3 answers
Michaela
Student
Laurinburg, North Carolina
6
Questions
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As a writer, how long does it normally take to write a book?
Wondering how long it takes to write a chapter book #writing
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3 answers
Daniela Silva
Freelance Writer in Mental Health and Education
922
Answers
State of Goiás, State of Goiás, Brazil
Updated
Daniela’s Answer
It depends, Michaela. In my case, for example, I took 3 years to write a book on Education and Literacy. I´m an independent educational writer, working for NGOs in The USA and UK. However, I already sent a book proposal for an editor that gave me a deadline of one year to sent a manuscript.
So, the writing of a book depends of a series of factors such as: research time, number of pages, company or Editor that you´ll negotiate the proposal for a fit deadline.
I hope these tips can help you.
Good luck!
Meghna Acharjee
Technical Writer
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Meghna’s Answer
There are a lot of factors which affect a book-writing process.
Have you already decided on a topic? Is it going to be fiction or non-fiction? Some topics need more research than others and some topics need more visualisation and imagination.
Once you have zeroed in on what you would write, you need to figure out how long the book should ideally be and what deadline you want to set (unless you are working with an editor/publisher, in which case you need to discuss the deadlines with them as well).
Writing can be the most satisfying and most tiring process at the same time. Don't give up!
Happy Writing!
Have you already decided on a topic? Is it going to be fiction or non-fiction? Some topics need more research than others and some topics need more visualisation and imagination.
Once you have zeroed in on what you would write, you need to figure out how long the book should ideally be and what deadline you want to set (unless you are working with an editor/publisher, in which case you need to discuss the deadlines with them as well).
Writing can be the most satisfying and most tiring process at the same time. Don't give up!
Happy Writing!
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
845
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Michaela,
Like most questions about how long something takes, it depends. Some of the biggest factors include: what are you writing about, if you are creating the elements of the book on your own or through interviews, how much research do you need to do, etc. There is also another important element of how much you write each day and how comfortable you are with what you are writing. There are famous books that have been written in weeks or years. And the writing is not always the longest part. The ideation of a story and working through its structure can take a long time. The fun thing about writing is that sometimes what you planned at the start is not how the story ends up. You may have thought that you had a great idea and the idea doesn't work.
I would say that you avoid putting a timeframe on your writing efforts unless you have to. I actually work in a job where I have to be creative quickly. I am an Instructional designer. I do not have months to get something done. But I never make a commitment to get something written until I have done an analysis to make sure that I know what I need to know to be able to create quickly. So what do you do if you need to write quickly? Never be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes things like writer's block can get you. I like to talk my way through a block. Use trusted friends or coworkers to share ideas with, have them challenge your thoughts, and help you work through changes to your ideas if needed.
Gloria
Like most questions about how long something takes, it depends. Some of the biggest factors include: what are you writing about, if you are creating the elements of the book on your own or through interviews, how much research do you need to do, etc. There is also another important element of how much you write each day and how comfortable you are with what you are writing. There are famous books that have been written in weeks or years. And the writing is not always the longest part. The ideation of a story and working through its structure can take a long time. The fun thing about writing is that sometimes what you planned at the start is not how the story ends up. You may have thought that you had a great idea and the idea doesn't work.
I would say that you avoid putting a timeframe on your writing efforts unless you have to. I actually work in a job where I have to be creative quickly. I am an Instructional designer. I do not have months to get something done. But I never make a commitment to get something written until I have done an analysis to make sure that I know what I need to know to be able to create quickly. So what do you do if you need to write quickly? Never be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes things like writer's block can get you. I like to talk my way through a block. Use trusted friends or coworkers to share ideas with, have them challenge your thoughts, and help you work through changes to your ideas if needed.
Gloria