How Long Does It Take To Write A Book? And How Can I Speed It Up?

Completing a book is a dream for many, but the journey from idea to finished manuscript or event first draft often feels overwhelming. If you’re wondering, ‘How long does it take to write a book?’ you’re not alone.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry, I’ve researched some of the most successful writers to give you an idea of how long you might expect your book writing to take. So, whether you’re just starting to write your novel or deep into your writing sessions, understanding the timeline can help set realistic goals and keep you motivated. Let’s dive into what it really takes to bring your story to life.

How Long Should It Take To Write A Book?

First of all, anytime you hear ‘should’, ‘could’ ‘would’, take a moment to pause because there aren’t any set times that a book takes from draft to publishing and it certainly doesn’t affect its success. Take a look at some of the most successful books in literary history and how long they took to write:

Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling – 6 years
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R Tolkien – 12 years
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – 1 year
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson – 6 weeks

What can we learn from this? Every story has its own schedule, and whether you race to the finish line or take the long and winding road, it doesn’t matter.

However, if procrastination is a challenge and you’d like to make your writing process more efficient, here is a golden nugget of wisdom to help you write your book faster: deadlines. Yes, that’s right. One reason J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien took so long to write their novels is that they didn’t have strict deadlines. Rowling only finished Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone because she was starting a new job and wanted to complete her story before then.

Setting a page or word count goal can also help you stay on track. The average paperback book is about 200-300 pages, roughly 275 words per page. Aiming for 500 words per day, seven days a week, means you could finish a 300-page book in about five and a half months. Adjusting this to three times a week would extend the timeline to about a year. Remember, consistency and deadlines can transform your writing journey, helping you reach your goals faster.

3 ladders being climbed with 3 different bullseyes at the top saying, '6 weeks', '6 years' and '1 year'.

What Influences How Long It Takes To Write A Novel?

The length of time it takes to finish a book depends on various factors, including the writer’s experience level, daily word count, and overall book length. For example, Stephen King aims to write ten pages a day, suggesting that a first draft shouldn’t take longer than three months, while Donna Tartt spent over ten years on The Goldfinch.

Here are some of the most common factors that influence how long it takes to write a novel, which will help you to set realistic expectations for your writing journey.

Writing Routine: Establishing a consistent writing schedule is crucial. Daily or weekly writing sessions can significantly reduce the time it will take to complete your work as you’ll naturally increase your writing speed.

Genre: Different genres require varying levels of research and detail. For instance, historical fiction along with nonfiction often needs thorough research and fact-checking, while fantasy demands intricate world-building.

Experience Level: Your experience as a writer plays a significant role. Seasoned authors often write faster and more efficiently than those just starting out, who face a steeper learning curve.

Personal Commitments: Balancing writing with other responsibilities, such as a job or family, can affect your writing pace. Limited time often means slower progress, while more dedicated time can speed things up.

Revision Process: The number of times you revise your manuscript can extend the writing timeline. Each draft, edit, and feedback session brings your manuscript closer to completion but requires additional time. More revisions typically mean more thorough and polished final work.

A navy book next to a checklist being ticked with a blue pen.

How Can I Write A Book Faster?

Set Strategic Deadlines: Establish realistic short-term and long-term deadlines to keep yourself on track. Break your book into manageable sections and set specific completion dates for each part. Reward yourself for hitting these milestones to stay motivated.

Use AI Tools: Try AI writing tools to brainstorm and write content. From Attiucs to Microsoft Word, there are a lot of Book Writing Software that can help you speed up the writing and editing process.

Find an Accountability Partner: Pair up with someone who can hold you accountable for meeting your writing goals. Regular check-ins and encouragement can significantly boost your productivity and keep you focused.

Embrace Writing Challenges: Set personal challenges to push your limits! Double your daily word count for a week or sign up for a challenge online. These goals can add excitement and urgency to your writing routine.

A pencil with a red flame at its nib to symbolise speed writing.

Can I Write A Book In 3 Months?

Yes, it’s possible to write a book in 3 months, but it requires dedication and a consistent writing schedule. For example, N.K. Jemisin wrote The Broken Kingdoms while working fifty-five hours a week at her day job. So, if you commit to writing many words each day, stay focused, and avoid distractions, completing a book in this timeframe is absolutely achievable.

How Long Does It Take To Write A 300 Page Book?

A 300-page book typically has around 82,500 words. If you write 500 words per day, you could finish the first draft in about five and a half months. But remember, the average time for such a project depends on consistency and setting realistic goals. Sometimes, dedicating more time each day can result in less time needed overall.

How Long Does It Take To Write Your First Book?

Writing your first book can take anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on various factors such as your writing experience, the time available, and the complexity of your story. New writers often face a learning curve, which can make the process longer. Setting a regular writing schedule and breaking the project into manageable chunks can help. Or try setting word count goals. For example, Ian McCewan writes 500 words per day.

Writing A Book Can Be Quicker Thank You Think

The no.1 factor that influences your writing speed and how long it will take to finish your book is whether or not you have a deadline. Authors like J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien took years to write their masterpieces partly because they didn’t work under strict deadlines. While setting clear, achievable deadlines can dramatically boost your productivity and help you complete your entire book efficiently.

Another important aspect is the complexity of your story. If you’re building a world from scratch, as seen in genres like fantasy or science fiction, it typically takes longer due to the extensive world-building required. Understanding these elements can help you set realistic goals and know how long your writing journey might take. Whether it takes months to write or several years, staying consistent and focused will ultimately help you finish your book.