Aspiring authors often wonder: how long does it take to write a book? The answer depends on various factors, from your writing pace to the story’s complexity. In this blog, we break down the timelines for different genres, share tips to stay productive, and explore how planning can speed up the process. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned writer, our insights will help you set realistic goals and finish your manuscript.The internet is full of myths about “overnight success,” but professional authors know better.
Your book’s timeline depends on three key variables:
◼ Genre demands (a haiku collection vs. medical textbook)
◼ Writing schedule (weekend warrior vs. full-time focus)
◼ Creative process (detailed plotter vs. spontaneous pantser)
This guide will show you:
✔️ Realistic timeframes by genre (with examples)
✔️ How to accelerate your progress without sacrificing quality
✔️ When to invest in professional help
Key Factors That Impact Writing Time
Writing speed isn’t about talent – it’s about understanding these make-or-break variables.
Genre Complexity
A book’s subject matter dramatically affects its gestation period. Research-intensive projects require fundamentally different timelines than imaginative works.
◼ Fiction: World-building adds months (Tolkien took 12+ years on Middle-earth lore)
◼ Nonfiction: Interviews and fact-checking extend timelines (Michelle Obama’s memoir required 2 years of research)
◼ Children’s Books: Shorter but require precision (Dr. Seuss spent 1 year on 50-page drafts)
Writing Experience
Seasoned authors work smarter, not just faster. Their hard-won efficiency comes from:
◼ Process Refinement: Bestsellers reuse proven outlining methods
◼ Voice Development: Less time spent rewriting awkward prose
◼ Discipline Systems: Daily rituals that prevent writer’s block
Pro Tip: First-time authors should add 30-50% to genre-average timelines.
Realistic Timelines by Genre
How long does it take to write a book? Largely depends on what you’re writing. These industry-standard timeframes account for drafting, revising, and professional editing.
Fiction (3-12 months)
Fiction timelines depend primarily on world-building complexity and research depth. Commercial genres move faster than literary works requiring exquisite prose. Fiction timelines vary wildly based on world-building demands and research needs:
◼ Romance/Thrillers (3-6 months)
- Fast-paced genres with contemporary settings
- Example: Nora Roberts publishes 5-7 books yearly (3-4 months each)
◼ Epic Fantasy/Sci-Fi (6-12+ months)
- Requires extensive lore development
- Example: George R.R. Martin spends years on A Song of Ice and Fire
◼ Literary Fiction (4-9 months)
- Focus on prose quality over plot speed
- Example: Donna Tartt takes ~10 years per novel
Nonfiction (2-9 months)
Nonfiction timelines hinge on research methods and source availability. Interview-heavy books demand more time than experience-based guides. Fact-based books live on a different clock:
◼ Memoirs (4-6 months)
- Includes interview/transcription time
- Example: Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime took 18 months (with research trips)
◼ Business/How-To (3-8 months)
- Case studies and data slow the process
- Example: Atomic Habits required 2 years of behavioral research
◼ Academic/Technical (6-12+ months)
- Peer reviews and citations add layers
- Example: Medical textbooks often take 2+ years
Pro Tip: These assume 20+ hours/week writing time. Double timelines for part-time authors.
Writing Process Breakdown
Understanding these three phases helps answer “How long does it take to write a book?” with precision. Each stage demands different skills and time investments.
Research & Outlining (1-3 months)
This foundation determines your book’s structural integrity. Rushing leads to costly rewrites later.
◼ 1 month: For memoirs/personal experience books
◼ 2-3 months: For technical or historical works
◼ Tools: MindNode for outlines, Notion for research
First Draft (1-6 months)
The drafting phase converts ideas into raw manuscript form. Speed depends on daily consistency.
◼ Fast Drafters: 1-2 months (NaNoWriMo style)
◼ Steady Pace: 3-4 months (500 words/day)
◼ Methodical Writers: 5-6 months (with concurrent research)
Revisions (1-4 months)
Revision transforms rough drafts into polished manuscripts. Professional authors revise as much as they write.
◼ Self-Editing: 1-2 months (read aloud, beta readers)
◼ Professional Editing: 2-4 months (developmental + copy edits)
◼ Tools: ProWritingAid, Hemingway Editor
Read More: learn how to write your book from scratch
Accelerating Your Timeline
While quality shouldn’t be sacrificed, strategic approaches can significantly reduce your book’s completion time. These professional tactics help writers meet deadlines without compromising standards.
Productivity Hacks
Systematic writing habits prevent wasted time and false starts. Consistency beats occasional bursts of inspiration.
◼ Daily Word Count Targets:
- 500 words/day = 90,000 words in 6 months
- Adjust for research-heavy projects
◼ Accountability Systems:
- Writing sprints with peers
- Public progress tracking (social media updates)
- Paid accountability coaches
When to Hire Help
Professional support becomes cost-effective when facing time constraints or quality roadblocks. Strategic outsourcing preserves your core creative energy while accelerating production. Professional support can also cut months off your timeline when strategically deployed.
◼ Ghostwriters:
- Ideal for time-constrained professionals
- Provide detailed outlines to reduce costs
◼ Developmental Editors:
- Fix structural issues early
- Prevent wasted time on dead-end drafts
Final Words
So, how long does it take to write a book? The honest answer: anywhere from 3 months for a focused memoir to 3+ years for research-heavy epics. Your timeline hinges on the choices you make—genre, writing habits, and when to seek professional support.
Remember these key levers:
◼ Genre dictates baseline (romance flies, fantasy crawls)
◼ Systems beat inspiration (word counts > waiting for muse)
◼ Smart help saves time (editors prevent dead-end drafts)
For more book writing tips, follow this guide here.
FAQs:
1. What’s the fastest someone’s written a book?
Brandon Sanderson drafted The Way of Kings in 2 weeks (but spent 10 years revising). Most pros recommend 3+ months for quality.
2. How long do famous authors take?
- James Patterson: 3-4 months/book (with co-writers)
- J.R.R. Tolkien: 12+ years for Lord of the Rings
3. Can I write a book in 30 days?
Yes, programs like NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) prove it’s possible to draft 50,000 words in 30 days. However, this “sprint draft” will require 6+ months of revisions to reach publishable quality, as raw drafts lack polish and structural integrity.
4. What’s the #1 time-waster for new authors?
Endlessly editing your first draft while writing is the biggest productivity killer. This perfectionism trap bogs down progress, as early chapters get rewritten while later ones remain unwritten. Professional authors advise: “Finish first, polish later”—complete your entire draft before revisiting earlier sections.
5. When should I hire professional help?
Consider hiring a developmental editor if you’ve been stuck for 3+ months with structural issues like pacing or plot holes. For time-crunched authors, ghostwriters can accelerate the process, but ensure you provide detailed outlines to maintain creative control.
Your Next Step with Book Publishing LLC
Take the uncertainty out of your writing journey. Our team at Book Publishing LLC specializes in helping authors navigate every stage of the book creation process—from strategic planning to professional editing and publishing. Whether you need a personalized timeline assessment or expert guidance to accelerate your progress, we provide tailored solutions to meet your goals.
Get started today!