How Long Does It Take To Write A Book And Get It Published

Writing and publishing a book is a dream project for many, but one of the most frequently asked questions is: how long does it actually take? While some believe it takes years, the truth is: with the right approach and support, you can complete and publish a book within a few months or even weeks. It all depends on your goals, discipline, experience, and the publishing method you choose.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the complete timeline of writing and publishing a book—from the first idea to holding your published copy—and share ways to get it done faster without compromising on quality.

How Long Does It Take to Write a Book?

1. The Fast Track: 2 to 4 Weeks

If you’re highly motivated, have a strong outline, and commit to daily writing, you can complete a book in 2 to 4 weeks. This is especially doable for shorter nonfiction books or genre fiction.

• Daily Writing Goals: Writing 2,000 to 3,000 words a day gets you to a 40,000–60,000-word draft in 2 to 3 weeks.
• Focused Time Blocks: Writing in distraction-free, focused time blocks (Pomodoro technique or sprint sessions) boosts productivity.

2. Moderate Pace: 1 to 3 Months

Many authors, especially those balancing jobs or families, work on their book over evenings or weekends. In this case, a book can realistically be completed in 4 to 12 weeks with consistent effort.

• Writing 1,000 Words a Day: You’ll have a full draft in about two months.
• Outlining Ahead of Time: Saves rewriting and makes the drafting stage smoother.

3. Longer Timelines: 6 Months to 1 Year

Authors who are working on very complex books—such as detailed memoirs, historical fiction, or academic nonfiction—may take 6 to 12 months or longer. However, even in these cases, the delay often comes from irregular writing habits, excessive self-editing, or lack of planning—not necessarily the book’s difficulty.

Editing: The Secret to a Polished Book

Writing is only half the work. Editing is what turns your rough draft into a market-ready manuscript. This stage is often underestimated, but with proper structure, it can be completed efficiently.

1. Self-Editing: 1 to 2 Weeks

After finishing your draft, take a short break, then return with fresh eyes. Look for:

• Plot holes or missing information
• Repetitive phrasing
• Inconsistent tone or character behavior
• Basic grammar and formatting

One to two weeks is usually enough for a solid self-edit if you stay focused and don’t overthink.

2. Professional Editing: 2 to 4 Weeks

Hiring a professional editor makes a huge difference in both quality and time. There are different types of editing:

• Developmental Editing – Focuses on structure, flow, and major issues.
• Copyediting – Fixes grammar, clarity, and style.
• Proofreading – Final polish before publishing.

Depending on the editor’s availability and length of your manuscript, this can take 2 to 4 weeks. Many editors offer faster services with express options.

Publishing Timeline: Fast vs Traditional

Once your manuscript is edited and finalized, you’ll need to decide how to publish—and this decision drastically affects how long it will take to see your book in print.

1. Self-Publishing: 1 to 3 Weeks

If you choose to self-publish, you have control over the timeline. After editing, your book can be formatted, designed, and uploaded in as little as 1–3 weeks.

• Formatting: 2–5 days (using tools or hiring a professional)
• Cover Design: 3–7 days
• Uploading to Platforms: 1–2 days

You can go from completed manuscript to published book in under a month.

2. Traditional Publishing: 12 to 24+ Months

Traditional publishing, while prestigious, is time-consuming. Here’s why:

• Querying Agents: 3 to 6 months
• Submission to Publishers: 3 to 6 months
• Contract, Edits & Production: 12 to 18 months

The entire process from finished draft to book release can take 18 months to 2 years or more. For new authors, even securing an agent can take a year or longer.

Complete Timeline Overview

Here’s a quick comparison of both routes:

Stage	Self-Publishing	Traditional Publishing
Writing	2–12 weeks	3–6 months
Editing (all phases)	3–6 weeks	2–3 months
Publishing	1–3 weeks	12–24 months
Total Time	2–4 months	18–30+ months

 

Factors That Influence Your Timeline

1. Genre and Complexity

Fiction with layered characters and world-building may take longer than a straightforward nonfiction guide.

2. Author’s Experience

First-time writers may need more time to build confidence and refine their skills. Experienced authors write faster due to practice and process.

3. Book Length

A 30,000-word short book can be written and published much faster than a 90,000-word novel.

4. Available Time

If you can dedicate 2–3 hours per day, you’ll finish much faster than someone who writes once a week.

5. Support System

Working with editors, designers, and writing coaches accelerates each stage and prevents rework.

Speed Up Your Book with Professional Writing and Editing Help

Don’t Waste Time—Work Smarter with Experts

If your goal is to get your book out quickly without cutting corners, hiring professionals is one of the best investments you can make.

Benefits of Working with Experts:

• Writing Coaches help you outline, plan, and stay accountable—reducing writing time significantly.
• Ghostwriters can craft a book for you in 4 to 8 weeks, based on interviews or your notes.
• Editors catch errors and improve flow quickly, saving months of revisions.
• Formatters and Designers ensure your book looks professional and meets publishing platform standards.

Even if you’re an experienced writer, having extra help ensures your project moves forward with fewer delays. It also keeps your quality high—so readers take you seriously.

Tips to Write and Publish Faster

Here are actionable steps to speed up your writing and publishing process:

1. Outline First: A detailed outline keeps you focused and reduces rewrites.
2. Use Daily Word Count Goals: 1,500–2,000 words per day equals a finished draft in 3–4 weeks.
3. Schedule Writing Time: Treat it like a job—put it on your calendar.
4. Avoid Editing While Writing: Get the draft done; edit later.
5. Use Dictation Tools: Speak your draft to write faster.
6. Batch Tasks: Write first, then edit; don’t jump back and forth.
7. Hire Professionals: Speed up every phase from editing to design.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does it take to write a book and get it published?

It depends on your approach.

If you’re strategic, committed, and open to professional help, you can go from idea to published book in just 2 to 4 months through self-publishing. For those choosing traditional publishing, expect a timeline of 18 to 30 months or longer.

Whether you write fast or slow, what matters most is that you stay consistent, plan smartly, and produce quality work. Your book deserves to be read—and with the right tools and mindset, it can be published much sooner than you think.

FAQs

Q1: Can I write and publish a book in 2 months?
Yes. With focused writing and self-publishing, it’s absolutely possible.

Q2: What’s the shortest time to publish a book?
As little as 3 to 4 weeks with editing and formatting done in parallel.

Q3: Is traditional publishing worth the wait?
It can be for certain goals—but it’s slower and more competitive.

Q4: Should I hire a professional editor?
Yes. A good editor improves your book’s quality and speeds up the process.

Q5: What causes most delays?
Inconsistent writing habits, unclear outlines, and skipping professional help.