“How long will it actually take to write it and get it published?” It’s a fair concern.
Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or a memoir, turning your thoughts into a polished, published book is a major project—and it doesn’t happen overnight. The process can take months or even years, depending on your writing pace, your publishing path, and how much help you get along the way.
But with the right approach, tools, and realistic planning, you can shorten that timeline without compromising quality. In this blog, we’ll walk you through every stage of the journey—from first draft to final publication—and help you understand what to expect whether you’re going the traditional or self-publishing route.
Let’s break it all down so you can build a realistic roadmap for your author journey.
A. The Writing Phase – How Long Does It Take to Finish a Manuscript?
This is the part most aspiring authors focus on first—and rightly so. Your book begins with a manuscript. But how long it takes to complete depends on several factors:
- Genre and book type (fiction, nonfiction, memoir, etc.)
- Target word count (e.g., 25K, 50K, or 80K words)
- Your writing speed and routine
- Experience level (first-time writers often take longer)
Here’s a general guide:
| Book Type | Estimated Writing Time |
| Short nonfiction/guide (25k–30k words) | 1 to 3 months |
| Standard nonfiction/memoir (40k–60k words) | 3 to 6 months |
| Full-length novel (70k–90k+ words) | 6 to 12 months |
| First-time authors | Up to 1 year or more |
Tips to stay consistent:
- Set chapter-by-chapter deadlines
- Write 500–1000 words daily or 2–3 chapters per week
- Don’t edit while you write—just finish the first draft
- Use writing tools like Scrivener, Notion, or voice dictation
Remember: momentum matters more than speed. Even 30 minutes a day adds up fast.
B. The Editing and Revision Phase – Don’t Skip This Step
Finishing your first draft is a huge milestone—but it’s far from the finish line. The editing phase is where your book becomes publish-ready. Many authors underestimate how long this part can take.
Here’s a general breakdown of editing time:
1. Self-editing: 2 to 4 weeks
Clean up the structure, fix awkward wording, remove filler, and improve flow before handing it to a professional.
2. Developmental editing: 3 to 6 weeks
A pro editor helps reshape the book’s structure, tone, and content. Ideal for nonfiction or story-heavy books.
3. Copyediting and proofreading: 2 to 4 weeks
Grammar, punctuation, consistency, and final polish—essential for credibility and professionalism.
In total, editing can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how many revisions are needed and how fast you turn around feedback.
C. Publishing Route 1 – Traditional Publishing Timeline
If you’re hoping to land a book deal with a traditional publisher, be prepared for a longer road—but one with strong industry support.
Here’s how the traditional route generally looks:
- Querying agents or publishers: 3 to 6 months
(some authors take a year or more to find representation)
- Book deal to publishing date: 12 to 24 months
(once accepted, your book enters the publishing queue)
Pros:
- Built-in team (editor, designer, publicist)
- Wide bookstore distribution
- Professional credibility and potential for media coverage
Cons:
- Highly competitive—many rejections before acceptance
- Less creative control
- Longer timelines from manuscript to publication
If you choose this route, expect a total time frame of 18 to 36 months from start to finish.
D. Publishing Route 2 – Self-Publishing Timeline
Self-publishing gives you speed and control—but it also requires managing or outsourcing the steps yourself. Still, this option is growing in popularity thanks to platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and others.
Here’s what the self-publishing timeline looks like:
- Finalize and format your manuscript: 2 to 3 weeks
- Hire a designer for your book cover: 1 to 2 weeks
- Upload to platforms (KDP, IngramSpark, etc.): 2 to 7 days
- Print and distribute: Often within 1 week of approval
Pros:
- Speed: you can publish within weeks of finishing your draft
- Full creative and financial control
- Higher royalty rates per book sold
Cons:
- You must manage or outsource editing, design, and marketing
- Fewer opportunities for bookstore distribution unless you plan ahead
Total time from final draft to published book: 4 to 8 weeks
When done right, you could go from idea to published author in under 6 months with self-publishing.
E. Total Timeframe from Start to Published Book
Now let’s put it all together based on your chosen path:
| Stage | Traditional | Self-Publishing |
| Writing | 3–12 months | 3–12 months |
| Editing | 2–3 months | 2–3 months |
| Publishing Process | 12–24 months | 1–2 months |
| Total Timeline | 18–36 months | 4–9 months |
You can also explore hybrid publishing, which blends traditional-level support with faster timelines. These usually take 6–12 months total and are a great middle ground.
F. Ways to Speed Up the Process Without Rushing Quality
If you want to shorten the book timeline without cutting corners, consider the following strategies:
- Hire a ghostwriter to help with the manuscript
- Work with a book coach to stay accountable and make progress weekly
- Use AI-assisted writing tools (for brainstorming, not full writing)
- Batch your editing, formatting, and design tasks
- Plan your publishing strategy while you’re still writing
Many successful authors write with a team behind them. You don’t have to do everything solo.
Conclusion: Every Book Has Its Own Journey—Plan Accordingly
Writing and publishing a book is a big commitment, but it’s entirely possible—and more achievable than you might think. Whether you take the traditional route and invest two to three years, or you self-publish in six months or less, the key is to set realistic expectations, stay consistent, and use the right support system.
Remember, every great book started with someone just like you: someone who had an idea and made the time to bring it to life.
So how long does it take? As long as it takes to do it right—and with the right plan, that journey can be smoother and faster than you expect.
FAQs
Q1: Can I get a book published in under 6 months?
Yes—especially if you self-publish or work with a ghostwriter. With a focused plan, a short book can be written, edited, and published in as little as 3 to 6 months.
Q2: Is traditional publishing still worth it?
It depends on your goals. Traditional publishing offers wider distribution and media visibility, but it takes longer and is harder to access. Many authors now succeed through self-publishing or hybrid routes.
Q3: How do I know when my book is “done”?
Your book is “done” when it has gone through writing, revision, and professional editing—and you’re proud of how it reads. Don’t rush it, but don’t get stuck in endless edits either.
Q4: What if I don’t want to write it myself?
Hire a professional ghostwriter! They’ll guide the process, write on your behalf, and ensure your voice and vision are captured. It’s a great option if time or writing skill is a concern.
