How Long Does It Take to Write a Book?

10 June, 2025
Zlatan Demirovic

Ever wondered how long it really takes to write a book? The truth is there’s no fixed timeline. Some authors finish their first draft in a matter of weeks, fueled by late-night coffee and a rush of inspiration.

Others take months—or even years—carefully shaping each chapter until it feels just right. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or a memoir, the journey is as unique as the story you’re telling.

Let’s explore what really goes into the timeline of bringing a book to life.

What’s the Average Time to Write a Book?

The average time to write a book depends on a few big factors: word count, genre, experience level, and your writing routine.

For a first-time writer, how long should it take to write a book? Realistically, anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. If you’re more experienced, you might write it in 3 to 6 months.

Let’s look at some real-world examples:

Book Type	Average Word Count	Estimated Time to Finish
Novella	20,000–40,000	1–3 months
Fiction (Novel)	70,000–100,000	6–12 months
Nonfiction	50,000–80,000	4–8 months
Memoir	60,000–90,000	6–10 months
Children’s Story Book	500–2,000 words	1–4 weeks

In short, how long is an average book? Around 75,000 words—and for most writers, that’s about 9–12 months of consistent effort.

Factors That Impact Writing Time

Factors That Impact Writing Time So, how does it take to write a book for you specifically? Well, let’s talk about what can slow you down—or speed you up.

1. Word Count Goals:

“How many words in the book?” You ask. That’s your starting point. A fantasy novel might be 120,000 words. A self-help guide? Maybe 50,000. The more words, the longer it takes—unless you’re sprinting NaNoWriMo-style.

2. Writing Schedule:

Daily writing = faster book. No surprise there. If you write 1,000 words/day, you’ll hit 60,000 words in just two months. But what if you write once a week? You’re in for the long haul.

3. Editing & Rewriting:

First drafts are rarely final drafts. Rewrites can take as long as writing the book in the first place. And if you’re working with beta readers or editors, expect feedback loops to add weeks (or months).

4. Life Interruptions:

Jobs, families, holidays, and surprise Netflix binges—all play their part. When can you finish writing? Only when you find a routine that survives life’s curveballs.

Also Read: The Best Books to Read in 2025

Real-Life Writing Timelines

Let’s get specific. Famous books offer interesting case studies on how long it usually takes to write a book.

Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”: Took 3 years.

J.K. Rowling’s first “Harry Potter” book: 6 years.

Zadie Smith’s “Swing Time”: 2+ years.

Stephen King: Known for writing a book under 3 months.

Is Writing a Book Hard?

You’ll wrestle with doubts, distractions, and probably some bad drafts. But the process is deeply rewarding. Book writing process is part creative sprint, part mental marathon.

Here’s how to make it easier:

Outline your story or structure first.

Set a clear, manageable word count goal.

Use writing software that helps you focus.

Don’t aim for perfection—just aim at completing it.

There are countless books about writing that can guide you—like “On Writing” by Stephen King or “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott.

What’s a Reasonable Goal for First-Time Authors?

What’s a Reasonable Goal for First-Time Authors? New writers often ask, “Can you write a book in six months?” Set realistic expectations. You might not write a bestseller in 90 days—but you can get a complete draft.

Let’s say you’re writing 500 words/day, five days a week. That’s 2,500 words/week.

In 6 months: You’ve got a 60,000-word manuscript.

In 9 months: You’re close to 90,000—plenty for most genres.

Quick-Specs: Average Writing Goals

Daily Goal: 500–1,000 words

Weekly Output: 3,000–5,000 words

Book Length Target: 60,000–90,000 words

Completion Time: 6–12 months

Editing Time: Add 1–3 months

Final Thoughts

How long it takes to write a book depends on your goals, schedule, and writing style. Some authors finish in weeks, while others take years. What matters most is staying consistent, focused, and passionate about your story or message. Every great book starts with a single page—so don’t rush, just keep writing.

Prodigy Life Pro provides you with thoughtfully curated reads that inspire transformation, encourage reflection, and help you move forward with confidence.

Visit us and explore our collection and find the book that speaks to your journey.

FAQs

1. How long does it usually take to write your first book?

Writing your first book can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the genre, word count, writing habits, and how much time you dedicate weekly.

2. How many books do you have to sell to make $100K?

To make $100K, you’d need to sell around 50,000 books at $2 royalty per copy, but the number varies based on your pricing, royalties, and publishing method.

3. How long does it take J.K. Rowling to write a book?

J.K. Rowling took about 5 years to write the first Harry Potter book and later spent 1–2 years on each sequel, depending on the complexity of the story

4. Can I write a book in 3 months?

Yes, writing a book in 3 months is possible with a clear outline, consistent schedule, and focus. Many authors use daily word goals to meet this fast-paced timeline.

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