again, the folks atNew Leaf Literary Agency are partnering with NaNoWriMo to bring you a tweet chat chock-full of writing, editing, and publishing advice. Take the chance to ask literary agents Kathleen Ortiz and Suzie Townsend your burning questions by following the Twitter hashtag #NaNoNewLeaf.
Use these resources to make a revision and publishing plan.
Need advice, inspiration, or guides to beginning the revision process? Curious about which publishing method could be best for you? Check out these resources.
2017 Video Archives
Ask an Editor — The editors at Swoon Reads — YouTube
How to Successfully Self-Publish — Brooke Warner — YouTube
Our “Now What?” Library
Find a community of writers and critique partners.
As always, there’s no better encouragement than your fellow writers. Meet beta readers and sympathetic ears here:
Swap novels with fellow Wrimos through the “Now What?” forums.
Find a writing group with sponsor Scribophile.
Publish Your NaNoWriMo Book with Free Title Upload to IngramSpark.
