National Novel Writing Month – Nov. 1, 2026

National Novel Writing Month
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National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) transforms November into a literary sprint, challenging participants to write a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days. This global event fosters creativity and discipline, encouraging writers to conquer their inner critic and get their story on paper. Join the movement, connect with fellow wordsmiths, and finally write that book!

Want to sponsor National Novel Writing Month? Learn how

Expected National Novel Writing Month Deals

Throughout National Novel Writing Month, expect a surge in promotions from brands catering to writers and productivity. While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble often feature discounts on writing guides, e-readers, and notebooks. Software companies such as Scrivener and Grammarly typically offer special pricing on their tools. Coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ might run deals on beverages to fuel late-night writing sessions. Look for stationery brands like Moleskine and Leuchtturm1917 to promote their journals. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November approaches.

Platform Guide for National Novel Writing Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NaNoWriMo. Share your daily word count, writing setup, and motivational quotes with visual flair.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NaNoWriMo. Engage in real-time word sprints, share progress updates, and connect with the global writing community.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NaNoWriMo. Join writing groups, share tips, and find local meetups to support your novel-writing journey.

Social Media Tips for National Novel Writing Month

Individuals

Set up a dedicated writing space, track your daily word count, and reward yourself for hitting milestones to stay motivated throughout the month.

Creators

Document your NaNoWriMo journey with vlogs, time-lapse writing sessions, or daily check-ins, offering tips and encouragement to your audience.

Brands

Host writing contests, offer productivity bundles, or create themed content around the creative process, engaging with the writing community.

Top Brands for National Novel Writing Month

  1. NaNoWriMo

    Founded in 1999 by Chris Baty, National Novel Writing Month is a nonprofit organization that encourages and supports aspiring writers. Its annual event challenges participants to write a 50,000-word novel in November, fostering a global community of creatives.

  2. Scrivener

    Developed by Literature and Latte, Scrivener is a popular word-processing software designed specifically for writers. Launched in 2007, it helps users organize long and complex documents, making it a favorite tool for novelists, screenwriters, and academics.

  3. Grammarly

    Founded in 2009, Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps users improve their grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, and style. It's an invaluable tool for writers looking to polish their drafts and enhance their communication.

  4. Moleskine

    Inspired by the notebooks used by artists and thinkers for centuries, Moleskine was founded in 1997. The brand offers a wide range of high-quality notebooks, planners, and writing tools, becoming synonymous with creativity and personal expression.

  5. Starbucks

    Founded in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks is the world's largest coffeehouse chain. Known for its extensive menu of coffee, tea, and food items, it's a popular spot for writers seeking a comfortable environment and a caffeine boost during NaNoWriMo.

  6. Kindle

    Amazon's Kindle e-readers, first launched in 2007, revolutionized digital reading. For NaNoWriMo participants, Kindles offer a portable way to read reference materials or simply unwind with a good book, inspiring their own literary efforts.

  7. Penguin Random House

    Formed in 2013 by the merger of Penguin Group and Random House, this is one of the largest trade book publishers in the world. They publish a vast array of fiction and non-fiction, representing the ultimate goal for many aspiring NaNoWriMo authors.

National Novel Writing Month Hero

Chris Baty

Chris Baty is the founder of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which he started in 1999 with 21 friends in the San Francisco Bay Area. His vision was to create a fun, deadline-driven challenge to help people overcome writer's block and finally write their novels. Under his leadership, NaNoWriMo grew into a global phenomenon, inspiring millions to embrace their creative potential and complete a first draft.

National Novel Writing Month timeline

​2011
New website and format

The site supported over a million visitors in just the first month after the new format launched.

​2005
​Nonprofit status

By donating to NaNoWriMo, people can help increase the number of writing programs and resources.

​2000
​New month

​National Novel Writing Month moved to November

​July 1999
Beginnings by the Bay

​​Freelance writer Chris Baty started National Novel Writing Month in San Francisco.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Novel Writing Month

Local businesses can support National Novel Writing Month by offering writer-friendly spaces and promotions. Coffee shops might provide special discounts for participants, while bookstores can host writing workshops or dedicated ‘write-ins.’ Co-working spaces could offer free trial days or discounted monthly memberships to encourage focused work. These efforts create a supportive environment for local authors.

National Novel Writing Month FAQs

When is National Novel Writing Month?

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) 2026 runs throughout November, beginning on Sunday, November 1, and concluding on Monday, November 30. It’s a full month dedicated to creative writing.

How many people participate in NaNoWriMo?

Each year, hundreds of thousands of writers from around the globe participate in National Novel Writing Month. The official NaNoWriMo website reports millions of participants since its inception, with tens of thousands completing the challenge annually.

What is the goal of NaNoWriMo?

The primary goal of NaNoWriMo is to write a 50,000-word novel between November 1 and November 30. It emphasizes quantity over quality for the first draft, encouraging writers to silence their inner critic and simply get the story down.

Is NaNoWriMo only for aspiring novelists?

While the name suggests novels, NaNoWriMo is open to anyone with a story to tell, regardless of experience. Many participants are first-time novelists, but experienced writers also join to challenge themselves or work on new projects.

National Novel Writing Month Activities

  1. Take a ride on the writer's side.

    Give writing a shot this November. If you've always had a love for words, creative syntax, and a good story to tell, take the challenge. We want to read your work.

  2. Support the participants

    Try some motivational quotes. Encourage them to keep writing and provide snacks for their all-nighters.

  3. Read published NaNoWriMo novels

    It's the greatest gift you can give to a new writer.

5 Published NaNoWriMo Novels

  1. ​"Cinder" by Marissa Meyer

    "Cinder" takes on the classic fairy tale of Cinderella and sets it in a dystopian world. If you're feeling jaded about romance, the love story between a cyborg and a prince might be what makes you believe again.

  2. "​Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell

    ​"Fangirl" follows the story of Cath, a college freshman, who navigates this new chapter of life which includes new friends, worrying about her widowed father, learning to be on her own without her sister, and her Simon Snow fandom.

  3. "​The Forest of Hands and Teeth" by Carrie Ryan

    What do you get when you combine a post-apocalyptic forest, zombies, and a village of survivors ruled by the "Sisterhood"? A New York Times best-seller about violence, secrecy, and repression.

  4. ​"Side Effects May Vary" by Julie Murphy

    ​If you've ever wondered about what you would say during your final months on this earth and what would happen if you found out you actually were going to live longer, then this is the novel for you.

  5. ​"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

    "Water for Elephants," later adapted into a film, follows the story of Jacob Jankowski, who quits school after tragedy hits and joins the circus. What follows is a story of forbidden love and loyalty.

Why We Love National Novel Writing Month

  1. It challenges writers to just go for it

    Writing a novel can be a daunting task for anyone, but this deadline forces you to put away the doubts and excuses.

  2. We get some awesome results

    Some works eventually get published thanks to National Novel Writing Month. Your favorite novel may have been a product of this challenge.

  3. It's a reminder that stories matter

    There are many potential authors out there with great ideas. NaNoWriMo promotes collaboration and support between writers.

National Novel Writing Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 November 1 Sunday
2027 November 1 Monday
2028 November 1 Wednesday
2029 November 1 Thursday
2030 November 1 Friday