How Long Does It Take to Write a Book?
By Jim Morris ยท Updated
Anywhere from a few months to several years. The biggest factors are whether you're writing it yourself, whether you have help, and how much material you're starting with. Your book writing and publishing timeline depends on both the draft and what comes after it.
Book writing and publishing on your own
If you write 500 words a day, a 50,000-word draft takes about 100 writing days. Most people don't write every day, so a year or more is common, plus editing time after that.
Working with a ghostwriter
Usually a few months, because a professional writer is doing the drafting while you do interviews and review. At Human Touch Publishing, a full book from first interview to published averages about four months.
Starting with existing material
Talks, podcasts, blog posts, and old drafts can shave weeks off. They rarely drop straight in, but they give the writer your voice and ideas to work from.
Starting from scratch
Plan extra time up front for figuring out the concept, reader, and outline. That early thinking is what keeps the rest from dragging.
Don't forget editing and publishing
Professional editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution usually add weeks to months after the draft is done.
Straight answers
Can a book be written in a month?
A rough draft, maybe. A finished, edited, published book almost never.
About Human Touch Publishing
Most of the books we work on take about four months, and we build the schedule around your calendar. Human Touch Publishing is a book writing and publishing company in Nashville, and we work with experts all over the country. Real writers and editors help you take your book from idea through writing, editing, design, publishing and launch, and you keep all your rights and royalties. If you want to talk through your book, book a call with Jim.