NaNoWriMo Alternatives

November is National Novel Writing Month! Since 1999, writers have taken on the challenge of writing 50,000 words throughout the month, averaging 1,667 words for each of those 30 days in order to reach that goal.

It was a beloved event in the writing community, taking on a life outside of the organization behind it. Participants were able to connect with fellow writers in online spaces and find community and support that lasted beyond the duration of NaNoWriMo. You might have been able to find in-person writing events in your area.

For many writers, NaNoWriMo was the start of a now-cherished project, many of which are now published.

However, NaNoWriMo is no more—at least, as an organization.

In 2025, NaNoWriMo HQ, the nonprofit behind the challenge, announced its closure in the wake of several controversies; for context on those controversies, check out this post and this one I shared soon after the closure was announced.

We writers are resilient creatures, though! Many NaNoWriMo alternatives have emerged from the ashes and have allowed the tradition to persist. Some are close replicas of the original, while others have established their own rules, which makes it more accessible for writers intimidated by that 50,000-word goal.

If you're feeling displaced in the NaNoWriMo fallout or want to tackle National Novel Writing Month for the first time, welcome.

I'll be updating this list as I become aware of new NaNoWriMo alternatives. If you are participating in a writing challenge or know of one you'd like to shout out, don't hesitate to let me know either here in the comments or shoot me a message on Instagram.

NaNo 2.0

Founded by "a group of longtime NaNoWriMo participants who believe that miracles happen when you combine a supportive community with a shared goal and a terrifying deadline," including NaNoWriMo's founder, former staff of the organization, volunteers, and participants, NaNo 2.0 is a reformation of the original challenge.

However, they're stripping things back and keeping it simple. There aren't any forums, but there are virtual badges and certificates ready for the earning.

Participants are welcome to attempt the classic 50,000-word challenge, but are encouraged to set challenging-yet-attainable goals for the month.

Check out the NaNo 2.0 website here.

Reedsy Novel Sprint

Reedsy Studio is an online app designed to aid writers at every step from plotting to formatting and everything in between.

via Reedsy Studio

The Novel Sprint follows the same format as the original NaNoWriMo: 50,000 words in 30 days.

This writing challenge also has prizes up for grabs. Writers who have reached the 50,000-word goal at the end of November will receive an email with instructions for submitting their first chapter to a contest held by Reedsy.

The prizes are as follows:

1st Place: $5,000 and a 30-minute meeting with a literary agent

2nd Place: $2,500 and a 30-minute meeting with a literary agent

3rd Place: $1,000 and a 30-minute meeting with a literary agent

Even if you don't win one of the big prizes, Reedsy is offering plenty of perks for its participants. Reaching the 50K goal awards 3 months of premium features in Reedsy Studio. They're also hosting webinars and virtual writing sprints and offering templates and worksheets to help you get started.

In order for your words to be counted in an official capacity, they need to be entered into Reesdy Studio. As stated on the website, "You can’t copy/paste from another word processor, and you can’t use AI to generate your book. Writers who do not adhere to these rules will be disqualified."

Learn more about Reedsy Novel Sprint here.

ProWritingAid's Novel November

Novel November, which I've seen stylized as NovNov, is hosted by ProWritingAid.

Described as a "suite of tools for writers that will help you craft, polish, and elevate your writing," ProWritingAid remains a popular tool among writers.

Novel November is a little looser than the original NaNoWriMo, allowing writers to set their own goals. "This challenge isn’t about perfection or speed. It’s about showing up for your story, discovering your creative rhythm, and celebrating the progress you make."

Like its predecessor, there are also badges to collect and an emphasis on finding a sense of community along the way.

There will also be a plethora of live sessions hosted by some noteworthy writers including Save the Cat! Writes a Novel author Jessica Brody and author and YouTuber Abbie Emmons.

A ProWritingAid account isn't a requirement for joining Novel November. They've created a widget to help participants keep track of their word count goals, no matter where those words are being written.

Learn more about Novel November here.

Writers' HQ Write November

Writers' HQ offers creative writing courses and workshops for those who feel "like they don't fit in other literary spaces." This sense is at the heart of their Write November challenge.

While the other challenges on this list are word-count-centric, this challenge from Writers' HQ is more focused on feeling good about your writing. Speaking from experience, the traditional NaNoWriMo format can burn you out fast.

Write November, on the other hand, is about showing up, finding your groove as a writer, and setting feasible, flexible goals.

"During Write November, we’re challenging you to write something that makes you feel GREAT. To set yourself a realistic writing goal and explore a creative practice that’s joyful, sustainable and, ya know, fun."

Find out more about Write November here.

The PaWriCo Challenge by Pathfinders Collective

This is actually one of several challenges held by the Pathfinders Writing Collective throughout the year, lasting from November until January.

The PaWriCo Challenge is intentionally flexible. There are no concrete rules. Participants are welcome to set their own goals and how they'll aim to achieve them. The challenge lasts three months, but you don't have to join in for the entire duration.

More info on The PaWriCo Challenge can be found here.

Do Your Own Thing

NaNoWriMo wasn't for everybody. That daunting 50K word count objective and short, strict timeframe was the cause for plenty of burnout. And for many of those who were able to reach that goal, the methods of doing so weren't sustainable on a long-term basis.

You don't need to join any of the above challenges to write your book. There are plenty of ways to find community as a writer outside of NaNoWriMo.

Or you can set goals outside of the traditional NaNoWriMo structure.

My writing group has been talking about starting our own thing, just the six of us, with check-ins and writing sprints.

Consider any areas in your writing habits you'd like to be more consistent with. Do you have a project you're itching to start, or one in progress that's been on the back burner for a hot minute? Maybe you're wanting to get back into a consistent writing habit after a big life change.

National Novel Writing Month is the perfect time to pick up the pen, even if you're going about it a little differently. Give yourself the grace to find your way as a writer, your way.

Will you be participating in a writing challenge this November? Know of another NaNoWriMo alternative that isn't on the list? Let me know in the comments!

Last Updated October 24, 2025