The sky is the limit in this 4-month long journey; writers learn how to create and market the fiction that sells. This journey is designed for new or experienced writers who wish to write within popular fiction genres such as young adult, mystery, romance, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and who are dedicated to completing a full manuscript first draft in a short amount of time—then shopping their work to literary agents or publishing their first chapter to Girls Write Now’s First Chapters.
Check our our recommended reading list here, to be update throughout the journey.
Welcome!
Congratulations on joining Fiction 360, where you will ambitiously draft a novel during the month of November, receive feedback and/or edits on the first 25 pages or chapter (whichever is shorter) from a professional editor, and pitch your edited manuscript with the support of NaNoWriMo.
Getting Started
To get started, you must sign up for a NaNoWriMo account:
Mentees 17 and under sign up here. When signing up, use classroom code GGZYCVAA.
Once you have signed up, you will have access to NaNoWriMo’s extensive resources and support, including:
- The NaNo Resource Hub, a one stop shop while participating in the drafting of your novel during the month of November
- NaNo Prep 101
- Pep Talks
- Joining a region with other NaNoWriMo particpants
- NaNoWriMo forums
- Virtual NaNo HQ event
- Track your word count
- Motivational tracking tools
At the official launch of NaNoWriMo, you will create a word count goal so that you can begin working toward your weekly goals.
Next Steps
You have received an email notification with your document to begin drafting your manuscript. Please use this document to compose your novel.
In preparation for drafting your novel, it is recommended you review the guides and lessons found by clicking the Resources tab above.
In the meantime, please begin the course lessons.
After a month of drafting the next *Great American Novel*, it’s time to give yourself a break… before Girls Write Now hosts a feedback event with professional editors. Then it’s time to get back to work, editing in preparation for a phenomenal opportunity:
For mentees ages 19+, Girls Write Now’s hosts a pitch fest for participants to discuss their manuscripts with agents.
For mentees ages 14-18, a First Chapter contest, where the winner’s first 10 pages will be published to First Chapters on the GWN Stories platform.
Requirements
- Participation in NaNoWriMo: Sign up for account; Reference learning materials; Set a personal Word Count Goal for drafting a novel in the month of November; Complete Word Count Goal
- Edit the first chapter with the support of Mentors for the Day
- Ages 18 and under: Enter First Chapter Contest
- Ages 19 and up: Query Letter/Book Proposal
- Complete asynchronous sections and attend live events