How to Write a Fantasy Novel

Write a Fantasy Novel Step by Step Guide

Understanding the Genre

What Defines a Fantasy Novel? If you’re here to learn how to write a fantasy novel, you’re likely drawn to the allure of magic, mythical creatures, and heroic journeys that transcend the real world. A fantasy novel is a work of fiction that incorporates magical elements, fantastical creatures, and often an entirely fictional universe. The defining feature? It breaks the rules of our known reality.

At its core, fantasy thrives on escapism—it transports readers to places where dragons soar through the skies, ancient prophecies drive narratives, and battles aren’t just physical, but also involve mind, magic, and moral dilemmas. These stories often involve good vs. evil, quests, chosen ones, or the classic rise of an underdog hero. Yet, the magic of fantasy doesn’t just lie in spells and sword fights—it’s in how it explores human emotions and dilemmas through extraordinary lenses.

When learning how to write a fantasy novel, you must first embrace the expectations of the genre: immersive world-building, a consistent internal logic for your magic system, and layered storytelling. Whether you’re writing for a young adult audience hungry for coming-of-age tales or adults craving deep lore and political intrigue, your fantasy story needs to deliver both wonder and emotional depth.

With publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, BookBaby, and IngramSpark, the fantasy market has expanded rapidly in the USA. But with growth comes saturation. So, mastering the fundamental aspects of the genre is your first step in standing out. Nail this, and your manuscript won’t just exist—it will thrive.

Subgenres of Fantasy (Epic, Urban, Dark, etc.)

Before you even start typing your first sentence, ask yourself—what kind of fantasy are you writing? Fantasy isn’t a one-size-fits-all genre. In fact, it’s a sprawling kingdom made up of several subgenres, each with its own rules, tone, and audience expectations.

Here are some of the most popular fantasy subgenres in the US publishing landscape:

Epic Fantasy: Think sprawling maps, dynasties, magical wars, and centuries-old lore. Your go-to examples? The Lord of the Rings or The Wheel of Time. These novels are usually long and filled with complex plots and dozens of characters.
Urban Fantasy: This blends the magical with the modern. Imagine wizards in New York or vampires running nightclubs in L.A. Great for contemporary readers, especially on Amazon KDP where urban fantasy has a huge indie following.
Dark Fantasy: Here, horror elements collide with magic. Expect morally gray characters, eerie settings, and chilling plots. Popular with adult audiences, and perfect for niche platforms like Draft2Digital or Kobo Writing Life.
Portal Fantasy: A classic trope where characters travel from the real world into a fantasy one. It appeals to younger readers and aligns well with Amazon’s children’s and YA categories.
Romantic Fantasy: A blend of fantasy world-building with strong romantic arcs. Books in this subgenre dominate Kindle romance and fantasy charts.

Identifying your subgenre early in your journey to write a fantasy novel will guide everything from tone and pacing to which publishing route best suits your work. For instance, a high fantasy epic may do better through IngramSpark’s print-on-demand channels for library distribution, while urban fantasy thrives in the eBook-heavy marketplace of Amazon KDP.

Define Your Audience and Purpose

Who Are You Writing For?

A successful fantasy novel isn’t written in a vacuum. To really master how to write a fantasy novel, you must know your reader inside out. Are they teenagers seeking adventure and identity? Adults who want deep lore and dark magic? Or maybe readers who want escapist, fast-paced romance set in an enchanted realm?

Identifying your target audience isn’t just about demographics—it’s about reader psychology. If you’re targeting the USA market, trends indicate that:

YA fantasy readers crave emotional journeys, coming-of-age themes, and strong protagonists.
Adult readers are drawn to political intrigue, layered world-building, and morally complex characters.
Niche readers may prefer cozy fantasy or low fantasy with subtle magical elements.

Understanding this shapes not just your story, but your marketing. If your novel is dark and violent, Kobo Writing Life might be a better fit than BookBaby. If it’s romance-driven, aim for Amazon KDP’s Kindle Unlimited ecosystem.

And let’s not forget reader expectations on platforms like B&N Press or Draft2Digital—they lean toward quality formatting, compelling blurbs, and strong metadata. So, writing with your audience in mind can even inform how you design your book cover or write your description.

Remember, you’re not just writing a fantasy novel; you’re crafting an experience tailor-made for someone hungry for your story.

Aligning With Publishing Platforms like Amazon KDP

Choosing a platform is like choosing your battlefield. If you’re serious about learning how to write a fantasy novel, you also need to think ahead about where and how you’ll publish it. Here’s a breakdown of the most prominent platforms for US-based authors and how your writing goals should align with them:

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): The king of indie publishing. KDP favors eBooks but also offers print-on-demand services. Best for authors looking to reach global readers fast. Great for genre fiction like fantasy due to its wide category system, reader base, and promotional tools.
BookBaby: Excellent for polished, professional releases. Offers editing, formatting, and marketing services. Ideal if you’re investing heavily in your debut and want physical distribution.
IngramSpark: Best for getting your fantasy novel into libraries and indie bookstores across the USA. However, requires precise formatting and upfront fees. Excellent for authors targeting long-term visibility.
Draft2Digital: Simplifies wide distribution. If you’re looking to publish on Apple Books, Kobo, and more—this is your go-to. It’s very author-friendly and handles the backend headaches.
Blurb and AuthorHouse: More niche, but good for illustrated or visually rich fantasy works.
PublishDrive, StreetLib: Offer global reach and translation tools, ideal for expanding your audience beyond English-speaking countries.

Each platform has its quirks. For example, Amazon KDP rewards quick releases and reader engagement (think serialized fantasy), while IngramSpark values quality presentation and bookstore readiness. Knowing your publishing destination will shape how you structure, write, and market your fantasy novel.

Start With a Unique Idea

How to Find Inspiration

So you want to write a fantasy novel, but you’re staring at a blank page thinking, “Where do I even begin?” Relax—it all starts with an idea. But not just any idea. In today’s saturated market, your story needs a spark that stands out.

Start by asking, “What if?” What if dragons were the last surviving species of Earth? What if a kingdom outlawed magic but the ruler was secretly a sorcerer? What if your protagonist wasn’t the hero, but the villain pretending to save the world?

Inspiration doesn’t have to come from fantasy alone. You can mine ideas from:

Mythology: Norse, Celtic, African, Native American—every culture has stories ripe for reimagining.
History: Real events like the fall of Rome or the Black Plague can fuel entire fantasy sagas.
Dreams and nightmares: Jot them down! Some of the best plots come from your subconscious.

Also, observe daily life. That moody stranger at the café? Maybe they’re a banished prince. The rusted door in your basement? A portal to another realm.

And of course, read widely—fantasy and beyond. The best ideas often come from cross-pollination of genres. For example, mixing sci-fi and fantasy elements can give birth to gaslamp or steampunk fantasy, which performs well on platforms like Draft2Digital.

But once inspiration hits, don’t stop there. Mold your idea into something fresh, layered, and irresistible. Your fantasy novel must carry a heartbeat, a soul, a reason for readers to invest hours exploring your world.

Differentiating Your Story in a Crowded Market

Let’s face it—fantasy is a booming genre, especially in the USA where readers are always on the hunt for their next epic read. If you want to write a fantasy novel that doesn’t get lost in the crowd, you need to bring something fresh to the table. The secret? Blend the familiar with the unexpected.

Start by identifying tropes and then twist them. Sure, chosen ones, magical schools, and ancient prophecies are beloved fantasy elements. But what if your chosen one doesn’t want the job? Or the prophecy was a lie? Readers are drawn to unique spins on classic ideas.

Look at the top-selling fantasy books on Amazon KDP or B&N Press—you’ll notice they either master genre expectations or completely subvert them. So ask yourself:

What makes your magic system unique?
Is your world inspired by a culture or setting we rarely see in fantasy?
Are your characters relatable but not clichéd?

A good strategy is to develop a hook—a one-line concept that grabs attention. For example, “A blind witch must navigate a cursed forest to save the prince who once tried to kill her.” That kind of twist sticks in the reader’s mind and gives your book an edge in marketplaces like PublishDrive or Kobo Writing Life.

Also, think visually. Books with cinematic concepts (dragons fighting above neon cities, magic powered by tattoos) not only sell well but are easy to market. Consider how your story would look on a cover or trailer. Platforms like IngramSpark reward well-branded books with wider bookstore appeal.

To truly stand out, blend voice, vision, and verve. Your readers are savvy—they’ve read Tolkien and Sanderson. What can you give them that they haven’t seen before? Answer that, and you’re not just writing a fantasy novel—you’re writing the fantasy novel.

Build a Compelling World

Elements of Effective World-Building

World-building isn’t just about maps and made-up languages. It’s the invisible architecture that supports every page of your fantasy novel. If you want to write a fantasy novel that truly immerses readers, your world needs depth, logic, and layers.

Let’s break down the essential elements of effective world-building:

Geography & Environment

What does your world look like? Mountains that float? Oceans made of glass? Geography affects everything—culture, conflict, trade, even personality. Think of how a desert kingdom would differ from a frost-covered empire.
Magic System

Magic is the lifeblood of most fantasy novels. But it must have rules. Is it inherited or learned? Does it come with a price? Is it feared, banned, worshipped? The more consistent and logical your magic system, the more readers will buy into it.
Politics & Power

Every society has power struggles. Who rules and why? Kings, councils, guilds, gods? What are the stakes? Books like A Song of Ice and Fire thrive on political tension. So, even if your story is a personal journey, understanding the bigger political picture adds richness.
Religion & Mythology

Inventing gods, legends, or ancient texts adds soul to your world. These elements shape culture, customs, and conflict. Just like in our world, belief systems define societies.
Culture & Daily Life

How do people dress, eat, marry, or bury the dead? These details make your world relatable and real. Even small rituals—like lighting sky lanterns to honor the dead—can make your world unforgettable.
Language & Names

Don’t go overboard with hard-to-pronounce names, but having linguistic consistency adds authenticity. Tools like conlang generators or etymology references can help.

Want to see this in action? Look at books selling well on StreetLib and AuthorHouse—the ones that feel like they exist beyond the page all have one thing in common: masterful world-building. Readers don’t just visit these worlds—they move in.

World-Building Tools and Techniques

Building a fantasy world can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are tools and techniques that help you stay organized while unleashing your creativity. If you’re serious about learning how to write a fantasy novel, mastering world-building tools is non-negotiable.

World-Building Tools:

Campfire: A powerful platform for organizing everything—characters, timelines, maps, and lore.
World Anvil: Tailored for writers and RPG creators. It lets you link events, create timelines, and flesh out every corner of your universe.
Scrivener: More than a writing app—it helps you break down your world into bite-sized chunks while keeping everything in one place.
Notebook or Wiki: Old school but effective. Create your own “world wiki” to track cultures, maps, laws, and more.

Techniques to Build Believable Worlds:

Start Small, Then Zoom Out: Begin with a single village or city. Build up from there. Don’t try to create an entire universe at once.
Use the “Iceberg Method”: Reveal only the tip of the world to readers, but know everything underneath. It adds realism without info-dumping.
Ask the Five Ws:
- Who lives here?
- What do they value?
- When do they celebrate, fight, harvest?
- Where are key landmarks?
- Why do they do things a certain way?
Infuse World-Building Into the Plot: Don’t stop the story to explain everything. Show your world through action and dialogue. If a magic duel takes place, let the scene reveal the rules.
Borrow from Reality: History, cultures, and natural sciences are great inspiration. Take real-world elements and twist them with your own magical spin.

A great fantasy world doesn’t feel like something you made up. It feels like it’s always been there, just waiting to be discovered. With platforms like Blurb and IngramSpark, presentation matters too—especially for maps, glossaries, and appendices that enhance your world’s depth.

Craft Memorable Characters

Creating Relatable Heroes and Villains

Even the most magical world will fall flat if your characters don’t resonate. To successfully write a fantasy novel, you need characters that breathe, bleed, and evolve. It’s not about good vs. evil—it’s about motivation, struggle, and transformation.

Your Hero:

Don’t just create a protagonist—create a person. Give them:

A Goal: What do they want more than anything?
A Flaw: What internal struggle holds them back?
A Past: What shaped who they are?

Avoid perfection. Readers relate to characters who stumble, doubt, and grow. Maybe your hero is a reluctant savior or a guilt-ridden warrior. The more layered they are, the more memorable.

Your Villain:

Great fantasy villains aren’t just “evil for evil’s sake.” They believe they’re right. Some of the best antagonists are:

Tragic (think: Darth Vader)
Charismatic (think: Loki)
Ideological (think: Thanos)

Explore their motivation. Is it revenge? Power? Justice twisted by trauma? The more human your villain feels, the more tension you’ll create.

In platforms like Kobo Writing Life or Amazon KDP, character-driven fantasy sells because readers crave emotional investment. They want to root, rage, and mourn alongside your cast.

Also, use archetypes but flip them. The wise mentor might betray the hero. The farm boy might crave power more than peace. Subverting expectations makes characters pop.

Finally, let your characters make hard choices. Choices that cost. That’s where true drama lives.

Character Arcs in Fantasy

Let’s talk growth—because every great fantasy novel is also a story of transformation. When you write a fantasy novel, your characters shouldn’t end the story the same way they started. Character arcs are what make readers fall in love, scream at betrayals, and cry at the end of a long journey.

Why Character Arcs Matter:

In fantasy, characters are often thrust into extraordinary circumstances—battling demons, defying fate, or leading rebellions. But the external journey only works if it mirrors an internal one. As your protagonist journeys through forests, courts, and battlegrounds, they should also be changing within—shedding flaws, overcoming trauma, or sometimes even breaking under pressure.

Types of Arcs:

Positive Arc: The character grows, becoming wiser or more heroic. Common in traditional hero’s journeys like Harry Potter or Frodo Baggins.
Negative Arc: The character deteriorates, giving in to fear, anger, or power—like Anakin Skywalker.
Flat Arc: The character stays morally grounded but changes the world around them. Think of characters like Aragorn who don’t change much internally but affect massive external change.

How to Write a Compelling Arc:

Start with a Lie: What false belief does your character hold at the start? “I’m not worthy,” or “Only power can keep me safe.” The arc should break this lie.
Challenge Them Constantly: Every obstacle should push the character closer to a breaking point. Only through struggle can growth happen.
Make the Stakes Personal: Magic and war are cool, but it’s the heartbreak, betrayal, or newfound love that really sticks with readers.
End with a Shift: The final scenes should prove that the character has changed—either for better or worse.

Remember, your characters are your readers’ emotional anchors. Especially in epic fantasies where the setting is unfamiliar, relatable character arcs keep readers grounded.

When publishing through platforms like Amazon KDP or Draft2Digital, emotional depth can make the difference between a forgettable book and one that garners fan art, sequels, and rave reviews. A reader might forget your magic system—but they’ll remember how your protagonist made them feel.

Plotting Your Fantasy Novel

The Hero’s Journey and Other Structures

Now let’s shape your story. When you write a fantasy novel, structure isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Because you’re dealing with complex world-building, multiple POVs, and high stakes, a solid narrative skeleton can keep your story tight and compelling.

One of the most popular frameworks in fantasy storytelling is The Hero’s Journey. It’s been used from Star Wars to Percy Jackson, and here’s how it breaks down:

The 12 Stages of the Hero’s Journey:

Ordinary World: Introduce your character’s “normal.” Maybe they’re a blacksmith’s apprentice or a tavern maid.
Call to Adventure: A letter, prophecy, or mysterious stranger arrives.
Refusal of the Call: Fear or obligation keeps them hesitant.
Meeting the Mentor: The wise guide appears—think Gandalf.
Crossing the Threshold: The character leaves home behind.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies: They meet friends and foes.
Approach to the Inmost Cave: The big confrontation looms.
Ordeal: A major crisis—physical or emotional—occurs.
Reward: They gain a tool, insight, or new strength.
The Road Back: They begin their return journey.
Resurrection: A final test proves their transformation.
Return with the Elixir: They come home changed.

Other structures you can explore:

Three-Act Structure (Setup, Conflict, Resolution)
Save the Cat! Beat Sheet (great for pacing and commercial appeal)
Seven-Point Story Structure (flexible for multi-POV epics)

Tools like Scrivener, Plottr, or even simple index cards can help you visually map out your story. The best part? Once you have your structure, writing becomes less daunting—you just have to fill in the beats.

Publishing on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark requires well-paced, engaging stories. Readers often preview the first few chapters before buying. A strong structure ensures they’re hooked from page one.

Subplots and Weaving Multiple Storylines

Fantasy novels are rarely linear. Most great ones feature a tapestry of interwoven subplots—romances, betrayals, side quests, political maneuvering—all threaded through the main narrative. When you write a fantasy novel, mastering subplots is how you turn a good book into a great one.

Why Subplots Matter:

They develop supporting characters.
They build your world more organically.
They create emotional resonance and tension.
They give readers breathing room between high-stakes moments.

How to Weave Them In:

Tie them to the main plot: Don’t let your subplots feel like side quests in a video game. They should enhance the core story. For example, a romance subplot should challenge the hero’s main goal.
Stagger your reveals: Don’t dump all subplots in Act I. Introduce them gradually to build suspense and pacing.
Use them to foreshadow or contrast: A sibling rivalry subplot might mirror the central conflict between kingdoms.
Close the loops: Every subplot must reach a resolution by the end—or clearly set up the sequel.

Subplots are also great for multi-POV storytelling, which is common in epic fantasy. Each POV can drive its own mini-arc while contributing to the greater narrative.

Readers on platforms like BookBaby and AuthorHouse expect depth in fantasy storytelling. Give them layered stories that reward close reading, and they’ll become lifelong fans.

Writing Vivid Scenes and Dialogue

Show, Don’t Tell

Here’s a golden rule when you write a fantasy novel: Don’t explain—immerse. If you want readers to feel like they’ve stepped into another world, you need to master the art of showing, not telling. This technique breathes life into your writing, especially in fantasy where sensory-rich details are crucial.

So, What Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Really Mean?

Telling: “The wizard was angry.”
Showing: “The wizard’s eyes sparked, and his staff trembled in his grip as a low growl rose from his throat.”

One just states the emotion. The other makes you feel it.

Why It’s Vital in Fantasy:

Fantasy worlds are unfamiliar. If you merely describe things vaguely or in summary, readers won’t believe in your magic, cultures, or kingdoms. But if you let them see, hear, smell, and taste everything alongside your characters, they’ll be hooked.

Tips to Show Instead of Tell:

Use Sensory Language: Paint your world using all five senses. What does dragon fire smell like? How does an ancient ruin sound beneath your character’s boots?
Use Action to Reveal Emotion: If your character is nervous, have them bite their nails or glance around the room. Don’t just say “he was nervous.”
Use Dialogue to Show Personality: Instead of saying “She was sarcastic,” let her speak with biting wit.

Great scene writing is about putting the camera inside the story—zooming in on actions, emotions, and environments rather than summarizing from above.

Books that succeed on platforms like Amazon KDP, Kobo Writing Life, and Blurb often rely on rich, vivid prose to captivate readers from the start. When you show, you don’t just tell a story—you invite your audience to live it.

Writing Realistic and Engaging Dialogue

In fantasy, your dialogue must do double duty—it has to sound believable and also serve as a window into your unique world. One of the fastest ways to lose a reader is with stiff, robotic, or overly “modern” dialogue that doesn’t match your setting.

When you write a fantasy novel, your dialogue should:

Reveal character traits
Move the plot forward
Add tension or subtext
Reflect your world’s culture and tone

Tips for Writing Killer Dialogue:

Avoid Info-Dumping: Don’t let characters explain the magic system in one big speech. Break it up. Let the reader learn as they go.
Give Characters Distinct Voices: Your elf shouldn’t sound like your pirate. Word choice, sentence structure, and rhythm can differentiate them.
Use Contractions and Natural Flow: Even in high fantasy, dialogue shouldn’t be too formal unless it fits the character. “I do not think so” could become “I don’t think so,” unless your speaker is a noble or ancient wizard.
Read It Out Loud: If it sounds awkward, it’ll read awkward. Your ears catch things your eyes don’t.

Fantasy dialogue can be stylized but should still feel human. Think of how Tolkien made Elvish dialogue elegant and how Martin’s characters used gritty, colloquial speech. Match tone to your world’s setting.

Finally, dialogue is pace control. Use short exchanges during tense scenes to quicken the pace and longer, more introspective conversations during emotional beats.

Readers across BookBaby, StreetLib, and IngramSpark appreciate not just great stories but also great conversations. Because when characters talk like real people—even in unreal settings—the whole world comes to life.

Editing and Revising Your Fantasy Novel

Self-Editing Techniques

You’ve finished your draft—congrats! But before you publish your fantasy novel on Amazon KDP or Draft2Digital, it needs to be polished to perfection. That’s where self-editing comes in. This step separates amateur manuscripts from pro-level books.

Key Phases of Self-Editing:

Big Picture Revisions (Developmental Editing)
- Do the character arcs make sense?
- Is the plot logically structured?
- Are all subplots resolved?
- Does your world-building integrate smoothly into the story?
Chapter & Scene Edits
- Does each scene serve a purpose?
- Are transitions smooth?
- Does the pacing vary appropriately?
Line Editing
- Trim redundant phrases.
- Strengthen verbs and cut passive voice.
- Replace clichés with fresh expressions.
Copy Editing & Proofreading
- Fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Check for consistency (magic system rules, names, dates).
- Format for eBook and print readability.

Tools to Help You Self-Edit:

Grammarly: Great for grammar and clarity.
ProWritingAid: Excellent for style, pacing, and overused words.
Fictionary: Targets story structure and character arcs.
The Hemingway App: Highlights overly complex sentences.

Bonus Tips:

Read it aloud or use text-to-speech tools to catch awkward phrasing.
Print it for a different perspective.
Change the font before rereading—it helps your brain spot errors.

Even if you plan to hire an editor, doing a thorough self-edit first can save time and money—and sharpen your skills as a writer. Remember, fantasy novels are often long, so catching inconsistencies or plot holes now is crucial for your credibility later.

Working With Editors and Beta Readers

Once your manuscript is in solid shape, it’s time to get outside eyes on it. Working with editors and beta readers is critical if you want to write a fantasy novel that competes on platforms like BookBaby, IngramSpark, or Blurb.

Types of Editors:

Developmental Editor: Focuses on structure, pacing, plot holes, character arcs.
Line Editor: Improves sentence flow, dialogue, voice consistency.
Copy Editor: Fixes grammar, spelling, and factual errors.
Proofreader: The final polish before publishing.

Hiring professionals can be expensive, but it’s a smart investment if you’re serious. Look for editors who:

Have fantasy genre experience
Offer sample edits
Understand your publishing goals (especially KDP requirements)

Beta Readers:

These are unpaid readers who give feedback on story flow, character likability, and world believability. Aim for 3-5 beta readers with different perspectives.

Ask them questions like:

Were you ever confused?
Did you feel emotionally invested?
Which scenes dragged or felt rushed?

Use a mix of friends, other authors, and fantasy fans. Join forums like SFF Chronicles, Reddit Fantasy Writers, or Facebook author groups to find trustworthy readers.

Feedback can sting—but it’s gold. Especially in a competitive market like fantasy, where readers are critical and have thousands of books to choose from. Editors and beta readers help you avoid plot holes, cliches, or weak arcs that can sink your book’s success.

Publishing Your Fantasy Novel

Choosing the Right Publishing Platform

Once your fantasy manuscript is polished and ready, it’s time to choose how and where to publish it. This is a huge step, and your decision can directly affect sales, visibility, and long-term success. Knowing the ins and outs of each publishing platform is essential if you want to successfully write a fantasy novel and bring it to market in the USA.

Top Publishing Platforms for Fantasy Authors:

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
- Pros: Massive reach, free to publish, Kindle Unlimited exposure, fast royalties.
- Cons: Highly competitive, and KU exclusivity limits wide distribution.
- Best For: Fantasy authors looking to build an indie career quickly with access to millions of Kindle readers.
BookBaby
- Pros: All-in-one service (editing, formatting, marketing), great for beginners, excellent print quality.
- Cons: High upfront cost.
- Best For: Authors who want a professional, done-for-you publishing service and are willing to invest.
B&N Press (Barnes & Noble)
- Pros: Reaches Nook readers, solid print options, major brand recognition.
- Cons: Smaller reach than Amazon, fewer marketing tools.
- Best For: Authors with a physical book strategy or those focusing on US readers.
IngramSpark
- Pros: Best for wide print distribution (libraries, indie bookstores), hardcover options, high-quality POD.
- Cons: Complex interface, setup fees, needs technical know-how.
- Best For: Authors planning to distribute in print nationally or internationally.
Draft2Digital
- Pros: Super user-friendly, wide eBook distribution, automated back matter.
- Cons: Doesn’t support Amazon (unless via workaround), limited print options.
- Best For: Authors publishing wide, especially in global markets.
Blurb, AuthorHouse, PublishDrive, StreetLib, Kobo Writing Life
- Each offers unique advantages:
- Blurb: Ideal for visually rich fantasy with illustrations.
- AuthorHouse: Best for those needing extensive author support.
- PublishDrive: Great for multilingual and global expansion.
- StreetLib: Emphasizes creative control and international distribution.
- Kobo Writing Life: Targets Canadian and European readers—great for fantasy writers going global.

Key Tip:

If you’re publishing a series, Amazon KDP (with Kindle Unlimited) can supercharge your visibility—especially in fantasy. But for wide reach, consider combining IngramSpark (print) and Draft2Digital (eBook) to dominate multiple marketplaces.

Do your homework. Read the fine print. And choose the platform that best aligns with your goals as an author—not just today, but long-term.

Formatting for Print and eBook

Now that you’ve selected your publishing platform, let’s talk formatting. Bad formatting can destroy the reader experience—even if your story is amazing. Whether you’re targeting Amazon KDP, BookBaby, or IngramSpark, formatting makes the difference between a professional book and an amateur one.

Formatting for eBook:

Use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Garamond.
Set a 12pt font size, with 1.5 spacing for easy reading.
Avoid tabs—use style-based indents in your word processor.
Insert page breaks between chapters.
Use simple headers and footers.
Save as .docx, .epub, or .mobi depending on the platform.

Tools to Format eBooks:

Reedsy Book Editor: Free, intuitive, export to EPUB/Print.
Scrivener: Great for structuring and compiling.
Vellum (Mac only): Industry favorite for stunning formatting.
Atticus (Mac/PC): A new, rising tool that rivals Vellum.

Formatting for Print:

Choose trim size (5×8, 6×9 inches are common).
Include a title page, copyright, TOC, and acknowledgments.
Watch your margins and bleed settings.
Use section breaks for page numbering consistency.
Proof your PDF version—especially for IngramSpark and Blurb where print quality matters.

Make sure you test your file before publishing. Many platforms offer previewers to catch issues early.

Formatting might seem tedious, but it’s crucial. A well-formatted book looks and feels professional—building trust with readers and boosting reviews on platforms like Amazon or Kobo Writing Life.

Marketing Your Fantasy Novel

Building an Author Platform

Writing your novel is only half the journey. Once it’s out in the world, you need readers—and that’s where author branding and platform-building come in. If you want your effort to write a fantasy novel to pay off, you’ve got to wear your marketing hat too.

What is an Author Platform?

It’s your public presence as a writer—how readers find you, trust you, and connect with your work. It includes your website, social media, email list, and overall online persona.

Steps to Build a Killer Platform:

Create an Author Website
- Include a blog, book info, contact page, newsletter signup.
- Use platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress.
Start an Email List
- Offer a free story or map in exchange for signups.
- Use tools like MailerLite, ConvertKit, or SendFox.
Engage on Social Media
- Instagram for visuals (book covers, fantasy art).
- Twitter/X for reader interaction.
- TikTok (BookTok) for younger audiences—huge impact for fantasy authors!
Network with Other Authors
- Join fantasy writer groups.
- Collaborate on anthologies or newsletters.
Start a Blog or YouTube Channel
- Share your writing journey, world-building tips, or character backstories.

Your platform boosts credibility and makes marketing easier. When readers see you’re active and professional, they’re more likely to buy, review, and recommend your book.

Launching and Promoting Your Book

Your book is written, formatted, and published. Now it’s time to launch it into the world! An impactful book launch can boost visibility, drive early sales, and get your fantasy novel trending in marketplaces like Amazon, Kobo, and B&N Press.

Pre-Launch Prep:

Set your launch date at least 30 days in advance.
Prepare your ARC team (advance readers) to leave early reviews.
Tease your book with cover reveals, character intros, and sneak peeks.
Write compelling blurbs and taglines.

Launch Week Strategy:

Offer a limited-time discount to boost initial sales.
Promote across your email list and social media.
Run Amazon Ads or Facebook Ads targeting fantasy readers.
Host a virtual launch party with giveaways and author Q&As.

Long-Term Marketing:

Run newsletter swaps with other authors.
Submit to fantasy book blogs and review sites.
Attend fantasy conventions and pitch your book.

If you’re using Amazon KDP, enroll in Kindle Unlimited for added reach. With IngramSpark, push your book to libraries and indie bookstores.

Marketing is ongoing. But with a clear plan, even new authors can carve out a loyal fanbase—and turn their fantasy novel into a series, franchise, or even film deal.

Conclusion

Learning how to write a fantasy novel is no small feat. It’s a blend of passion, persistence, and imagination. From crafting a unique world and building complex characters to editing with precision and publishing like a pro—every step is part of your journey as an author.

But here’s the truth: the real magic happens when your story finds its reader. Whether it’s a teenager discovering your world for the first time or a lifelong fantasy fan hungry for something new, your words can become a portal to a place they’ll never forget.

So, start that first chapter. Build that map. Develop that flawed hero. The world is waiting for your story.

FAQs

How long should a fantasy novel be?

Fantasy novels typically range from 80,000 to 150,000 words. Epic fantasy often leans toward the higher end due to extensive world-building.

Do I need a map in my fantasy book?

While not mandatory, a map adds depth and helps readers visualize your world—especially in epic or quest-based fantasy novels.

Can I self-publish a fantasy novel and still be successful?

Absolutely. Many indie fantasy authors thrive on platforms like Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital. Quality writing and consistent marketing are key.

How do I create unique character names in fantasy?

Use language roots, mythology, or name generators. Ensure names are easy to pronounce and consistent with your world’s culture.

Should I write a series or a standalone fantasy book?

Series tend to perform better in the fantasy genre, especially with Kindle Unlimited readers. But a strong standalone can also succeed if marketed well.