NaNoWriMo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides tools, structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds — on and off the page.
How it Works for Writers
Once a writer (or soon-to-be writer!) signs up on the NaNoWriMo site, they can participate in programs in a variety of ways. Prefer to write on your own timeline? Set independent writing goals and work at your own pace. Prefer the exquisite pressure of an ambitious deadline and enthusiastic community egging you on? Set an official challenge goal during National Novel Writing Month in November (50k words) or Camp NaNoWriMo in April or July.
You’ll receive resource-packed messages (and the occasional celebratory gif), and if you reach your word-count goal, you can access a special winner page with sponsor offers and more. Either way, once you’ve signed up, you can explore how-to materials, make writer friends in the forums, join your local region(s) to see what’s going on nearby, pop in on the occasional virtual event hosted by NaNo HQ, make buddies and join writing groups, get inspired by pep talks from authors, and—of course —track your writing progress, novel or otherwise.
The Young Writers Program offers tools, resources, and community access to help young writers and educators set ambitious creative goals and tackle projects year-round!
Each year, over 100,000 young writers under 18 enjoy our youth-friendly writing space, progress tracking tools, and Young Novelist Workbooks. Educators can support student skill development with our free Common Core–aligned curricula, online classroom management tools, and motivational classroom materials.
Camp NaNoWriMo is your next, great writing adventure! This month-long writing challenge takes place every April and July, and offers you the flexibility to try something new with your writing. The key differences between Camp NaNoWriMo and our November writing challenge are that during Camp, you can set your own word-count goal (you’re not locked into 50,000 words!), and you can officially tackle any kind of writing project, novel or not. Epic poem based on a shopping list, anyone?
Plus:
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If you’re newer to the NaNoWriMo community, Camp is a great place to get your feet wet and set a goal that feels good for you, but still participate in an official community writing challenge.
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You’ll be writing alongside thousands of fellow writers! We’ll cheer each other on, host special events, and offer support.
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If you complete the official Camp NaNoWriMo challenge, you’ll get exclusive digital badges, a printable certificate, discounts and goodies from our sponsors, and an extra leaf on your writing streak laurel.
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