How to Actually Finish Your National Novel Writing Month Draft (Without Losing Your Mind)

Are you working towards a 50,000 word goal during the month of November? If yes, congratulations! Committing to such a challenge is already a step forward. If you’ve found it challenging—you’re not alone. Maybe it’s going great … or maybe your plot’s gone rogue, your coffee’s gone cold, and your inner critic is louder than your typing on the keyboard. We get it—writing a book in a month sounds like a fun challenge until you’re 25,000 words in, wondering why your protagonist won’t cooperate.

You’re not alone! Every writer hits this point, but there’s good news: with a supportive community and a few smart tips, you can push through to that finish line.

Sure, the original NaNoWriMo nonprofit is no longer around, but the spirit of it lives on through platforms like Dabble and Reedsy. And of course, at Elite Authors, we’re always here to support your publishing journey.

So, let’s tackle that familiar mid-month slump together. Here’s how to keep your creativity flowing, stay sane, and set yourself up for what comes next: book editing like a pro.

First, is NaNoWriMo still happening?

We—and the thousands of authors who love National Novel Writing Month—say yes, it absolutely is. The original nonprofit may no longer exist, but the National Novel Writing Month spirit is very much alive. Writers everywhere are still chasing the challenge of writing 50,000 words in one month.

There’s not an official sign-up anymore, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t join. The NaNoWriMo 2.0 version is here, and other writing communities like Dabble and Reedsy have adopted the idea and helped keep the November tradition going.

And really, NaNoWriMo was never just about joining a website, but about showing up for your story. Whether you hit 50,000 words or 15,000, if you’re writing this month, you’re part of it all.

Now, let’s dig into some smart strategies to finish your draft—and maybe even enjoy the process along the way.

1. Remember why you started writing a book

Somewhere between the excitement of day one and the grind of week three, the magic of writing fades. You start counting words instead of enjoying your developing story. Your plot feels forced, and your characters start to make questionable choices. Hear us when we say: This happens to everyone.

When that doubt creeps in, pause for a moment, and ask yourself: “Why did I start writing this book?” Was it to tell a story that’s been living in your head for years? To prove to yourself you could write a novel? To call yourself an author?

Whatever your motivation, reconnecting with that original spark can shift your focus from word count back to purpose.

Use these practices to help focus your mindset: 

• Revisit your original idea or inspiration playlist.
• Write a one-sentence reminder of your story’s purpose.
• Stick it to your computer monitor or notebook to use as your “North Star” for the rest of the month.

This simple practice can help you rediscover your purpose and push through the tough days.

2. Focus on progress, not perfection

Let’s be honest: perfection is the enemy of finishing.

One of the biggest traps during National Novel Writing Month is editing as you go. You stop to polish a sentence, fix a clunky paragraph, or rewrite that dialogue. Suddenly, three hours are gone, your word count has barely moved, and your motivation has flatlined.

But National Novel Writing Month isn’t about writing well as much as it is about writing now. The goal is to get your ideas onto the page, no matter how messy they may be. A first draft is supposed to be imperfect. It’s raw material—something to refine later.

So give yourself permission to write regardless, because you can’t edit a blank page.

Use these tips to keep your writing flowing: 

• Change your font to something silly so the writing process feels less serious.
• Create an “Edit Later” document and note any ideas you want to revisit but could distract you now.
• Remind yourself that your goal is to get words on the page, not perfection on the page.

This month, you’re exploring your story, learning about your characters, and building the foundation for the book it will become.

3. Create milestones you can reach

Trust us: Fifty thousand words feels impossible until you break it down.

Instead of focusing on the total word count, break your goal into smaller, achievable milestones. Maybe you aim for 500 words before breakfast, or 1,000 words after the kids go to bed. And if you have time for only 500 words today, write 500 words. Then tomorrow, write some more. What matters most is consistency.

Plus, when you set and achieve small daily goals, you build confidence and consistency. Even ten minutes of writing is progress, so set that goal—then achieve it.

Here are some tips to hit those milestones: 

• Use the “Pomodoro” technique: Write for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and keep repeating.
• Track your daily or overall word count in a notebook or on a sticky note placed where you can see it for motivation.
• Reward yourself for streaks (i.e. writing for five consecutive days = your favorite snack or movie).

Remember that National Novel Writing Month is a challenge, not a test. You don’t fail if you don’t hit 50,000 words, but you do win if you continue to show up.

4. Build your support system

At some point, we’ve all learned that writing can be lonely. But community can make all the difference by reminding you that the hard parts are universal.

One of the best things about National Novel Writing Month is that community. Thousands of writers around the world are typing, doubting themselves, cheering one another on, and pushing through the same chaos you are.

So if you haven’t already, find your people and join them.

Here are a few ways you can do that: 

• Attend a write-in virtually or in person at your local library.
• Join Reddit’s r/nanowrimo or a Facebook or Discord group.
• Share your daily wins and word counts with other writers.

And when you do finally type “The End,” that’s where community can help again—this time through feedback.

This month, Elite Authors is celebrating National Novel Writing Month by giving away five free professional manuscript evaluations, a big-picture editorial review that helps indie authors take their book from rough draft to ready-to-revise.

Have a manuscript that you started? Enter to win a free manuscript evaluation! 

5. Plan your next step (even before you finish)

Finishing your draft is an incredible achievement, but it’s also the beginning of something new. The best way to stay motivated through the final stretch is to picture what happens next.

When you reach your final scene (or even before), here are some things you’ll want to do: 

• Give yourself permission to step away from your manuscript for a few days.
• Revisit your story with fresh eyes and read it like a reader, not a writer.
• Get professional feedback through a manuscript evaluation that offers an objective perspective on your story, where it’s strong, and where it needs more structure, focus, or depth.

Finishing a draft is a milestone worth celebrating. But it’s also a launching point for what comes next. When you approach book editing as the next creative phase, you keep the joy of storytelling alive.

Take your manuscript to the next level

National Novel Writing Month isn’t just about word counts. You’re showing up for your story and creating something from nothing. That more than deserves to be celebrated.

Whether you end the month with 10,000 words or the full 50,000, you’ve done something many people only dream of doing. You’ve built momentum that will carry you into book editing, revising, and ultimately publishing your work.

And when you’re ready for that next chapter, Elite Authors is here to help you refine, polish, and prepare your book for readers everywhere.

Want to finish your manuscript strong? Enter to win a free professional manuscript evaluation.