How Long Should it Take to Write a Book?

Today I’m answering Part 2 of a common question I get about writing: how long?

Last newsletter I wrote about how long (i.e. how many words or pages) your book should be.

Today I’m addressing: How long should it take?

Yet again, my answer is… it depends. (Sorry.)

The fact is, how long it takes you to write something depends on a bunch of factors, like: how much time you have, where your project sits in your larger priority list, the size of your project, the depth and complexity of your project, your skills as a writer, and your writerly stamina (i.e. how many hours a day can you tolerate toiling away at your manuscript.)

That said, I do believe there is a useful rule of thumb that applies here:

It takes as long as it takes — as long as you’re still making progress.

Here’s what I mean by that.

If you’re slowly but surely working steadily towards the end? That’s fine – then it takes what it takes. It may take weeks, months, or even years to finish, but as long as you’re making progress at your own pace, it’s all good.

BUT…

If you’re stuck, looping around and around again, spending tons of time but not really getting anywhere, and generally spinning your wheels, then it’s probably taking too long.

OR, if you’re hiding from your project, neglecting it, procrastinating, or generally avoiding it, then it’s probably taking too long.

OR, if you are continually tinkering, refining, trying to improve it without sharing it with anyone or actually getting closer to ‘done’, then (you guessed it) it’s probably taking too long.

So, how do you avoid falling into one of the above writing sinkholes?

Here are a few tips.

Tip #1 – Be realistic about how much time is involved.

I’m just going to say it: your project is going to take longer than you think it will take. Especially if that project is a book.

As I said, there’s no "wrong" pace if your deadline is flexible.
But being realistic about how much time it takes can help you stay committed and avoid dropping out due to overwhelm.

Tip #2 – Commit from the start.

In the words of Yoda, “do or not do. There is no try.”

If you try to squeeze in a major project like writing a book or a similarly meaty communications project, such as a certification textbook, it should be one of your top 3 work priorities.

If it’s not, you’re probably not really ready to commit. I warn my clients: you need to be prepared to dedicate a substantial amount of focus, thought, time, and effort to the project, even if you’re working with an expert/collaborator like myself. It’s not just time: it’s also mental energy, and even emotional energy. It can be wonderfully exciting, but it can also be draining.

If you’re not ready for that kind of commitment, you can still slowly work towards your goal. Chip away at it: keep a journal and/or a file of your notes. Start collecting ideas. Scribble down stories you want to tell.

Just know that if you want to make it happen, at a certain point it will be “go time” and that’s when you need to commit.

Tip #3 – Don’t go it alone.

Creating a written product (and taking it to market) is a big undertaking, and you’re guaranteed to make better progress on it if you have some co-adventurers.

The idea of the solo genius, working away in her cavernous office until she produces something miraculous, is a myth. So seek out your people: writing groups, peers with similar projects, or professionals like me.

And if you ever get stuck: ask for help.

Writing can be hard work, but trust me: it’s worth it. Holding your own book in your hands is deeply fulfilling. That feeling of "I did it!" is one of the things I LIVE for. (Not just for myself personally, but also on behalf of my clients — you can see some of their stories here.)

Your story deserves to be told. So keep at it. I believe in you.