As discussed in The 12-Month Manuscript, novels can vary in length from 40,000 words on up. A common goal, especially for writers of genres like fantasy and science fiction, is 100,000 words (or more).
But, no matter what your ultimate goal is, those first 100,000 words need to be written. And that can be done in a year if you can string together at least 274 words each day.
Even if you’re a slower typist who gets about 35 words in per minute, it should still only take you about 10 minutes to crank out your daily goal. If you’re writing once per week, set aside about an hour and fifteen minutes.
For more help organizing and prioritizing your writing time, check out the Writing lesson!
