Why Most First-Time Novelists Quit and How You Can Finally Finish Your Book

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Why Most First-Time Novelists Never Finish, And How to Make Sure You Do

Every year, millions of people start writing a novel. Coffee shop notebooks fill with opening chapters, laptops are littered with half-finished drafts and writers’ forums swell with ambitious goals. Yet, if you talk to editors, agents or writing coaches like myself, the same feedback pops up: most first-time novelists never finish.

Why? Writing a novel is thrilling at the start but daunting in the long run. The road from inspiration to The End is full of pitfalls. If you’ve ever abandoned a manuscript or worry you might, you’re not alone. To help you ensure you finish your novel, here’s a break down of the most common reasons first-time novelists quit, followed by the strategies that will help you defy the odds and finish your book.

The 5 Reasons First-Time Novelists Quit

1. Chasing perfection too soon.
Many new writers get stuck polishing the same opening pages over and over, trying to make them perfect. The problem? Perfectionism freezes progress. Without a full draft, there’s nothing to refine. I am guilty of this but as I’m a pantser opposed to a plotter, I do allow myself ongoing revisions of the opening two or three chapters for a few weeks. This is part of my process. But at a certain point I have to call time and just motor on, making notes of changes but putting them aside until I’ve completed the first draft and am ready to begin the first edit.

2. Underestimating the time and effort.
A novel is not a short story or blog post. It’s a marathon of 70,000–100,000 words, often written in stolen hours around jobs, families and responsibilities. Without realistic expectations, frustration sets in quickly.

3. Losing momentum.
Inspiration sparks at the beginning, but somewhere around page 80, enthusiasm fizzles. Characters get stuck. The plot drags. Without a system to reignite motivation, the draft gathers digital dust.

4. Writing without a roadmap.
Some writers believe outlining kills creativity. But the truth is, flying blind often means wandering in circles. Many unfinished novels stall simply because the author didn’t know where the story was heading.

As I said above, I’m not a plotter, but I don’t ever start a novel without a fully formed idea in my head. For me, I need to know where the novel begins and where it ends. The rest comes to me as I write but this requires momentum which requires writing every day, no matter how bad the writing is and even if it is just a couple of hundred words.

5. Lacking accountability.
When no one knows you’re writing a novel, it’s too easy to quit quietly. Without deadlines or encouragement, even the most passionate writer can drift away.

How to Make Sure You Finish Your First Novel

If those roadblocks sound familiar, don’t worry. Every successful novelist has faced them and pushed through. Here’s how you can, too:

1. Embrace the messy first draft.
Give yourself permission to write badly at first. The goal isn’t brilliance, it’s momentum. As the saying goes: you can’t edit a blank page. Get to The End, then polish.

2. Create a realistic writing schedule.
Small, consistent progress beats occasional marathons. Aim for 300–500 words a day. In three months, you’ll have a draft. Protect your writing time like an appointment you can’t miss.

3. Use a flexible outline.
Think of an outline as a map, not a prison. Even a simple roadmap, knowing your beginning, middle, and end helps you stay on course when motivation wanes.

4. Find your writing community.
Join a critique group, sign up for workshops or partner with a writing buddy. Sharing goals and celebrating small wins will keep you moving forward when the road gets tough. Check out my Writing Mentor services, where I offer accountability services to keep you on track to get your novel finished.

5. Remember your Why.
When writing feels like a slog, return to the reason you started. Do you want to self-publish? Do you want to get a traditional book deal? Do you want to see your book on the shelves of books shops? Eyes on the prize will help you to maintain your motivation.

Your Novel Deserves to Be Finished

The truth is, most first-time novelists never finish but you don’t have to be one of them. Finishing a novel isn’t about talent alone. In fact, I would go so far as to say, getting your first draft finished is much more about discipline and much less about talent. The talent comes in the edits. What’s important as you begin is mindset and consistency. With the right tools and support, you can complete your draft, refine it and take the next step toward publication.

If you’re serious about not only finishing your novel but also navigating the path to traditional publishing, I share practical tips, accountability strategies, and insider guidance in my newsletter.

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Because your story deserves to be told, all the way to the last page.