Writing a book is a dream shared by many, but one of the most common questions aspiring authors ask is: How long does it take to write a book on average? The answer is complex, depending on factors such as book length, genre, writing routine, experience, and more. Whether you’re plotting a fantasy novel or penning a nonfiction guide, the timeline can vary from a few weeks to several years.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore all the variables that influence the average time it takes to write a book—from the planning stages to the final draft—and provide insights to help you estimate your own writing journey.
Average Time To Write a Book
On average, writing a book can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years, depending on several factors.
| Book Type | Average Time to Write |
|---|---|
| Novella (20,000–40,000 words) | 1 to 3 months |
| Novel (50,000–100,000 words) | 6 to 12 months |
| Nonfiction Book (40,000–80,000 words) | 6 to 18 months |
| Academic/Technical Book | 12 to 24 months |
Of course, these timelines can fluctuate greatly depending on the writer’s experience, discipline, tools used, and available writing time.
Factors That Influence Book Writing Time
1. Book Length
A 20,000-word novella takes far less time to write than a 100,000-word epic novel. The more content you need to create, the longer it will take.
- Short books (under 40,000 words): Ideal for beginners or quick reads
- Standard novels (50,000–80,000 words): The most common length in fiction
- Long books (100,000+ words): Typically found in fantasy, historical fiction, or academic texts
2. Genre
The genre of your book can significantly impact the writing timeline:
- Fiction: Requires world-building, character arcs, and plot structure
- Nonfiction: Involves research, fact-checking, and outlining
- Memoirs: Can require emotional processing and memory recall
3. Writer Experience
First-time authors may spend more time learning the craft and editing. Experienced writers often work faster due to improved workflow and familiarity with the writing process.
4. Writing Schedule and Habits
Are you writing full-time, or squeezing in chapters on weekends? A consistent writing schedule can accelerate your progress.
- Writing 500 words/day = 100 days for a 50,000-word book
- Writing 1,000 words/day = 50 days
- Writing 2,000 words/day = 25 days
5. Planning and Outlining
Authors who use outlines tend to write faster and more efficiently. Pantsters (those who write by the seat of their pants) may face more rewrites and delays.
6. Research Requirements
Nonfiction books and historical fiction often demand in-depth research, which can add weeks or months to the timeline.
7. Writer’s Block and Revisions
Even the best writers face obstacles. Revising, editing, and rewriting can add significant time to the process, especially if the first draft lacks clarity or direction.
Writing Time by Book Type
1. Novels
Most novels fall between 50,000 and 100,000 words. A debut author may take 6–12 months to finish a solid draft. Experienced writers or NaNoWriMo participants might draft a novel in 30 days, but revision and editing still require months.
2. Novellas
At 20,000 to 40,000 words, novellas are faster to produce. Many authors complete novellas in 1–3 months, making them ideal for rapid publishing.
3. Nonfiction Books
Depending on research needs and the complexity of the subject, nonfiction books typically take 6 to 18 months. Authors often spend as much time researching as writing.
4. Children’s Books
While the word count is low (500 to 2,000 words), children’s books require precise language and rhythm, plus time for illustrations and editing. Timeline: 1 to 6 months.
5. Memoirs and Biographies
Emotionally intense and memory-driven, these books often take 1 to 2 years due to the personal nature of the content.
Real Author Timelines
- Stephen King: Averages 2,000 words/day. Writes most books in 3–6 months.
- J.K. Rowling: Took 6 years to write the first Harry Potter book.
- George R.R. Martin: Spends years on each book due to length and complexity.
- Indie Authors (Romance, Thriller): Often write 3–6 books/year, especially in shorter genres.
Writing Tools and Resources That Help Save Time
- Writing Software: Scrivener, Microsoft Word, Google Docs
- Dictation Tools: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Google Voice Typing
- Time Management: Pomodoro Timer, Trello, Notion
- Writing Communities: NaNoWriMo, Reddit’s r/writing, Facebook writing groups
Using the right tools can improve focus, speed, and organization—ultimately shortening your timeline.
Tips To Write Faster Without Sacrificing Quality
- Set a Daily Word Count Goal: Even 500 words/day adds up.
- Use an Outline: Speeds up writing and reduces editing time.
- Write First, Edit Later: Don’t overthink your first draft.
- Minimize Distractions: Use apps like Freedom or Forest.
- Track Progress: Use spreadsheets or apps to track milestones.
- Join Writing Sprints: Write in timed blocks with others for motivation.
- Hire a Coach or Editor Early: Get feedback before major revisions.
Publishing Process Adds Time
Once your manuscript is complete, the publishing journey begins. Here’s how long each step typically takes:
- Self-Editing: 1 to 2 months
- Beta Readers: 2 to 4 weeks
- Professional Editing: 1 to 3 months
- Cover Design & Formatting: 1 to 2 months
- Publishing (Traditional): 12 to 24 months
- Publishing (Self-Publishing): 1 to 3 months
If you’re self-publishing, the process can be quicker, but you still need time to polish your manuscript and prepare for launch.
How Long Should YOU Take To Write a Book?
Ask Yourself:
- How much time can you commit weekly?
- What’s your target word count?
- Are you writing full-time or part-time?
- Do you need research or interviews?
- Are you aiming for traditional or self-publishing?
A realistic approach is to break your goal down into daily or weekly word count milestones and build a writing schedule that fits your lifestyle.
Sample Writing Timelines
1. Weekend Warrior (2 Hours/Week):
- Word Count/Week: 1,000
- 50,000-word novel = 50 weeks
2. Part-Time Writer (1 Hour/Day):
- Word Count/Week: 3,500
- 50,000-word novel = ~14 weeks
3. Full-Time Writer (4 Hours/Day):
- Word Count/Week: 10,000+
- 50,000-word novel = 5 weeks
Final Thoughts
How long does it take to write a book on average? The answer is personal and depends on your circumstances, goals, and writing process. For most writers, producing a quality book takes 6 to 12 months, but it can be faster or longer.
Don’t compare your timeline to others. Instead, focus on consistent progress and creating the best version of your book. Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint—but it’s a journey well worth taking.
