How to Become a Fantasy Writer: 9 Steps to Get You Started
If you’re here, you’re wondering how to become a fantasy writer. Or maybe you already are one, but imposter syndrome likes to whisper otherwise.
Either way, welcome. You’re in the right place.
Whether you’ve scribbled stories in notebooks since you were ten or just recently had a killer idea involving a cursed heirloom and a dragon, the truth is: becoming a fantasy writer isn’t some mystical calling.
It’s a mix of love for the genre, stubbornness, and building your creative muscles over time.
Let’s break it down together with practical steps, examples, and some helpful tools I wish I had when I was starting out.
• You don’t need a degree or a book deal to become a fantasy writer.
• Build tiny writing habits that stack up over time.
• Study the craft without spending a ton on courses.
• Worldbuild smarter, not harder.
• Finish the godsdamn story. Then edit like you're going into battle.
• Keep up with trends in the industry.
• Stay curious, and whatever you do, don’t stop writing.
Step 1: Stop waiting for permission
First things first: you don’t need a degree in literature, a publishing deal, or an enchanted quill to call yourself a fantasy writer. If you’re writing fantasy—no matter how messy or half-finished, it counts.
Say it with me: "I am a fantasy writer." There. That’s your badge.
You don’t become one by hitting a milestone. You become one by showing up.
Not convinced yet?
Tolkien was a linguist first.
Brandon Sanderson’s first 13 novels were rejected.
N.K. Jemisin didn’t publish her breakout novel until her 40s.
You’re not late. You’re not behind. You’re just beginning.
Step 2: Build your fantasy writing habits
Consistency beats talent.
The real magic happens when you stop waiting for the muse and start building a habit. Even if it’s just 20 minutes a day.
Try this:
Create a writing schedule. I use a simple Notion dashboard to track my daily word count. Or you can use Google Sheets.
Use writing sprints. Set a timer for 25 minutes. Write like you’re racing a wyvern. If you want to be fancy like me, you can use this fantasy-themed writing sprint by writer Abbie Emmons.
Set the mood. You’re writing fantasy, not a self-help book. Light some candles, queue a fantasy playlist, make yourself a hot tea. You get the point. The more you make it a fun ritual, the more you’ll want to write.
So, if you're wondering how to become a fantasy writer, establishing a regular writing routine is a crucial first step.
Step 3: Learn the craft (without breaking the bank)
You don’t need to take a $3,000 masterclass to understand story structure. What you do need is curiosity and a bit of guidance.
Free and low-cost ways to learn:
Read like a writer. Re-read your favorite fantasy novel. This time, take notes. Why does the opening hook you? What’s the structure of the climax? What are the rules of the magic system? How does the main character evolve over time?
Use a template. I offer a free fantasy novel outline template to help you break down your plot into manageable pieces.
Sign up for free courses/lessons. If you don’t know where to start, this post on Best Fantasy Writing Classes in 2025 will help (free and paid options).
Step 4: Stay informed about the publishing landscape
Understanding the world you’re publishing into helps you make smarter decisions.
⚠️ A word of caution, though. Don’t write a story simply because it’s trending. You have to actually love (or at least like) what you’re writing, otherwise what’s the point?
Here’s how to stay in the loop:
Scan the shelves. What fantasy books are front-facing at your local bookstore? What are readers saying in reviews?
Follow publishing pros. Agents and editors often share gold on Twitter, Substack, and podcasts. Try The Sht No One Tells You About Writing or Book Riot.
Read industry blogs. Sites like Jane Friedman’s or Writer Beware offer insights on both traditional and indie publishing.
Write the story you love while keeping in mind the world it’ll be released in.
Step 5: Worldbuild without falling into the abyss
Worldbuilding is the honey trap of fantasy writing. One minute you’re jotting down ideas for your magic system, and five hours later you’re elbows deep in the trade routes of a fictional desert.
Yes, it’s fun. But if you’re not careful, it’ll keep you from actually writing the story.
A few tricks to keep worldbuilding under control:
Build what you need, when you need it. Don’t create the entire economic system unless it directly impacts your plot.
Ask smart questions. I’ve compiled 160+ worldbuilding questions to spark ideas. You don’t have to answer them all.
Use structure. My Notion Worldbuilding System connects your world, characters, settings, magic, and scenes, so you can build while you write.
Step 6: Finish something (even if it’s a mess)
You can’t become a fantasy writer if you never finish a story (even if it’s a short one).
And I get it, finishing is hard. You start out excited, hit the murky middle, and suddenly, organizing your sock drawer seems like a higher priority.
But if you're serious about how to become a fantasy writer, you’ve got to push through that middle and get to the end, even if it’s messy.
Tips to help you finish:
Set a deadline. Even a soft one. Accountability works wonders.
Skip ahead. Stuck on Chapter 7? Write the big battle scene instead. Or any another scene you’re excited to write about.
Give yourself permission to write a crappy first draft. That’s what editing is for. Oh, and for the love of gods, try not to edit as you go as it’ll disrupt your flow (Yes, I’ve been guilty of this).
🌟 If you need more motivation, check out my post on 10 Fantasy Writing Motivation Hacks to Finish Your Novel
Step 7: Edit with a sword
Editing is not the gentle art of polishing. It’s a godsdamned bloodsport.
Here’s how to do it:
Cut anything that doesn’t serve your plot or characters. Be ruthless.
Read your work out loud. If it sounds awkward, it is.
Use a feedback sandwich. Ask a beta reader for one thing they liked, one thing that confused them, and one suggestion to improve.
Hire an editor. Yes, the good ones can be pricey. But having a good editor, especially one with fantasy editing experience, will increase your odds of getting published. And if you’re going the indie route, even more of a reason to have it professionally edited before unleashing it onto the world.
📜 Note: I found my fantasy editor via a Reddit thread. You can also use Reedsy to hire one (I vetted a ton of good ones on there).
Step 8: Embrace your fantasy brain
Here’s your permission slip to be That Person:
The one with three tabs open for sword names.
The one who mutters dialogue to themselves in public.
The one who plays out scenes in their head while driving (be careful doing this!)
The one who cares deeply about the lunar calendar of a fake realm.
The one who wakes up at 2:43am to jot down an idea they had in a dream.
That’s the job. Own it.
Fantasy writers are worldbuilders, inventors, and explorers. You’re not supposed to write like everyone else. You’re supposed to write like you.
Step 9: Keep going
The biggest difference between people who want to be fantasy writers and the ones who are?
The ones who are just… didn’t stop.
They kept writing. They kept learning. They kept dreaming up characters and worlds and magic systems no one else could.
You don’t need permission. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep going.
Final thoughts on how to become a fantasy writer
So, how do you become a fantasy writer? You already are if you’re writing, building, dreaming, or even just figuring out where to start.
Use the tools that help you (like my Notion Worldbuilding System or Fantasy Writing Workbooks Bundle), ignore the ones that don’t, and stay curious.
And if this blog gave you even one "oh that’s me!" moment, then hey, that’s no accident. You’re part of the fantasy writing world now.
Welcome in.
FAQ: How to become a fantasy writer
Do I need to have read every classic fantasy novel to become a fantasy writer?
Nope. You don’t need to slog through every "must-read" list to earn your fantasy writer badge. Read what excites you. Read widely if you can, but don't let a checklist stop you from writing your own story.
How much worldbuilding do I need before I start my fantasy novel?
Honestly? Less than you think. If you’re wondering how to become a fantasy writer without drowning in lore, focus on what directly impacts your characters and plot first. You can layer in the rest later.
Should I write a fantasy series or a standalone for my first book?
Start with a standalone if you can. Series are tempting (hello, epic world!) but finishing one strong, complete story will teach you way more about how to become a fantasy writer who actually finishes what they start.
How do I stay motivated when I feel like my writing sucks?
Every fantasy writer—yes, even the big names—has felt that way. The trick isn't to avoid the feeling. It’s to keep writing through it. If you’re asking, "How do I become a fantasy writer who doesn’t give up?" the answer is: finish the story anyway. Edit later.
Can I still become a fantasy writer if I only have a few hours a week?
Absolutely. Consistency beats time. Even if you’re carving out one or two hours a week, you’re building the habit. You don’t need endless free time. You need persistence.
