The Three Stages of Writing a Book: Research, Write, Edit

Since “The Address” was released on August 1, I’ve been traveling around doing author talks and Q&As at bookstores, and one of the most-asked questions is, “How long does it take you to write your books?” A little over a year is the answer. It’s fast, but I think I have something of an advantage because I worked for many years as a journalist, and so am used to a daily writing routine. I procrastinate like crazy, but eventually end up at my desk, typing away, and once I get caught up in the story and the characters, time flies by.

My daily hours ebb and flow, depending on what stage I’m in. The breakdown is pretty much as follows: I spend a few months researching, figuring out the characters, and plotting the story. Then it takes around six months to write a first draft. I write around 1,000-1,500 words a day and I don’t go back and edit. Some days hitting my word count only takes an hour. Other days, it’s more of a slog.

The most intensive stage is when I edit the first draft. I read it through, mark it up in pencil with notes like “Fix!” and “No!” and then revise it, page by page. It’s exhausting and humbling. But usually, the next read-through isn’t quite as traumatic. And each revision after that gets a little easier.

I went back and checked my calendar, and discovered I do around eight to ten revisions (the last few under the sure hand of my publisher’s copy editors and proofreaders). After that, it’s launched out into the world!