How to Write a Literary Novel

Before You Write

• 1

  Review classic texts in order to develop an understanding of the literary tradition in which you are working.

• 2

  Read contemporary novels in order to understand the current conversation in literary fiction. This also helps you understand what is currently considered marketable in the trade.

• 3

  Figure out what is currently missing in contemporary literary fiction and fill that lack with your own voice.

While You Write

• 4

  Set aside time each day for your writing. Writing a literary novel requires you approach your material seriously and professionally.

• 5

  Share your reading with peers who understand how quality fiction works and listen to their feedback. No writer is ever good enough that he doesn't benefit from the opinions of others.

• 6

  Revise your writing to ensure it accomplishes the effect you intend. Many writers who claim to aspire to "great art" are not committed to the audience awareness any piece of published fiction demands.

After You Write

• 7

  Approach a literary agent who specializes in the marketing of literary fiction. Of all the different types of books written, the literary novel is probably to most difficult to market to publishers looking at the financial bottom line.

• 8

  Consider small publishers and independent presses if the novel you've written fails to entice agents. Novels of the more experimental kind often find homes in these avant garde establishments.

• 9

  Remain persistent and do not take rejection personally. A huge numbers of quality novels are rejected repeatedly before being published, many of them to high critical acclaim.