How Many Words Per Day to Write a Novel
The number of words you write per day determines how long your novel takes to finish. Here is the math and the strategy behind choosing the right daily target.
The math
A typical novel is 70,000 to 90,000 words. Here is how long an 80,000-word novel takes at different daily word counts:
- 250 words/day: 320 days (about 10.5 months)
- 500 words/day: 160 days (about 5.5 months)
- 750 words/day: 107 days (about 3.5 months)
- 1,000 words/day: 80 days (about 2.5 months)
- 1,500 words/day: 54 days (under 2 months)
- 2,000 words/day: 40 days (about 6 weeks)
What most published authors write
Professional authors typically write 1,000 to 2,000 words per day during active drafting. Stephen King famously writes 2,000 words a day, six days a week. But many successful authors write less — the key is consistency.
If you are writing around a day job, family, or school, 500 words a day is an excellent, sustainable target. It only takes about 20-30 minutes.
Choosing your target
Pick based on your schedule, not your ambition:
- Very busy (15-20 min/day): 250-300 words. You will finish in a year. That is fine. A finished novel in a year beats an unfinished novel forever.
- Moderate time (30-45 min/day): 500-750 words. The most popular range for part-time writers. Finishes a draft in 4-6 months.
- Dedicated time (60-90 min/day): 1,000-1,500 words. Serious pace. Draft done in 2-3 months.
- Full-time writing: 2,000+ words. Professional pace. Draft done in 6-8 weeks.
The most important rule
Your daily target should be the number you can hit on your worst day — when you are tired, distracted, and not feeling it. If you set 1,000 words and regularly miss it, you are not building a habit. You are building frustration.
Lower the number until you hit it every day. Then raise it gradually. Consistency always beats intensity.
Track your daily words
BookBeast lets you set your total novel goal and daily target, then log your words each day. You can see exactly how many days are left at your current pace and watch your writing streak grow.