How to Write a Fantasy Novel in 5 Phases

By BookBaby author Scott McCormick

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Have you ever dreamt of crafting your own magical world … one where you can make the impossible possible and bring legendary heroes to life? Writing a fantasy novel offers you that thrilling opportunity, but it can also feel like an overwhelming task. How do you transform your vast ideas into a coherent, engaging story? Where do you start?

In this guide, you will learn how to tackle the exciting challenge of writing a fantasy novel by breaking it down into five manageable phases. From planning your world, creating your characters, and crafting your plot all the way to self-publishing your book, these steps will guide you toward completing your own epic tale. Let’s embark on the journey together.

Phase 1: Planning your fantasy story

Before you begin writing, you need to have a solid plan. Fantasy novels often have complex worlds, characters, and plots, and getting that set up in the beginning will make the writing process smoother and more enjoyable.

Developing your fantasy world

Creating a unique, immersive world is one of the most-exciting parts of writing fantasy. This is where you decide what makes your world different from our own and you’ll set the stage for your characters’ adventures.

• Creating unique settings: When building a fantasy world, start by thinking about its physical environment. What does the landscape look like? Are there enchanted forests, floating islands, or sunless cities? How does the geography influence the way people live?
• Creating unique cultures: Next, dive into the cultures that inhabit your world. What are their traditions, beliefs, and social structures? For example, you might develop a society where magic is outlawed or a kingdom is ruled by powerful, ancient dragons. These cultural details will give your world depth and make it feel lived-in.
• Establishing rules of magic and fantasy elements: Magic is a key ingredient in many fantasy novels, but it must be handled carefully. The rules and limitations of magic in your world are essential to maintain consistency and avoid turning it into a convenient plot device. Think about the source of magic — can everyone access it, or is it restricted to a select few? What are the consequences of using magic? Establishing clear rules for your magic system, along with unique fantasy elements such as mythical creatures or ancient prophecies, will ensure that your world feels authentic and coherent.

Crafting memorable characters

Your characters are the heart of your story. They need to feel real and relatable, even if they’re battling monsters or casting spells. Strong character development will keep your readers emotionally invested in their journey.

• Building compelling protagonists: Start with your protagonist: Who are they, and what do they want? A compelling protagonist has both strengths and flaws, making them relatable and human. Whether they are a noble knight or a reluctant hero, their internal struggles should be as engaging as the external conflicts they face.
• Building compelling antagonists: Just as important is your antagonist. A well-crafted villain isn’t evil for the sake of being evil — they should have motivations that readers can understand, even if they don’t agree with them. A layered antagonist will challenge your protagonist in meaningful ways and add tension to the story.
• Developing character arcs and backstories: Readers want to see how your characters change through the course of your story. This is called character arc, and it gives your story gravitas. A strong character arc shows how your protagonist grows in response to the challenges they face. Whether they start as a timid apprentice and end as a fearless leader or overcome a personal flaw, this growth should feel earned.
• Establish backstories: Backstories are also critical in shaping who your characters are. What past experiences drive their motivations? Consider how these backstories can be revealed gradually throughout the plot, adding depth and intrigue.

Plotting your story

A gripping plot will keep your readers on the edge of their seats. While fantasy novels can have complex, multi-layered stories, it’s important to create a clear roadmap from beginning to end.

• Outline the major plot points: Start by outlining the key events that will drive your story forward. What is the inciting incident that sets your protagonist on their journey? What are the major conflicts and turning points they will encounter? How can you raise the stakes to keep your story interesting? Knowing these pivotal moments will give you a framework to build upon as you write.
• Balancing subplots and main plot: In addition to the main plot, fantasy novels often feature subplots that add depth to the story. These might involve secondary characters, political intrigue, or personal challenges your protagonist must face. It’s important to ensure that subplots complement the main narrative rather than distract from it. Ideally, they should intersect with the main plot to heighten the stakes.
• Create a satisfying conclusion: Your story should resolve all the plot threads and you should also wrap up all your character arcs. Did your protagonist achieve their goal? Did they grow as a person? The answer to either or both of these questions can be no — just make sure the end result is satisfying.

Phase 2: Writing your fantasy novel

Once you’ve planned out your world, characters, and plot, it’s time to put pen to paper. Writing your fantasy novel is about bringing your ideas to life in a way that captivates your readers.

Setting the scene

Fantasy novels require rich descriptions that transport readers into another world. Your goal is to create a vivid mental picture without overwhelming them with excessive detail.

• Descriptive writing techniques: Use all five senses to describe your settings. What does your character see, smell, hear, and feel? Rather than telling the reader everything about your world upfront, let them discover it through your characters’ experiences. Show how the environment influences the story — perhaps the sound of a distant storm signals danger, or the scent of flowers hints at hidden magic.
• Immersing readers in your world: To immerse your readers in your world, focus on how your characters interact with their surroundings. What rituals do they perform, or what customs do they follow? How do the unique features of your world, such as its magical laws or mythical creatures, affect their daily lives? By weaving these elements naturally into the narrative, you’ll create a fully realized world that feels authentic.

Dialogue and character interaction

The way your characters speak and interact with each other is just as important as the action taking place. Dialogue should reveal personality, advance the plot, and reflect the world they inhabit.

• Creating authentic dialogue: Each character should have a distinct voice that reflects their background and personality. A seasoned warrior might speak in short, clipped sentences, while a scholar may use more elaborate language. Avoid making dialogue too formal or stilted. Even in fantasy settings — authenticity and natural flow are key.
• Building relationships between characters: Relationships drive much of the emotional impact in a story. Whether your characters are allies, enemies, or something in between, their interactions should be dynamic and meaningful. Consider how relationships evolve over time — trust might be earned or broken, friendships might grow or fracture under pressure. These changes should mirror the larger journey of the characters.

Pacing and structure

A well-paced fantasy novel keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Too much world-building can slow things down, while too much action can overwhelm the reader. Finding the right balance is crucial.

• Maintaining a steady pace: To maintain momentum, alternate between high-tension scenes and quieter moments that allow for character development. Too many slow scenes in a row can make your story drag, while too much action without a break can exhaust the reader. By varying the pace, you keep your readers invested in both the plot and the characters.
• Dole out the world-building carefully: And don’t do an info-dump in chapter one. Dole out the necessary information when it becomes important. Entice your readers with hints about how your world works, rather than just explaining it to them. Give them a chance to figure things out on their own.
• Structuring chapters for engagement: Each chapter should have a clear purpose and end on a note that encourages the reader to keep going. This could be a cliffhanger, a revelation, or a new question that propels the story forward. Pay attention to how chapters flow into one another, ensuring that the transitions feel seamless.

Phase 3: Overcoming common challenges in fantasy writing

Fantasy writing comes with its own set of challenges, from avoiding overused tropes to maintaining consistency in your world-building. Here’s how to tackle some of the most-common issues.

Avoiding fantasy clichés

Fantasy is a genre rich in tradition, but it’s also filled with overused clichés that can make your story feel predictable.

• Identifying overused tropes: Be aware of common fantasy tropes such as the chosen one, the wise old mentor, or the dark lord villain. While these can still be used effectively, relying on them without adding your own twist can make your story feel stale.
• Creating fresh and original ideas: One way to avoid clichés is to subvert reader expectations. Perhaps your “chosen one” rejects their destiny, or your villain is motivated by a desire to save the world rather than destroy it. By putting a fresh spin on familiar tropes, you can create a story that feels both familiar and innovative.

Staying consistent

Consistency is key to making your fantasy world believable. If the rules of your magic system or the geography of your world change without explanation, it will break immersion.

• Keeping track of details: Create a reference guide for your world that includes everything from character names and descriptions to the rules of your magic system. This will help you stay consistent throughout your writing and avoid contradictions.
• Ensuring continuity in your story: Pay attention to the small details that can make or break continuity. If a character has a scar, remember to describe it in future scenes. If a particular type of magic can only be performed at night, make sure you don’t have a character using it during the day. These details may seem minor, but they add up to create a coherent, immersive world.

Managing writer’s block

Writer’s block is a challenge all authors face at some point. The key is to keep moving forward, even when inspiration feels elusive.

• Tips for staying motivated: Set small, achievable writing goals. Rather than focusing on finishing your entire novel, break it down into manageable tasks, such as writing one scene or chapter at a time. Reward yourself for hitting these milestones to stay motivated.
• Techniques to spark creativity: If you’re stuck, try stepping away from your project for a while. Engage in other creative activities, such as reading, drawing, going for a walk, or listening to music. Sometimes, a break from writing can help spark new ideas.

Phase 4: Editing and revising your fantasy book

After completing your first draft, it’s time to polish your manuscript through editing and revisions. This phase is where you refine your story, fix inconsistencies, and ensure your book is ready for publication.

Self-editing tips

The first step in the editing process is self-editing. This means going through your manuscript and making changes to improve clarity, pacing, and overall quality.

• Initial edits and revisions: When you begin self-editing, don’t try to fix everything at once. Start with big-picture elements, such as plot structure, character development, and pacing. Look for any plot holes or inconsistencies in your world-building. Are your characters’ actions believable based on their motivations? Does the story maintain a logical flow?
• Common mistakes to watch for: During the editing process, be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your writing. Avoid info-dumping, where you provide too much at once. Instead, reveal details about your world and characters gradually throughout the story. Be cautious of overusing adverbs or relying on clichés.
• DIY copyediting: Once the major revisions are done, focus on refining the prose. Tighten sentences, eliminate unnecessary words, and improve descriptions. Keep an eye on your dialogue to ensure it feels natural and reflects your characters’ personalities. Use an app like Grammarly to help. This will not replace professional editing, but it’s a necessary step to make sure your manuscript is presentable for your beta readers (see below).

Seeking Feedback

No matter how thorough your self-editing is, external feedback is invaluable. Other readers can offer fresh perspectives on your story and point out issues you might have missed.

• Use beta readers: Beta readers are non-professional readers who can provide honest feedback on your manuscript. They can identify parts of the story that are confusing, underdeveloped, or inconsistent. Look for beta readers who are familiar with the fantasy genre, as they can offer insights specific to your audience.
• Working with professional editors: While beta readers can help with general feedback, a professional editor can offer more in-depth critiques. A developmental editor can help you refine the structure and pacing of your novel, while a line editor focuses on polishing the prose. A copy editor will catch any remaining grammar or punctuation errors, ensuring your manuscript is error-free before publication. A great editor doesn’t have to cost an arm or a leg. BookBaby’s professional editors have you covered.

Phase 5: Publishing your fantasy novel

Once your manuscript is polished and ready, it’s time to consider your publishing options. You’ll need to decide between traditional publishing and self-publishing, both of which have their pros and cons.

Pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing

Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to literary agents or publishers, who may offer you a book deal. The benefits include professional editing, marketing support, and distribution to bookstores. However, it can be a long and competitive process, and you’ll have less creative control.
Self-publishing, on the other hand, gives you full control over your book’s production, marketing, and distribution. With platforms like BookBaby, you can publish your book on your own terms and retain a higher percentage of royalties. The downside is that you may need to handle all aspects of publishing yourself, including marketing and promotion. If you need help, BookBaby offers valuable marketing and promotional services.

Choosing the best path for you

When deciding which publishing route to take for your fantasy or sci-fi book, consider your goals, budget, and the amount of control you want over the process. If you prefer creative freedom and are willing to invest time and money into self-promotion, self-publishing may be the best option. If you want to focus solely on writing and leave the business side to professionals, traditional publishing could be a better fit.

Conclusion: Start your fantasy writing journey

Writing a fantasy novel is an ambitious yet rewarding endeavor. But by breaking the process down into five phases — planning, writing, overcoming challenges, editing, and publishing — you can approach it with confidence and clarity.
Remember, every writer’s journey is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a great science fiction novel. The most important thing is to start writing, stay persistent, and enjoy the process of bringing your imaginative worlds to life. Whether you choose to pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing, platforms like BookBaby can help you take the next step toward sharing your story with the world.
Now, it’s time to embark on your fantasy writing journey. Your world is waiting to be discovered!

This BookBaby blog article How to Write a Fantasy Novel in 5 Phases appeared first on and was stolen from BookBaby Blog .