How Long Does It Take to Write a Book – Guide for 2024

The time it takes to write a book varies, but for a first-time author, it can take 6-12 months unless they use a specific 90-day writing system. Usually, it takes between 4 to 8 months. However, the duration mainly depends on the amount of time and effort the writer puts into the book. A highly motivated writer with a shorter book (30,000-40,000 words) could potentially write a book during the weekend.

Here’s a guideline that depicts the timeline for writing a book:

The duration of writing a book can vary greatly and can range from a few months to several years. It depends on the writer’s writing frequency and the number of words written per session. For example:

• You can complete a 50,000 words book in 60 to 100 days, writing 500 words/day.
• An 80,000-word book can take 100-160 days, with 500 words written a day.
• An 80,000 – 100,000 words book may take somewhere between 160-200 days, with 500 words written every day.

What is the average time it takes to write a book?

For a first-time author, how long it takes to write a book can take anywhere from 4 months to over a year. While this may seem like a significant amount of time, there are ways to shorten the process. However, it’s important to note that many people, especially those with a family and a full-time job, may not have the time to write every day. Therefore, it may take longer to write a book for the average person who can’t commit to writing daily.

Considering an average person writes 1500 words in a week:

• It’ll take 4-7 months to complete a 50,000 words book.
• Up to 11 months to write 80,000 words in total.
• And a little over a year to finish a book consisting of more than 100,000 words.
   

Tips for Setting a Book Timeline

1. Determine the book type

Before setting a timeline for your book, it’s important to determine what type of book you want to write first. Different genres and formats will have different word counts and require different amounts of research and outlining, which will affect the overall timeline.

2. Choose a length to target.

Once you’ve determined the type of book you want to write, you’ll need to choose a target length for your book. This will help you set a word count goal for your manuscript, which will in turn help you determine how long it will take to write your book.

3. Set a word count goal per writing session

It’s important to set a word count goal for each writing session to keep your book timeline on track. This will help you stay focused and motivated and help you gauge your progress.

4. Decide on your writing frequency.

Another important factor to consider when setting a book timeline is your writing frequency. How often will you be able to sit down and write? If you can only write on the weekends, you’ll need to adjust your timeline accordingly.

5. Factor in researching and outlining

Before you begin writing, spend some time researching and outlining your book. This will take time and should be factored into your book timeline.

7. Take your time

Finally, it’s important to remember that writing a book is a process and that it’s okay to take your time. Don’t rush the process or force yourself to meet an unrealistic deadline. You’ll be happier and produce better quality if you take your time and focus on writing a great book.
 

How long does it take to write a 100-page book?

This depends on how many words are in a 100-page book. On average, a book with 100 pages is around 30,000 words. If you aim to write more than 1500 words a week, you can expect to complete writing a 100-page book within 2-4 months.
 

How long does it take to write a 200-page book?

The typical time frame for an average person to write a 200-page book, which is around 50,000 words, is 3-7 months, assuming they aim to write more than 1500 words/week. However, by using a specific method or process, some students can complete their drafts of this length within 30 days.
 

How long should it take to write a novel?

On average, writing a 300-page book, which is roughly 80,000 words, can take anywhere between 4-9 months if you write 1500 or more words per week. This length is typical for fiction books and many young adult books, which can take longer to finish due to continuous writing, revising, and self-editing.
 

How to Finish Writing a Book Faster?

1. Establish a Strategic Deadline

Setting a deadline for yourself can help you stay motivated and on track with your writing. Make sure the deadline is realistic but also challenging. This will help you focus on completing your book promptly.

2. Divide Your Writing

Break down your writing into smaller tasks, such as completing a chapter or a section, rather than focusing on the entire book. This will make the process more manageable and less overwhelming.

3. Create a word-count goal

Set a daily, weekly, or monthly word count goal for yourself. This will help you stay on track with your writing and make it easier to measure your progress.

4. Reach out to an accountability partner

Having someone to hold you accountable to your writing goals, such as a writing partner, a writing group, or a friend. They can help keep you motivated and on track.

5. Challenge yourself!

Setting up writing challenges for yourself, such as writing for a certain amount of time each day or writing a certain number of words per day, will help you stay focused and motivated. This can also help you to set goals and achieve them.
 

Some Tips from Experts?

“Want to write a book faster? Break it down into manageable chunks and focus on one section at a time. It’ll make the process less daunting! #writingtips #authorlife” @davidjackson

“Set yourself a word count goal for each writing session. It’ll help keep you on track and motivated to finish your book faster! #writinggoals #authoradvice” @PaulaAddams

“Find an accountability partner to keep you motivated and on track with your writing goals. It can make a huge difference in finishing your book faster! #writingpartner #authorcommunity” @reginaharris

“Set writing challenges for yourself, like writing for a certain amount of time each day or writing a certain number of words per day. It’ll help you stay focused and motivated to finish your book faster! #writingchallenge #authorinspiration” @carlathompson

“Don’t get bogged down in the research and outlining process. Set a limit for how long you’ll spend on each and stick to it so you can get back to writing and finish your book faster! #researchtips #authorhacks” @Bruceliam

Conclusion

Writing a book can be a hectic process. You may end up having writer’s block for days and ruin your set timeline. To ensure things go smoothly, hire our book writers at Gnome Book Writing. We have an expert panel of book writers, editors, marketers, and publishers, who can make your book-writing journey easy!