How Long Does It Take to Write a Novel

Your Timeline to Write a Novel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wondered, how long does it take to write a novel? The short answer—it depends. But if you’re aiming to write a novel that’s polished, engaging, and publish-ready, the average timeframe typically spans 6 months to 2 years. This guide is for writers in the USA who dream of getting their books into platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, BookBaby, B&N Press, and others. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned author exploring new publishing options, this article has you covered with an in-depth roadmap.

Writing a novel is more than just putting words on a page. It’s about weaving a story, building compelling characters, revising, editing, formatting, and finally—publishing. Let’s break down every step and help you estimate your own writing timeline.

Understanding the Journey of Writing a Novel

The Average Timeframe to Write a Novel

If you’re planning to write a novel, you’ll want to know how long the entire journey might take. On average, authors spend 6 to 18 months completing their first novel, though this number can vary widely. Some prolific writers can knock out a 70,000-word book in under three months, while others take years crafting a story that meets their expectations.

For instance:

Part-time writers: Often write during evenings and weekends, taking around 1–2 years.
Full-time authors: May complete a novel within 3–6 months, depending on focus and productivity.
NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) participants: Aim to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days—though this is usually a rough draft

This timeframe includes planning, writing, rewriting, editing, and preparing for publishing. Each stage is essential and skipping any can dramatically affect your final product.

Factors That Influence How Long It Takes

The time it takes to write a novel isn’t fixed. Several elements can either shorten or stretch your writing timeline. Some of the biggest influences include:

Your writing speed: Are you a fast typist with a clear outline? You’ll likely finish quicker.
Experience level: First-time authors often take longer due to the learning curve.
Genre: Fantasy novels require more world-building than a contemporary romance.
Length of the novel: A 60,000-word novella takes less time than a 120,000-word epic.
Time commitment: Writers with full-time jobs or families may need longer.
Perfectionism: Constantly revising chapters before moving forward can stall progress.

Think of novel writing like training for a marathon. Your pace, preparation, and consistency matter more than sprinting through the process. A realistic plan that fits your lifestyle is key.

Genre-Specific Writing Timelines

Your chosen genre can significantly influence how long it takes to write a novel. Some genres require more research, while others depend heavily on plot complexity or emotional depth.

Let’s break it down:

Genre	Avg. Word Count	Avg. Time to Write
Romance	60,000–90,000	3–6 months
Fantasy	90,000–150,000	6–12 months
Thriller	70,000–100,000	4–8 months
Historical Fiction	80,000–120,000	8–18 months
Young Adult	50,000–80,000	3–6 months

Writing a fantasy novel set in an alternate world with magic systems and political hierarchies? That’s going to take longer than a cozy mystery set in your hometown. But both are valid, valuable, and have massive reader bases.

So choose your genre wisely and plan accordingly—it affects not just your timeline, but your entire writing strategy.

Planning Before You Start Writing

Importance of Outlining Your Novel

One of the smartest ways to cut down on your writing time is by creating a solid outline. Think of it like a roadmap. Without it, you’ll likely hit dead ends, detours, and frustrating rewrites.

Outlining can be as simple or as detailed as you like. Popular methods include:

The Snowflake Method: Expands a single sentence into a full plot.
The Hero’s Journey: Focuses on character transformation through narrative arcs.
Three-Act Structure: The most classic approach—setup, confrontation, resolution.

Benefits of outlining before you write a novel:

Clarity: You’ll know what happens next, so you waste less time thinking.
Motivation: Breaking your novel into scenes makes it feel less overwhelming.
Fewer rewrites: Solid structure = fewer plot holes and inconsistencies.

While pantsers (those who write by the seat of their pants) may resist this idea, even a loose outline can reduce your writing time by weeks—or even months.

Character Development and World Building

Characters are the soul of your story. If readers don’t connect with them, it doesn’t matter how fast you write a novel—they won’t stick around. That’s why spending time on character development is crucial before writing a single word.

Here’s what you should define for each main character:

Goals, motivations, and conflicts
Backstory and emotional wounds
Character arcs (how they grow or change)

And if you’re writing sci-fi, fantasy, or historical fiction, world-building can’t be skipped. You’ll need to flesh out:

Setting details (geography, culture, laws, technology)
Timelines and histories
Political systems and economies

Creating detailed character bios and setting documents might add an extra 2–4 weeks before you begin drafting, but it will save you a ton of time during revisions.

Research Phase: Getting the Details Right

Want to write a novel set in 1940s Chicago? Or maybe it’s about a forensic scientist cracking cold cases? You’re going to need research—and lots of it.

Depending on your genre, research can eat up weeks or even months. But it’s necessary if you want to write convincingly. Readers, especially genre fans, can spot inaccuracies from a mile away.

Good research methods include:

Reading books/articles on the subject
Watching documentaries or interviews
Conducting interviews with experts
Visiting the setting in person (or virtually)

Instead of doing all your research up front, try the 80/20 rule: do 80% before writing, then fill in details as needed during revisions. That way, research doesn’t become a black hole that prevents you from ever starting your novel.

Writing Your First Draft

Setting a Writing Routine and Daily Word Goals

Writing a novel is like building a house—you need to lay a brick every single day. Setting a writing routine and realistic daily word count goals can make the difference between a finished novel and a forgotten dream.

For most authors, a good daily word count goal is 500 to 1,500 words. This range is manageable for those juggling full-time jobs or family responsibilities, yet it’s enough to make steady progress. Here’s what that can look like:

500 words/day = 70,000-word novel in approx. 5 months
1,000 words/day = 70,000-word novel in 70 days
1,500 words/day = 70,000-word novel in 45 days

Creating a routine is more about consistency than the exact time of day. Some writers prefer early mornings, others late nights. What matters is that you block out sacred, uninterrupted writing time every day or at least 5 days a week.

To build a successful routine:

Set a specific writing time and stick to it
Use writing sprints (25-minute focused sessions)
Create a dedicated workspace, even if it’s a corner of your living room
Log your word counts in a spreadsheet or journal

The more you write, the more momentum you build. That daily writing habit is your best tool for finishing your novel on time.

Dealing With Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is the monster under every author’s bed. It can show up at any point in the process—usually when you least expect it. But the truth is, it’s more mental than mystical. Overcoming it is part of learning how to write a novel like a professional.

Here are proven strategies to defeat writer’s block:

Lower the stakes: Remind yourself it’s just a first draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Change your environment: Sometimes a new setting can shake things loose.
Write out of order: Skip the hard scene and write something you’re excited about.
Use prompts: These can help get the creative juices flowing again.
Set micro-goals: Commit to writing just 100 words. Often, once you start, you’ll keep going.

Writer’s block often comes from fear—fear of failure, of being judged, of not finishing. Acknowledge the fear, but keep typing. Even a bad page is better than a blank one, and you can always revise it later.

Speed Writing vs. Quality Writing: Which Matters More?

When authors hear about people writing a novel in 30 days, they often wonder—should I be writing faster? But here’s the thing: quality matters more than speed unless your goal is simply to get a draft done quickly.

Speed writing can be beneficial for:

Overcoming perfectionism
Establishing a daily writing habit
Pushing through resistance

However, if your draft is full of plot holes and weak characters, you may spend more time fixing it than you would have written it carefully the first time.

Here’s a breakdown:

Approach	Pros	Cons
Speed Writing	Fast draft completion, creative flow	Needs more editing, risk of burnout
Quality Writing	Fewer revisions later, deeper scenes	Slower pace, may lead to overthinking

The best approach? A hybrid method. Write fast when you’re inspired, slow down when the scene needs depth. Balance matters, especially if your end goal is to write a novel that people will actually want to read and review on platforms like Amazon or BookBaby.

Editing and Rewriting Process

How Many Revisions Does a Novel Need?

Writing the first draft is just the beginning. Now comes the hard part—rewriting. Most successful authors go through three to five full rounds of revisions, sometimes more. These aren’t minor edits; each round refines the story, characters, pacing, and dialogue.

Here’s a common revision cycle:

Big Picture Edit (Structural): Fix plot holes, pacing issues, and character arcs.
Scene-Level Edit: Rework individual chapters for flow and tension.
Line Edit: Tighten sentences, improve clarity and style.
Copy Edit: Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Final Proofread: One last check before publishing.

Each round can take 2–6 weeks, depending on how long your novel is and how many changes are needed. This means the revision process alone can stretch over 3–6 months if you’re thorough.

The takeaway? Don’t rush editing. It’s where the magic happens. A good draft becomes a great novel only through rewriting.

Working With Editors and Beta Readers

When you’re aiming to write a novel that stands out in the crowded Kindle or B&N Press marketplace, professional feedback is non-negotiable. You might think your story is flawless—but a trained editor or experienced beta reader will find what you missed.

Types of editors:

Developmental Editor: Focuses on structure, pacing, plot.
Line Editor: Improves sentence flow, tone, and style.
Copy Editor: Fixes grammar, spelling, and consistency.
Proofreader: Catches typos and final polish.

Beta readers, on the other hand, are unpaid test readers from your target audience. They give early feedback on what’s working (and what’s not).

Here’s how they help:

Reveal confusing scenes or dull dialogue
Highlight pacing issues
Identify plot holes or inconsistencies

You’ll want to give your manuscript at least 4–6 weeks with editors and beta readers combined. Their insights can elevate your novel from good to unforgettable.

Self-Editing Tips for First-Time Authors

Not everyone can afford a professional editor, especially when self-publishing. That’s where self-editing comes in. While it’s no substitute for a trained eye, learning to edit your own work can drastically improve your draft.

Here are some tips:

Read aloud: This helps catch awkward phrasing and rhythm issues.
Use tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid: Great for catching basic grammar errors.
Cut filler words: Really, very, just, actually—these clutter your prose.
Print your manuscript: Reading on paper helps you see mistakes you miss on screen.
Let it rest: Step away for a week or two, then come back with fresh eyes.

Good self-editing can reduce your professional editing costs or at least make the editor’s job easier. And if you’re publishing through platforms like IngramSpark or Draft2Digital, a polished manuscript is essential to meet formatting and quality standards.

Publishing Your Novel

Traditional vs. Self-Publishing: Time and Control

Once you’ve written and edited your novel, it’s time to publish. But which path should you choose—traditional publishing or self-publishing? Each option affects not only how your book is marketed but also how long it takes to go from final draft to bookshelf.

Traditional publishing typically takes 12 to 24 months after you land a deal. Here’s the general process:

Query literary agents
Wait months for responses
Get accepted by a publisher (hopefully)
Go through another round of edits
Wait for a publishing slot
Finally, see your book in stores—maybe

This route offers prestige, professional marketing, and bookstore distribution, but the timeline can stretch to 2–3 years total.

Self-publishing, on the other hand, offers speed and control. You can publish through platforms like:

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
BookBaby
B&N Press
IngramSpark
Blurb
Draft2Digital
Kobo Writing Life

The publishing timeline? As little as one to three months, depending on how ready your manuscript is. You get to choose the cover, set the price, and launch your book on your own terms.

So, if your goal is to write a novel and see it in readers’ hands ASAP—self-publishing is the way to go. If you want bookstore presence and literary acclaim, be prepared for the long haul with traditional publishing.

Choosing the Right Publishing Platform

In the age of digital bookstores and e-readers, choosing the right platform is crucial. Not all self-publishing options are created equal, and your choice impacts how quickly and effectively your book reaches readers.

Here’s a breakdown of some top platforms for USA-based authors:

Platform	Time to Publish	Royalties	Best For
Amazon KDP	24–72 hours	Up to 70%	Kindle readers, global reach
BookBaby	4–6 weeks	50–90%	Print + eBook packages
B&N Press	72 hours	55–70%	Barnes & Noble eBooks
IngramSpark	2–3 weeks	Varies	Print distribution to bookstores
Blurb	1–2 weeks	35–70%	Photo books, design-heavy novels
Draft2Digital	1–2 days	60–70%	Wide eBook distribution
Kobo Writing Life	1–3 days	Up to 70%	International readers
StreetLib	2–5 days	Varies	Global language markets
AuthorHouse	2–3 months	Lower	Assisted publishing services
PublishDrive	2–3 days	60–80%	Global eBook stores

Choosing the right one depends on your budget, distribution goals, and level of tech comfort. Most indie authors start with Amazon KDP, then expand using Draft2Digital or IngramSpark for broader reach.

Navigating Amazon KDP, B&N Press, and More

If you’re planning to write a novel and self-publish, Amazon KDP will likely be your first stop. Why? It dominates the eBook market and lets you publish both print and digital versions with minimal hassle.

Steps to publish via KDP:

Format your manuscript (Word or PDF)
Create a professional cover (use tools like Canva or hire a designer)
Set your price and royalty options
Upload and preview your book
Hit publish!

Your book is usually live within 72 hours.

B&N Press offers a similar process for Barnes & Noble’s eBook audience. Meanwhile, Draft2Digital is great for distributing to multiple platforms (Apple Books, Kobo, etc.) without the headache of formatting for each one individually.

Time-saving tip: Use ISBN aggregators and metadata optimization tools to get your book discovered faster. Remember, writing the novel is step one—publishing it smartly is how you get it read.

Timeframe Examples from Real Authors

Bestselling Authors and How Long They Took

You might be surprised to learn that even famous authors have vastly different timelines when it comes to writing a novel. Let’s look at a few examples to keep your expectations grounded.

Stephen King wrote The Shining in about 4 months.
J.K. Rowling took over 5 years to write Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
George R.R. Martin takes 6–10 years per book in A Song of Ice and Fire.
Naomi Novik completes her novels in around 12–18 months.

These examples show one thing clearly—there’s no “right” timeline to write a novel. What matters is consistency and quality. Some authors work fast and publish annually. Others spend years perfecting every sentence.

Use these timelines as motivation, not comparison. Your book will come together at its own pace—and that’s perfectly okay.

First-Time Authors: What to Expect

If you’re writing your first novel, be prepared to invest more time upfront. Why? Because you’re learning everything—from plotting and character arcs to formatting and marketing.

First-time authors often spend:

3–6 months planning
6–12 months writing
3–6 months editing
1–3 months publishing

That’s a total of 1 to 2 years on average. And that’s if you’re consistent.

Common challenges include:

Doubting your story halfway through
Struggling to find writing time
Getting lost in revisions
Delaying publishing out of fear

But here’s the good news: every author starts where you are. And once you publish that first book, everything gets easier. Your second novel might take half the time because now you know the process.

Case Studies from the Indie Author Community

Want real-world inspiration? Here are snapshots of actual indie authors and their timelines:

Sasha, a mom of three in Texas, wrote her romance novel in 8 months while working full-time. She published on KDP and made $1,200 in her first 3 months.
Marcus, a 55-year-old retiree in Florida, took 3 years to write a historical thriller. He published through IngramSpark and now speaks at local writing events.
Lena, a college student in California, used NaNoWriMo to draft a sci-fi novella in 30 days. She polished it over 3 more months and published via Draft2Digital.

The takeaway? Your background, age, and day job don’t matter. If you stay committed and keep learning, you can write a novel and get it published—on your own terms.

Tools and Resources That Can Speed Up the Process

Writing Software and Productivity Apps

If you’re looking to write a novel faster without sacrificing quality, leveraging the right writing software and tools can be a game-changer. Technology is your friend—if you use it smartly.

Top writing tools used by authors in the USA include:

Scrivener: A powerful app that helps organize chapters, characters, and research. Great for long novels and complex plots.
Grammarly: Helps clean up grammar and tone while writing. Excellent for catching errors in real-time.
ProWritingAid: Offers advanced suggestions on style, pacing, readability, and overused words.
Hemingway Editor: Makes your writing bold and clear by highlighting long, complicated sentences.
Google Docs: Perfect for cloud-based collaboration with editors or co-authors.
Notion: Combines note-taking, task tracking, and outlining in one place.

These tools help streamline everything from brainstorming to editing. They won’t write your novel for you—but they will make the process smoother, more efficient, and less overwhelming.

Courses and Coaching for Aspiring Authors

If you’re serious about publishing a book, sometimes the best investment is education. Taking an online course or hiring a writing coach can shave months—if not years—off your learning curve.

Here’s what to look for:

Writing courses on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or MasterClass.
Author coaching programs that guide you from idea to publication.
Workshops hosted by publishing platforms like BookBaby or AuthorHouse.

Some highly-rated programs include:

Self-Publishing School by Chandler Bolt
The Creative Penn with Joanna Penn
Reedsy’s free author training hub
NaNoWriMo’s writing boot camps and prep guides

These resources help you develop structure, accountability, and real-world publishing knowledge. They’re especially helpful if you’re publishing on platforms like Draft2Digital, IngramSpark, or StreetLib, where formatting and distribution rules vary.

Time Management Tips for Writers

You don’t need to quit your job or give up weekends to write a novel. What you need is better time management. With the right strategy, even 30 minutes a day can lead to a completed manuscript.

Tips that work:

Use the Pomodoro technique: Write for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
Block your calendar: Treat writing time like a work meeting—non-negotiable.
Batch tasks: Outline on Mondays, write new chapters Tuesday through Thursday, edit on Fridays.
Track progress: Use spreadsheets or apps to log word counts and hit milestones.
Minimize distractions: Airplane mode on your phone. Use apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block social media.

Time is your most valuable writing currency. Spend it wisely, and you’ll finish your book before you know it.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls That Delay Completion

Perfectionism and Procrastination

Many aspiring authors fall into the trap of perfectionism, thinking every word must be flawless from the start. This mindset not only delays your progress—it often leads to procrastination.

Here’s how to fight back:

Accept that your first draft will be messy. That’s the point.
Focus on completing, not perfecting. You can’t edit a blank page.
Set deadlines and stick to them, even if the result isn’t “perfect.”
Share early drafts with trusted critique partners to overcome fear of judgment.

The truth is, most successful authors write “bad” first drafts. What makes them successful is that they revise, refine, and—most importantly—finish.

Overplanning Without Execution

It’s easy to get stuck in planning mode—outlining endlessly, tweaking character bios, building elaborate worlds. But overplanning can be a form of procrastination.

Planning helps, but don’t let it replace writing.

Tips to avoid the trap:

Set a limit on planning time (e.g., two weeks max).
Start writing even if your outline isn’t 100% complete.
Use the “write and revise later” mantra.

Remember, readers won’t see your outline or backstory charts. They’ll only see the finished book. Get words on the page—that’s how you write a novel.

Balancing Writing with Life Responsibilities

Life doesn’t stop when you decide to become an author. Jobs, kids, health, bills—they all keep coming. That’s why learning to balance writing with real life is key.

Here’s how to do it:

Communicate with your family about your writing goals and schedule.
Write in small pockets of time—even 10 minutes can produce 150 words.
Use voice-to-text apps to “write” while driving, walking, or cooking.
Forgive yourself on days when life gets in the way.

Writing a novel isn’t about having all the time—it’s about using the time you have, consistently and intentionally.

How to Stay Motivated Throughout the Process

Creating Accountability and Setting Deadlines

Writing a novel can feel lonely. That’s why accountability is one of the most powerful motivators. When someone expects you to finish, you’re more likely to finish.

Ways to create accountability:

Join a local or online writing group
Announce your goal publicly on social media
Set personal deadlines and celebrate when you hit them
Use apps like Stick to commit money if you fail your goal

Also, create milestone deadlines, not just a final one. For example:

Finish outline by May 15
Write 10,000 words by June 1
Complete first draft by July 31

Meeting small goals keeps momentum high and burnout low.

Joining Writing Groups or Author Communities

Writing groups aren’t just about feedback—they’re also about motivation, support, and inspiration. Whether you’re aiming to publish on Amazon or IngramSpark, connecting with others can push you across the finish line.

Top communities:

NaNoWriMo forums
Facebook groups like “20BooksTo50K”
Reddit’s r/writing and r/selfpublish
Critique Circle and Scribophile

Here, you’ll find people going through the same struggles, celebrating wins, and sharing real talk about the journey to write a novel—and finish it.

Celebrating Small Wins Along the Way

Big wins—like hitting “publish”—are exciting, but they’re rare. To stay motivated, celebrate small milestones:

Wrote 1,000 words today? Treat yourself to coffee.
Finished Chapter 5? Share it with a friend.
Hit your word count goal for the week? Take the weekend off.

These celebrations build confidence and positive reinforcement. Writing is hard. Recognizing your progress makes it sustainable—and enjoyable.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to write a novel? The truth is—it varies. Some authors take three months; others take three years. But no matter your path, the key is consistency, preparation, and commitment.

From crafting an outline and building a writing habit, to editing, formatting, and publishing on platforms like Amazon KDP or BookBaby—each step adds time. But it also adds quality. Don’t rush it. Don’t compare your journey to others. And don’t stop.

Writing a novel is one of the most rewarding challenges you’ll ever complete. If you keep showing up, day by day, your story will find its way into the world—and into readers’ hearts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a realistic timeline for a beginner author to write a novel?

For most beginners, it takes 12 to 24 months to go from idea to published book, especially if you’re balancing writing with work or family life.

Can I write a novel in 30 days?

Yes! Programs like NaNoWriMo are designed to help writers complete a 50,000-word novel in a month. Just remember, it’s a first draft—you’ll still need time for editing and revisions afterward.

How many hours a day should I write?

It depends on your schedule. Even 30–60 minutes a day is enough if you stay consistent. Writing 1,000 words per hour can get you to a finished draft in under three months.

Do I need a professional editor before publishing?

Absolutely. While you can self-edit to some extent, a professional editor ensures your novel is polished and ready for readers—especially critical if publishing on platforms like IngramSpark or Draft2Digital.

What if I lose motivation halfway through writing?

Take a break, revisit why you started, and re-outline if needed. Joining writing groups or working with an accountability partner can reignite your momentum.