See an ophthalmologist to check your eyesight. If necessary, get glasses or contacts. Reading is more difficult with poor eyesight, and many people who read slowly don't know they need glasses.
Set realistic goals. For example, plan on reading two novels per month. Setting unrealistic goals will set you up for failure and disappointment.
Create a reading area. Ensure that the area has good lighting and is free from distractions, such as computers or televisions. Consider using a bookstand to rest your book at a 45-degree angle.
Preview your novel before you begin. Read the inside cover and the back cover, looking for information about the novel's main characters and the time and location in which the story takes place. Knowing what to expect before you start reading helps you read more effectively.
Read every day in your reading area. If possible, read at the same time each day. During your reading time, turn off your cell phone, television and radio. Try to read for at least half an hour each day.
Read actively. Stop after each chapter and make sure you understand what has happened so far. However, avoid rereading during the chapter, since this slows you down. If you don't recognize a word, try to guess its meaning from context clues. Looking up words in the dictionary will also slow your reading.
Make reading a habit. You will read faster if you practice reading regularly.