How long does it take to write a novel?
Turn a word-count goal into a writing calendar. Choose your pace and writing days, then share your scenario.
How this page is made
The calendar is calculated from your chosen pace. Remaining words are divided by words per session, rounded up. Sessions follow the selected weekdays from the start date, including that date when applicable. Revision, research, holidays and missed sessions are excluded.
Set your writing rhythm
20 September 2027
Estimated first-draft completion
160 sessions · 80,000 words remaining
Words already written / goal
At 500 words per session, 3 days a week. The last session may be shorter. Revision is not included.
Six rhythms to compare
Illustrative scenarios, starting on 14 September 2026 with no words written. These are not recommended lengths or productivity standards.
100 sessions
50,000 words
500 words per session · Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Number of sessions
First draft : 22 December 2026
160 sessions
80,000 words
500 words per session · Mon, Wed, Fri
Number of sessions
First draft : 20 September 2027
80 sessions
80,000 words
1,000 words per session · Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Number of sessions
First draft : 1 January 2027
80 sessions
120,000 words
1,500 words per session · Sat, Sun
Number of sessions
First draft : 20 June 2027
120 sessions
120,000 words
1,000 words per session · Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Number of sessions
First draft : 26 February 2027
200 sessions
200,000 words
1,000 words per session · Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Number of sessions
First draft : 1 April 2027
Leave room for the next draft
After the first draft, allow time for a break, structural revisions, reader feedback and proofreading. Estimate these stages separately, according to the work your manuscript needs.
If you have reached or exceeded your target, the result is zero sessions. To account for a missed day or a new pace, update your remaining words and restart the calendar.
Your turn to write.