Every creative endeavor takes time in the process of making. Book writing process is no different than any other form of creative work. Nevertheless, as a beginner, it is always a suitable question to ask: How long does it take to write a book?
The correct answer is: there’s no fixed timeline. Time to complete a book is always relative to the complexity of the book. For example, some non-fiction genres, such as autobiography of a historical figure, require extensive research than a motivation book for teenagers. Same goes for fiction. A complex sci-fi would take more time than a simple romance novel.
A common mistake that novice writers make is to miscalculate the overall writing process stages, such as editing, formatting, and designing. It is worth noting that the writing process is incomplete without turning your writeup into a fully-formed manuscript. Nevertheless, on average, 3 months to 6 months are required to achieve their book writing timeline.
Factors That Influence Your Writing Timeline
1. Your Writing Schedule and Commitment
If you’re wondering how many hours to write a book, consider these scenarios:
To write 500 words every day, it is necessary to dedicate about two hours of concentrated effort a day. This means that 80,000 words in the novel would be attained in 160 days which is approximately five months. This, however, does not take into account research, planning and revision time.
Full-time writers tend to work faster when writing the first draft as they consider themselves professional writers. An illustration would be that Stephen King will write 2,000 words a day and would normally be able to complete a novel in three or four months.
2. Genre-Oriented Timeline
As mentioned earlier, different genres require different approaches. Such as time to write a novel would differ from writing a children book. You need to consider genre-specific timelines in order to fully understand how long it would take to complete your book.
The fiction writers should create complicated characters, elaborate plots, and persuasive settings. Commercial genres usually do not need much contemplation and reworking, as compared to literary fiction. Authors of mysteries have to be scrupulous about hiding clues and red herrings, whereas fantasists have to create whole worlds with internal rules and backgrounds.
The non-fiction writers encounter other problems. Books based on research need a lot of verification of facts and sourcing. Self-help books require applications and practical tips. Memoirs presuppose emotional treatment and the particular structuring of narration. Historical fiction borderlines on the elements of both fiction and non-fiction; hence, it needs more time to maintain its structural and factual authenticity.
3. Your Experience Level
It is always observed that new indie-authors or first-time authors take more time to complete their novel than experienced writers. This is because they are not into the practice of writing. Writing is an art. Writing is an exercise. The more one writes, the better the outcomes of the writing emerge. Another reason is that experienced writers have developed their voice, their writing authority, and have gotten command of their skills that help them structure their story in less time than others.
If a novice or a beginner work on these aspects of the writing, they would complete their novel earlier. These aspects include:
- Voice and style
- Story arc and pace
- Ethos and pathos
- Consistent writing habit
Breaking Down the Writing Process Stages
➛ Planning and Pre-Writing Stage:
You may have heard of think before speak, in writing stage, it is always, think before writing. Before writing, you may want to fully understand your goals and establish the ground rules.
You need to know:
- What your book is about
- Why it matters
- Who your characters are (if it’s a story)
- What each chapter will cover
Do some research too. If you’re writing a historical story, it would be best to do some digging into the past. If you’re writing non-fiction, do some extensive research about your topic. It is always READ, READ, and READ. This crucial step of research may take somewhere in between two to four weeks, depending on the topic of your preference.
Also, you’ll have to formulate a proper outline before starting each new chapter. This outline would allow you to easily produce 2000 to 5000 words per chapter.
➛ Writing the First Draft
Writing stage begins the moment you sit down and write your book. In this stage, you don’t have to worry about it making it perfect. Just write!
Beginners can aim anywhere 250 to 500 words a day, whereas, experienced writers may go overboard 1,000 to 2,000 word counts. Regardless of their approach to writing, doing a little each day, and showing up is what matters the most.
Here’s a word of advice: do not stop to edit while writing. That slows things down. Just keep writing to the point that you have some words written on the page. Once you complete your thought and finish your page, then, only then, take time to edit your chapter.
Tip: Set a timer and write until it rings. Do not stop. This trick really works!
➛ Editing and Fixing
Once your draft is done, it’s time to make it better. Editing can take just as long as writing or even longer.
Start by looking at the big stuff:
- Does the story make sense?
- Are the characters acting right?
- Is the pacing too fast or too slow?
Next, fix your sentences. Make sure your words sound smooth and clear. At the end, check for grammar and spelling.
This step usually takes 2 to 4 months, and if you hire an editor, give them 1 to 2 more months to finish.
Timelines for Different Books
➛ Fiction Books
If your novel is about 80,000 words, which is around 300 pages, your timeline might look like this:
- Planning: 2–4 weeks
- Writing: 3–6 months
- Editing: 2–4 months
- Final Edits: 1–2 months
Romance books can be faster. Thriller book genre might take longer because they need careful plotting.
➛ Non-Fiction Books
Non-fiction takes a different amount of time depending on how much research you need. A typical business book might look like this:
- Research & Planning: 2–3 months
- Writing: 4–6 months
- Editing & Fact-Checking: 2–3 months
It is important to note that memoirs due to their personal approach need more time to write. Because you are process emotions as well as reliving your past.
How long would it take to write a 300-page book?
Approximately, a 300-page book is about 80,000 to 90,000 words. Here’s a tentative breakdown to write the first draft:
- 500 words/day → 150–180 days
- 1,000 words/day → 75–90 days
- 1,500 words/day → 50–60 days
But remember, this timeline is just for the draft. If you add time for editing and formatting in it, you are looking at 6 to 12 months in total.
How to Write Fast Without Rushing
✓ Make Writing a Habit
Pick a time each day to write. Morning works great for most people, but anytime you’re free is fine. Likewise, write in the same spot every day, so your brain knows it’s “writing time.”
✓ Keep Writing Even When It Gets Hard
Most of the authors have noted that the middle of the book is always the toughest part. During the writing process stage, two things mostly happen:
- Writers get bored and leave their writing altogether.
- Writers keep on going despite their intrusive thoughts
Here are some tips to implement if you associate yourselves with former type of writers:
- Break your book into chunks. Celebrate every milestone you achieve. After all, little wins motivate you, and allow you to stay on the track.
- Talk to other writers. You can join writing groups online to share your journey, including all the ups and downs to feel less lonely.
✓ Set a Deadline
One of the most powerful way to finish anything is to begin with a deadline. A deadline keeps you on the track. However, you don’t have to make them strict and rigid. Just set realistic goals within realistic timeline.
You can ask your friend or writing buddy to check in with you every once in a while, so that you feel accountable. Plus, a little push from your peers will allow you to finish.
Strategies to Optimize Your Writing Timeline
Here are some strategies that most successful authors use to complete their books within the timeline.
✓ Establishing Productive Writing Habits
Successful authors have a habit of staying consistent. No matter how hard their life gets, or what challenges they may come across, they will always stick to their regime. Have a writing regime allows authors to take their project personally, it makes them accountable, and, the best part is that it makes the whole process less stressful.
As mentioned earlier, to build this positive habit, you need to pick up the time and place, and show up every day to build the habit.
✓ What to Do When You Hit the Middle Slump
Almost every writer hits a slow patch halfway through their book. After all, the middle part of any book is always hard. Hence, it is always best to break your manuscript into milestones chapters. Do not celebrate the early wins, but finish your set goal to overcome your intrusive thoughts and achieve your goals.
✓ Deadlines & Accountability: Your Best Friends
Deadlines give your writing life structure. But don’t make them so big they scare you. Set goals that match how much time you really have. If your deadline is too wild, you might end up quitting.
Tell someone about your goal like a friend or writing buddy. When others know, it helps you stick with it. Some writers even write up a “mini contract” for themselves to stay on track.
What Usually Slows Writers Down and How to Handle It
Just Stay Consistent, Don’t be a Perfectionist
Most of the writers stop writing because they want every word they write sound perfect and amazing. They want to write anything and everything that is devoid of any mistakes. But honestly, this is not possible. We all have our personality that reflects in our work. And it is good to remind that, no one has ever written the perfect first draft.
Instead of worrying, your goal should be to finish your story. You can always come back to fix your mistakes. All you have to do is to start writing like you are talking to someone. You are telling your story out loud. This approach is always better than staring at a blank page.
Getting Lost in Research
Yes, research is helpful but it can turn into a trap. Some writers spend hours looking stuff up instead of actually writing. If that’s you, set a time limit. For example, tell yourself, “I will research for max 30 minutes, and then I’ll write.”
While writing if you come across something amazing that captures your attention, then don’t stop, just make a note of it and come back to it later
Life Messes Up Plans Sometimes
Life doesn’t always go your way. You may have made a plan to write every day, but you get sick. Maybe something comes up at home that requires your immediate attention. Don’t panic. Revise your plan for the day and pick up later where you left off.
Writing a book takes time. Some days you’ll write a lot. Some days, barely anything. Both are okay. Even writing one paragraph is progress. What matters is that you don’t quit.
Feeling Stuck (Writer’s Block)
Writer’s block is all natural. If you are stuck at some point, know that it is a part of the writing process It doesn’t mean you’re out of ideas. It’s just a phase that will go on its own. There are also some reasons for the writers’ block, and if you address them, you’ll have the solution to navigate this murky times.
- Don’t overthink.
- Change your scenery; move to a different spot
- Write something silly
- Skip that part and come back to it later
- Go for a walk
- Listen to music
- Watch a movie or listen to a podcast for inspiration
Just make sure you do not leave your story in the middle for too long. Pick up a to come back to writing.
Publishing Considerations in Your Timeline
➤ Choosing Between Traditional and Self-Publishing
How you publish your book changes how long the whole process takes.
If you go with traditional publishing, be ready to wait. First, you’ll need to find an agent. Then, your agent sends your book to publishers. Even after someone agrees to publish it, you still have to wait for your book’s release date. All of this can take one to three years.
Self-publishing moves faster, but you’ll have more jobs to do yourself. You’ll need to take care of the editing, cover designing and book promotion. This all takes time, too, so make sure you have thought it through and made a plan for it.
At Arkham House Publishers, we give the author the opportunity to set their timeline according to their publishing goals. After all, it is always easy to stay on the track and finish your book in time when you know what to expect.
➤ Quality vs. Speed Balance
While faster completion might seem appealing, rushing through the writing process stages often results in inferior manuscripts requiring extensive revision later. Focus on sustainable progress that maintains quality standards.
Professional authors understand that writing is rewriting. First drafts are raw material for creating polished books. Embrace the revision process as where your book truly comes to life.
Advanced Timeline Optimization Techniques
The Power of Writing Retreats
Writing retreats provide concentrated time for significant manuscript progress. Even a weekend retreat can advance your project substantially when you remove daily distractions and focus solely on writing.
Plan retreats strategically within your book writing timeline. Use them for major pushes during first draft creation or intensive revision periods. The change of environment and dedicated time often leads to creative breakthroughs.
Collaboration and Professional Support
Working with developmental editors, writing coaches, or critique partners can actually shorten your overall timeline by providing expert guidance and preventing major rewrites later.
Professional editing during the writing process, not just after completion, helps identify structural issues early. This investment in professional support often results in stronger manuscripts completed more efficiently.
Technology Tools for Efficiency
Modern writing software offers features that streamline the writing a book process. Programs like Scrivener help organize research, character notes, and manuscript sections in one place. Grammar checking tools like Grammarly can speed up line editing phases.
Voice-to-text software allows faster initial drafting for some writers. However, remember that these tools support but don’t replace the creative and critical thinking essential to good writing.
Genre-Specific Timeline Considerations
➤ Mystery and Thriller Writing
Mystery writers require additional time for plot planning and clue placement. The intricate plotting necessary for satisfying reveals often extends the initial planning phase but can speed up first draft creation.
Thriller writers must maintain pacing throughout their manuscripts, often requiring careful scene-by-scene planning. This genre-specific timeline typically includes more revision time to ensure tension remains consistent.
➤ Romance Genre Expectations
Romance novels often follow established structures that can speed up writing once authors master the conventions. The predictable story arc helps writers maintain momentum, though character development and emotional authenticity require careful attention.
Category romance has specific length requirements that affect how long should book chapters be and overall manuscript planning. Understanding publisher guidelines early helps authors structure their timelines appropriately.
➤ Science Fiction and Fantasy Considerations
World-building requirements significantly impact time to write a novel in speculative fiction genres. Authors must create consistent rules for their fictional worlds, which requires extensive planning and careful revision to maintain logic throughout the story.
Fantasy series often require even more extensive planning as authors must maintain consistency across multiple books. This long-term commitment affects initial timeline planning and revision priorities.
Measuring Progress and Staying Motivated
Tracking Systems That Work
Establish metrics that motivate rather than discourage you. Word count tracking works for some authors, while others prefer chapter completion or time-based goals. Experiment to find what keeps you motivated throughout your book writing timeline.
Visual progress tracking, like filling in a thermometer or coloring in calendar squares, provides satisfying feedback for completing daily writing goals. These simple systems create positive reinforcement for consistent effort.
Celebrating Milestones
Acknowledge significant milestones throughout your writing journey. Completing your first chapter, reaching the halfway point, or finishing your first draft deserve recognition and celebration.
Plan specific rewards for major achievements. This might be a special dinner, a new book by your favorite author, or a writing-related purchase you’ve wanted. These incentives provide motivation during challenging periods.
Your Writing Journey Starts Now
Understanding how long does it take to write a book helps set realistic expectations for your writing journey. Remember that every published author started with a blank page and the same questions you’re asking now. Your book writing timeline is unique to your circumstances, goals, and commitment level.
The most important step is beginning. Whether your book takes six months or two years to complete, the time will pass regardless. You can either have a finished manuscript at the end of that period or continue wondering “what if.”
At Arkham House Publishers, we believe every story deserves to be told. Your unique perspective and experiences create value for readers seeking exactly what you have to offer. The writing a book process challenges and rewards authors in equal measure, creating personal growth alongside creative achievement.
Start today with whatever time you have available. Write your first hundred words, then your first thousand, then your first chapter. Each word brings you closer to holding your finished book. Your story matters, and the world needs to read it.
Take the first step in your writing a book process today. Set up your writing space, establish your daily schedule, and begin crafting the story that only you can tell. Your future published author self will thank you for starting now rather than waiting for the perfect moment that never comes.
