National Novel Writing Month, aka NaNoWriMo, begins today! This annual challenge spans the month of November, bringing writers of all backgrounds together to write 50,000 words in 30 days. For many, NaNoWriMo is more than just a writing challenge—it’s a doorway to publication. It’s an opportunity to finish a manuscript that may one day find a home on bookshelves and in readers’ hands.

We’re excited to encourage writers to take this journey, especially if they’re passionate about making a positive impact through their writing. We believe that Every Story Matters, a sentiment echoed by NaNoWriMo’s mission to empower writers worldwide. With tools to track progress, set achievable milestones, and with a global community for support, NaNoWriMo can help you bring your story to life. And best of all? It’s free! if it aligns with our vision at iPub, then completing NaNoWriMo could be the first step in getting your book published!

Of course, NaNoWriMo is only one of many resources available to writers who are eager to finish their works in progress. Writing can often feel like a lonely endeavor and it can be difficult to develop healthy and sustainable writing habits. Here are some alternative or additional writing communities to consider joining this November and beyond: 

• FicFrenzy: seasonal writing challenges that occur three times a year. The community gathers on Discord.  
• StoryADay: a creative writing challenge to “write and finish a short story every day during May and September”. There’s also an online community that provides access to great workshops and masterclass materials. 
• Shut Up and Write: this group does exactly what it says in the title – a group of writers gather in person and then they “shut up and write” together. You can find a local or online community to write with on their website. 
• A Round of Words in 80 Days: four rounds of writing challenges each year that last for 80 days. There are twice weekly check ins on Wednesdays and Sundays and the community gathers around the #ROW80 hashtag on X and in their Facebook group. 

If you’re interested in submitting your completed project to iPub, we’d be thrilled to hear from you. We’re currently accepting unsolicited manuscripts that delve into topics like global ethics, interfaith relationships, or secular humanism. We’re looking for bright minds ready to be part of a better tomorrow. 

Before you submit, make sure to polish your manuscript! Here’s a visual guide to help you prepare your completed manuscript for submission: 

With our hybrid publishing model, iPub offers the quality of large publishing houses while giving authors higher royalties and significant input in production and marketing. Our expert editors, designers, and marketing professionals work hard to ensure your book is polished and impactful, and we value authors as partners in the process. Fee transparency, exceptional editing, and a shared vision for a better future are central to our work.

So, grab your pen or keyboard, and start writing! It might just be the start of your publishing journey!