Life After NaNoWriMo: What's Next for November's Novelists?

November has been a whirlwind, filled with Thanksgiving, Veteran's Day, Black Friday, and Christmas shopping online and in the stores. For many of us, however, it's been filled with writing. National Novel Writing Month's NaNoWriMo challenged participants to write a novel of 50,000 words during the month of November. Not a competition against anyone but yourself, NaNoWriMo draws participants of all ages and from all walks of life. But now, as November draws to a close, many participants are wondering what happens next. Once the celebrations stop and you've written your 50,000 words, where are November's novelists headed?

Keep Writing.
If your story isn't completed, don't let the NaNoWriMo challenge end just because the month is over. Keep the goal of 1667 words a day and let it motivate it you until the whole story has been told. If the story isn't over, don't let the purple bar saying "Winner" allow you to consider yourself done. Keep writing!

Begin Editing.
You might have written 50,000 words for a variety of reasons. You might have done it to see if you could, or you might have done it because you think you really have a good idea for a book that you'd like to see published one day. If it's the latter, once November is over you can start thinking about editing. For many writers, the story might have led you down paths that you didn't expect, and you'll need to do substantial editing of both content and mechanics during the next few months before the rough draft you wrote in November will be ready for submission to publishing houses. Now's the time to do that editing.

Seek Readers.
If you are interested in getting your novel published, or if you want to simply have the satisfaction of having someone read all of your hard work, consider getting readers to read your novel. It isn't necessary to allow anyone to read your work--the fact that you did it is, in itself, a great accomplishment. However, once you start the editing process, and especially if you are interested in getting your novel published, finding people to read and offer feedback to you on your book is invaluable. Professional editors are one option, especially in the final stages of your editing. Friends and family can also be helpful to writers, as long as you encourage honesty in their comments.

Don't Give Up!
NaNoWriMo is a wonderful tool for motivating writers. I know that this year was my first time participating, and I feel more alive as a writer than I ever have. The challenge now is do something with my work, and to see it through. To believe in my writing is the most important thing I can do as a writer.

NaNoWriMo might be ending, but your writing, your passion for writing, and your quest to be a published author (if you are on one) doesn't have to end with it! Good luck, novelists!