How Not to Write a Novel vs The Happy Writer: Which Should You Read?

Both live on shelves: Writing, Self help

Cover of How Not to Write a Novel

How Not to Write a Novel Sandra Newman · 2010 ★★★★☆ 3.8 288 pages · ≈ 5 h 20 m · Light Find on Amazon

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Cover of The Happy Writer

The Happy Writer Marissa Meyer · 2025 ★★★★☆ 3.8 409 pages · ≈ 7 h 34 m · Moderate Find on Amazon

The verdict

Ratings are close: 3.8 vs 3.8 — either is a safe pick by score.
How Not to Write a Novel is the quicker read — about 5 hours vs 7 for The Happy Writer.
How Not to Write a Novel is the easier read (Light), The Happy Writer more demanding (Moderate).

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