If you've never written a book before, this page is for you. Not the "I have a vague dream of writing someday" kind of never. The "I actually want to do this and I don't know where to start" kind.
Writing a book is simpler than most people think. Not easy, but simple. There's a process. You follow it. You finish. This page walks you through what you need to know before you open a blank document.
Most people imagine writing a book as sitting down and typing from Chapter 1 to the end. That's not how it works.
A more realistic picture: you spend a week or two figuring out what the book is actually about and who it's for. Then you build an outline, chapter by chapter, so you know where you're going before you start writing. Then you draft, one chapter at a time, usually over 6 to 8 weeks. Then you revise. Then you polish. Then you're done.
The whole thing takes roughly 10 to 14 weeks if you're consistent. That's about 3 months. You don't need to quit your job. You don't need a cabin in the woods. You need a few hours a week and a system that keeps you moving.
It depends on the type of book, but here are rough ranges:
Nonfiction (most common for first time authors):
Fiction:
If you're writing your first book, aim for the shorter end of whatever category fits. A focused 25,000 word book that says something clearly is better than a bloated 60,000 word book that wanders.
Honestly, not much: