How long does it take to write a self-help book?

How long does it take to write a self-help book?

​​Alright, fellow aspiring authors, let’s talk about writing speed—because let’s face it, we all wish we could write like the wind! But here’s the thing: writing speed depends on a variety of factors, from your experience level to the strength of your book outline and everything in between. 

If you’re just starting out on your writing journey, it’s natural to feel like you’re moving at a snail’s pace. But fear not, dear writer, for there are ways to pick up the pace and keep yourself on track. If you’re up for a challenge, Write a Self-Help Book in 14 Days: The proven, step-by-step plan to easily write your nonfiction book—from the bestselling author coach is a gem of a book that offers a streamlined approach to writing your self-help masterpiece in just two weeks—talk about a game-changer! 

And if you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, my WRITE A SELF-HELP BOOK IN 30 DAYS course is here to save the day. With step-by-step guidance, actionable tips, and a supportive community of fellow writers, this course is like having a personal cheerleader in your corner every step of the way. So, whether you’re a tortoise or a hare when it comes to writing speed, remember that the most important thing is to keep putting one word in front of the other and never lose sight of your goal. You’ve got this! 🐢🚀

What is the average length of a self-help book?

What’s the average length of a self-help book? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Self-help books come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from bite-sized gems to doorstopper tomes. 

How long does a self-help book need to be? On average, self-help books typically fall somewhere between 20,000 to 60,000 words. However, some may be shorter, while others may be longer—it all depends on the complexity of your topic, the depth of your insights, and the needs of your target audience. So, whether you’re penning a quick read or an epic saga, remember that size doesn’t matter —it’s the impact of your words and wisdom that truly counts! 📚💡

How fast do most authors write?

Let’s peel back the curtain and talk about how fast most authors can churn out that word count! 

For new writers just dipping their toes into the writing pool, you’re looking at a range of about 500 to 1500 words a day. Not too shabby, right? Now, for our seasoned scribes, those words can flow like a raging river, with some cranking out up to 5,000 words per day! And then, my friends, we have the rare speed demons of the writing world, who can whip out a whopping 10,000 words in a single day. Can you say bionic fingers?

Keep in mind, if you’re writing a self-help memoir (part memoir, part self-help), they tend to be a bit longer –  clocking in around 60,000 to 100,000 words.

Now, let’s break it down for our newbie writers. If you’re chugging along at a speed of 1500 words per day, here’s how long it might take you to write different lengths of a self-help book:

• For a 20,000-word book: Approximately 13 days
• For a 40,000-word book: Roughly 27 days
• For a 60,000-word book: About 40 days
  

Not too shabby, right? So, whether you’re a slow and steady tortoise or a lightning-fast hare, just remember that every word you write brings you one step closer to achieving your self-help book dreams. 🐢💨

How do I write a self-help book in 30 days?

Ah, the million-dollar question! So, here’s the scoop: if you’re ready to dive headfirst into writing your self-help book like a champ, you’ll want to start by blocking off some serious writing time on your calendar. We’re talking at least one hour every single day dedicated solely to bringing your book to life. Next up, set a word count goal to aim for before calling it a day. Whether it’s 500 words or 1500 words, having a target in mind will keep you laser-focused and motivated to keep those creative juices flowing.

Now, let’s talk strategy. If you know what you’ll need to write next, you write faster. Every time I’m struggling to make my word count I usually come to the realization that it’s because I’m not sure what I should be writing about. (Or writing about next.)

Ever heard of a little something called a self-help book template? Consider it your secret weapon in the battle against writer’s block and bad writing days! Downloading my self-help book template is like having a treasure map to guide you through the writing process, complete with handy prompts and structure to keep you on track.

But hey, we all need a little accountability from time to time, am I right? That’s where your trusty writing buddy comes in. Whether it’s another author, a supportive online group, or even enrolling in my WRITE A SELF-HELP BOOK IN 30 DAYS course, having someone in your corner cheering you on can make all the difference. So, grab your favorite beverage (caffeine optional), and let’s tackle this self-help book writing adventure together! 📝🚀

How to write faster

Ready to kick your writing into high gear and turbocharge those typing fingers? If you’re itching to become a writing speed demon, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to help you zoom past the finish line. 

• Create your distraction-free writing nook by banishing interruptions to slip into your writing zone. Consider using a closed door, asking your family to respect your writing time, and employing some distraction-free apps designed to zap away those pesky interruptions!
  
• Set reasonable word count targets (or writing time) for the day. Whether it’s a word count target or a set amount of time dedicated solely to writing, having a clear objective in mind will help keep those creative juices flowing. Aim for a word count that’s a stretch but still within reach, and watch those words pile up faster than you can say “bestseller.”
  
• Working from a solid outline, like this one, is your golden ticket to writing success. Think of it as your trusty roadmap, guiding you through the twists and turns of your self-help journey.
  
• Here’s a pro tip straight from the speed-writing playbook—don’t let your momentum grind to a halt by taking more than 1-2 days off from writing. Trust me, momentum is like a runaway train, and once it’s gone, it’s tough to get back on track. 
  
• Write in Comic Sans. Yes, everyone hates that font except your grandma. Yes, there are memes and entire Facebook groups dedicated to its demise. But weirdly enough, many authors swear that writing in Comic Sans helps you write faster and weirdly, better. I’m not sure why it works, but it does. (I have a weird theory that your brain sees it differently than other fonts, which is potentially why readers with dyslexia have an easier time reading it.)
  
• Let your inner editor take a vacation while you crank out that first draft. Remember, perfection can wait until the editing phase!
  
• Try writing sprints—think of them as mini-races to see how many words you can churn out in a set amount of time. Grab your fellow writers and challenge each other to sprint to the finish line—it’s like a writing workout for your brain!
  
• This is an unusual tip, but a therapist suggested I try it during a writing slump, and now it’s one of my go-to speed writing tools. Try giving binaural beats a whirl—trust me, they’re like rocket fuel for creativity and productivity! For the uninitiated, binaural beats are sound frequencies that stimulate your brain to relax, be more creative, increase productivity, and other practical uses. In order for binaural beats for writing to be effective, you’ll need to listen with headphones or earbuds. Each side utilizes a different frequency to stimulate your brain, so it’s not effective if you’re just using your computer speakers.
  

Need more help to get your book done at lightning speed?  Consider working with a book coach one-on-one. And hey, if you’re still feeling stuck in the slow lane, consider enrolling in my WRITE A SELF-HELP BOOK IN 30 DAYS course for some expert guidance and accountability.

Let’s rev up that keyboard! 🚀📝

How many words in a self-help book chapter?

How many words in a self-help book chapter? As many as you need to get your point across. Some self-help books have long chapters, others have shorter chapters. While shorter chapters are more common in self-help books, there’s really no hard and fast rule.

How many chapters in a self-help book? 

How many chapters are in a self-help book? There’s no real average or set rule here. Break up your material or advice in a way that makes it easy for your reader to understand and digest.  Because self-help books vary so much in length (20K to 60K words, more or less) 

Is it hard to get a self-help book published?

Is it hard to get a self-help book published? If you’re seeking a traditional publishing deal, it depends on the book, the topic, the author, the author’s platform, and numerous other factors. 

If you’re up for self-publishing (aka indie publishing) your self-help book, the process is relatively straightforward and easy. 

As a hybrid author myself (both traditionally-published with houses including Penguin, *Random House, St. Martins Press, and Sourcebooks, and also independently published) I can tell you that you’ll generally make more money and have more control if you publish yourself.

Is there a course for writing a selfhelp book?

Alright, my fellow self-help superstar, listen up! If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page, wondering where to even begin with your self-help book, fear not—I’ve got just the solution for you!

 Is there a course for writing a selfhelp book? Absolutely! Introducing my WRITE A SELF-HELP BOOK IN 30 DAYS course, the ultimate roadmap to help you bring your book to life in record time. 

With step-by-step guidance, actionable tips, and a supportive community of fellow writers, this course is like having a personal cheerleader in your corner every step of the way. Plus, enrolling in a course can help you stay accountable, provide structure and guidance, and give you access to invaluable resources and support. 

So, if you’re ready to turn your self-help book dreams into reality and join the ranks of self-help book authors who are changing lives one page at a time, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this writing adventure together! 🚀📚

You’ve got this!

From uncovering the mysteries of writing speed to exploring the ins and outs of how long your self-help book will need to be, we’ve covered some serious ground in this post. But here’s the thing: whether you’re a tortoise or a hare when it comes to writing speed, the most important thing is to keep putting one word in front of the other and never lose sight of your goal. 

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a self-help masterpiece! So, keep dreaming, keep writing, and most importantly, keep being your amazing self. 

And hey, if you ever find yourself in need of a little extra guidance along the way, my WRITE A SELF-HELP BOOK IN 30 DAYS course is always here to lend a helping hand. Now, go forth and conquer those blank pages—you’ve got this! 🚀📚