How Long Does it Take to Write a Novel?

I suspect a lot of aspiring authors have entered this title into Google. Even I have begun to wonder just how realistic my own timeline is. I think the answer also depends on the genre you’re writing for. As a historical fiction writer, I cannot afford to cut any corners in research, even if I hire an editor with knowledge of my subject matter.

When I first set out to plan the timeline for my novel, Liberation, I felt I could have a completed outline by the end of the year. We are already in September, and with a full time job, social obligations, travel, the holidays, settling a lawsuit against my shitty landlord, putting back together my place: this is a tall order. I accept that, I am not going to rush this process because as soon as you do that, burnout is soon to follow.

I have instead decided to devote a few hours per day to do some work towards my novel outline; whether that be watching a documentary and taking notes, or performing secondary research via texts, I feel this is acceptable. My realistic goal is to have an outline with historically accurate notes in early 2026, with the goal of writing my manuscript over the late winter into Spring of 2026 (hopefully some of that time spent in Paris depending on remote work authorizations or taking leave). I believe that with a strong outline with good research, a 90-day manuscript phase is quick enough to turn around a first draft, devoting around three hours of writing per day at minimum. This would mean the editorial process would occur in the second half of 2026, with a polished manuscript unlikely to be completed until 2027.

In the past I would often succumb to a term often used in the aviation industry, “get there-itis.” You’re so focused on just touching down, that you ignore problems along the way as you rush towards your final destination, and many times this ends up in disaster. This completionism mindset is often mistaken for accountability, it’s seemingly helpful: well if I just get there we can figure it all out after. The reality is that without solid planning, taking into account all the variables, you might not even make it that far. A good outline is essential to getting there safely, and actually having a manuscript that can be effectively edited by a professional. The more work and planning you do up front (just like a flight crew before departure), the more variables you understand and have accounted for, making it a smooth journey. If you have ever stared at the page wondering where to go next, you have not outlined well enough.

So all of this is to say, I am not going to rush this process. My goal is not to self publish, but to utilize my network to actually pursue traditional publishing and submit a manuscript that is reflective of my capability as a writer able to deliver the highest quality– because I know that I can. I am not going to rush into burnout, or deliver something less than near perfect. I take this task as seriously as I do my primary job, and will do whatever is necessary to accomplish this goal because for me I know it is not just a dream, it is realistic. I know that I have the ability and talent to become a published author. I know I have support from people who believe in me, will advocate for me and help me to ensure that this happens. But it first requires that I do the work, properly.