Reader Question Day #71 – how long does it take to write a book?

Several people asked how long it takes to write a book.

I will give you a straight answer, and say that it depends. 🙂

Basically, it depends on how long the book is. Before I start, I outline thoroughly, so I know exactly where I’m going. I’ll usually rewrite the outline three or four times before I’m happy.

Once it’s done, I’ll write the book as fast as I can. I’ve found that writing a rough draft is a bit like pouring molten bronze – it’s best to do it quickly, else it might cool into a funny shape. I’ll try to do a minimum of 3,000 words a day when writing a rough draft, and usually try to push myself to do more. It doesn’t always work, since responsibilities In Real Life often take precedence, but that is the goal.

After the rough draft is done, I’ll revise and edit the book chapter by chapter. Usually I’ll cut anywhere from 200 to a thousand words per chapter, since I tend to overwrite.

So in the end, it boils down to how long the book is. GHOST IN THE ASHES took about five weeks, while SOUL OF SWORDS took two and a half months.

-JM