You’ll likely receive ten different answers if you ask ten different writers how long it takes to write a book. Every writer works at a different pace, but there are some easy ways to estimate how long it will take you to finish your book.
How Long Does It Take to Write a Book?
The time it takes to write a book depends on numerous factors, including the writer’s desired book-length, word count per day, and experience level. Every writer has a process.
Setting a page and word count goal will help writers determine how long the book-writing process may take. The average paperback book ranges from 200 to 300 pages, averaging about 275 words per page. A 300-page book will have approximately 82,500 words in total. With consistency, it’s possible to reach that word count by writing 500 words per day, seven days a week, for about five and a half months. Reducing that frequency to writing 500 words a day, three times a week, would lengthen the timeline to about one year.
Tips for Setting a Book Timeline
To create a writing plan for your first book, check out the following steps to determine how much writing time you’ll need.
Determine the Book Type
Most writers can finish a novella or children’s book faster than a sci-fi epic or collection of thirty short stories. Once you land on the type of book you plan to write, it’s easier to estimate your desired word count, allowing you to calculate the length of the writing process.
Choose a Length to Target
Set a goal length for your book, which will help you devise a rough desired word count. For example, if you want to write a 300-page book with approximately 275 words per page, your book will have 82,500 words.
Set a Word Count Goal Per Writing Session
If you’re penning your first novel, don’t expect to write as fast as a prolific bestselling author writing the next book in a well-established series. A reasonable per-session target word count is about 500 words. Adjust this figure up or down if it’s too easy or difficult to hit. If you commit to 500 words per writing session, it will take 165 sessions to finish your first draft.
Decide on Your Writing Frequency
The number of weekly writing sessions you can attend will depend on your schedule. Full-time writers may only have time or energy to write on weekends, meaning the process will take longer than daily writing sessions. Fitting in five writing sessions per week (at 500 words per session) means finishing the book in thirty-three weeks—or a little less than eight months.
Factor in Researching and Outlining
The previous steps provide an estimated book finishing time-based on page and word count, but outlining the book adds extra time to the writing process. Developing a strong book or novel outline allows writers to organize their themes, shape their characters, and plan their story arc. Nonfiction writers should also factor in inappropriate time to research their subject(s). Roughly aligning the major beats in your book with page or word count goals can help you stay on track and finish a book as quickly as possible.
Take Your Time
While you know how long your first draft might take to complete, note that the process may take longer than expected for various reasons. The quality of the final product is what matters most. Your book will benefit from extra time and consideration to make it the best it can be, even if you sail past your initial deadline.
How to Become a Faster Writer
If you want to learn how to write faster, refer to the following hacks:
Start Small
If you’re a first-time writer who wants to write an epic fantasy novel spanning multiple timelines and universes, there’s a decent chance the project’s complexity could slow things down. To complete the project, a beginner writer may find it helpful to start with a fantasy short story or novella before tackling the bigger idea. Finishing a shorter, more straightforward story first will give you the confidence and experience necessary to write your elaborate story faster.
Find Your Most Productive Time
Improving your writing skills and speed depends on your habits and mindset. You may write faster in the early morning or feel most fluid in the late hours of the night—experiment with writing at different times of the day to find out which is most productive for you.
Write Every Single Day
Writing is a muscle—the more you exercise your craft, the stronger, leaner, and more efficient it will become. Setting aside daily writing time is essential, even if you aren’t on a deadline. Work regular writing sessions into your routine, make it a habit or build a ritual around it, like relocating to a special location or making a cup of tea.
Create an Outline
Setting up your story arc and characters before you begin writing will save you lots of time when you start writing. Make a plan, plotting out the main points of your writing project and aligning them with approximate word counts. Planning these things out lets you keep your plot points organized and sequentially and helps you envision the finish line.
Eliminate Distractions
Close any open browser windows, email programs, and chat apps on your screen as you write. Unplug your computer and turn off the internet if you’re writing by hand. Switch your phone to silent and place it out of view. Even if you only do this for an hour or two at a time, eliminating tempting distractions helps you focus on the difficult process of writing, which requires your undivided attention.
Revise Later
Great writing rarely arrives fully formed as a first draft. Be patient with yourself. Let typos slide, ignore the spell-checker, and curb any perfectionist second-guessing. If you get stuck on a particular phrasing, write it plainly and return to it later. Editing as you go consumes a lot of time, so rather than re-reading every step of the way, save the revisions for the end.
Conclusion
Writing a book is a journey that varies significantly from writer to writer. By setting realistic goals, creating a structured timeline, and maintaining consistent writing habits, you can better manage your expectations and navigate the writing process more effectively. Remember, the goal is to produce a book you are proud of, no matter how long it takes.
FAQs
1. Can I write a book while working a full-time job?
Yes, many authors have written books while maintaining full-time jobs. It requires good time management and dedication, but it is entirely possible.
2. How many words should I write each day?
This depends on your schedule and writing goals. A common target is 500 words daily, but you can adjust this based on what feels manageable.
3. Do I need to outline my book before writing?
Outlining is highly recommended as it helps organize your thoughts and provides a clear roadmap for your writing. However, some writers prefer a more spontaneous approach.
4. How do I handle writer’s block?
Taking breaks, changing your environment, and engaging in creative activities can help overcome writer’s block. Sometimes, pushing through and writing something can break the block, even if it’s not perfect.
5. How long should I spend on revisions?
Revisions are crucial to the writing process and can take as long as the initial writing. It’s important to spend enough time refining your work to ensure it’s the best it can be.