How long to write a book?
Another reader question: How long did it take you (about) to write Magic Lost, Trouble Found (the first draft, if you remember).
Probably about two years, which set a land speed record from my previous books (that are unpublishable and live in my office closet -- aka, my "practice books"). Back then, I only wrote when I was inspired. I've said this before and I'll say it again: if you're really serious about wanting to be published, you need to write every day. Set a modest (and easily attainable) goal at first, say a page or two, or whatever you're comfortable with. As you meet your daily goal, you'll gain confidence and feel motivated to do more. And here's the biggie: by writing everyday, you'll get better as a writer. And don't try to write during your every waking moment, it's SO IMPORTANT to take time to read. It's food for your muse.
Now I write my books in 8-9 months. Nine months is more comfortable for me. Yeah, I know the comparison to giving birth to a baby is obvious. And to tell you the truth, once I get to the last few chapters and uncomfortably close to my deadline, I tell Derek: "I'm tired; I don't wanna push anymore." ; )
Tomorrow, I have another question that I need your help on. Don't worry, it's easy and fun.
And on Monday, I'll be announcing a contest exclusively for those of you who are members over at Raine's Rangers (my Yahoo Group fan club). So if you're not a member yet, and would like to join, pop over and do so. And for those of you who are content to remain my blog buddies, there will be more contests over here, too. Don't worry, I'd never leave anyone out.
Lisa
Probably about two years, which set a land speed record from my previous books (that are unpublishable and live in my office closet -- aka, my "practice books"). Back then, I only wrote when I was inspired. I've said this before and I'll say it again: if you're really serious about wanting to be published, you need to write every day. Set a modest (and easily attainable) goal at first, say a page or two, or whatever you're comfortable with. As you meet your daily goal, you'll gain confidence and feel motivated to do more. And here's the biggie: by writing everyday, you'll get better as a writer. And don't try to write during your every waking moment, it's SO IMPORTANT to take time to read. It's food for your muse.
Now I write my books in 8-9 months. Nine months is more comfortable for me. Yeah, I know the comparison to giving birth to a baby is obvious. And to tell you the truth, once I get to the last few chapters and uncomfortably close to my deadline, I tell Derek: "I'm tired; I don't wanna push anymore." ; )
Tomorrow, I have another question that I need your help on. Don't worry, it's easy and fun.
And on Monday, I'll be announcing a contest exclusively for those of you who are members over at Raine's Rangers (my Yahoo Group fan club). So if you're not a member yet, and would like to join, pop over and do so. And for those of you who are content to remain my blog buddies, there will be more contests over here, too. Don't worry, I'd never leave anyone out.
Lisa
posted by Lisa Shearin at
7:08 AM
3 Comments:
Thanks for answering my question Lisa! I really appreciate it.
I know you atarted writing everyday, but that is a huge improvement on time.
After finishing a book, how long does it take to be published? (after edits)
I'm thinking about some book I deas at the moment... I have a lot of not-very-detailed-ones, and I'm considering which one I want to focus on.
: ) How are the synopsis going?
You're most welcome, Kim! As to how long it takes to be published -- some people find an agent to represent them immediately and some it takes years, and some never. It varies all over the place. The important thing is that if you know you have a great manuscript -- DON'T GIVE UP!
For me it took about two years after I finished MLTF until I got a book deal, and then the book was published about a year after that. Book publishing isn't a fast business. ; )
The synop is doing good. I've hit a bit of a speedbump, but I've talked to my agent and I'm gonna turn it in on Monday.
The
Two years for a first book sounds pretty good.
I"m still gladyou've sped up since. {SMILE}
Anne Elizabeth Baldwin
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