+1-623-439-7197
Writing a book in 90 days may sound like a bold goal—but it’s entirely possible with the right strategy, discipline, and mindset. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer stuck in a rut, a 3-month plan provides just enough time to build a habit, refine your ideas, and produce a complete manuscript—without the burnout that often comes from trying to do too much too fast.
This guide will break down how you can finish your book in just 90 days—even if you’re starting from scratch. From planning and writing to overcoming the inner critic, we’ll cover everything you need to stay on track and cross the finish line.
Why 90 Days Works for Writers
Writing a book is often seen as a long-term commitment, and that belief alone can scare people away. But 90 days creates a focused deadline with enough breathing room to make real progress. It’s the sweet spot between a sprint and a marathon. 🏃♀️📆
Here’s why the 90-day timeframe is ideal:
- ✅ It’s long enough to build consistent habits.
- 🚀 It creates a sense of urgency without chaos.
- ❌ It pushes you to silence perfectionism.
- 🧭 It keeps you accountable and results-focused.
Many bestselling authors use structured writing schedules. Ninety days is a common format among those who’ve learned how to balance creativity with discipline.
Is It Possible to Write a Full Book in 90 Days?
Absolutely—if you approach it with intention.
Let’s break it down:
Say you want to write a 60,000-word book. That’s a solid length for most nonfiction books and novels. To complete that in 90 days, you need to write roughly:
667 words per day
That’s about two pages of content—a manageable daily target, even for those with full-time jobs or busy families. And remember, not every day has to be perfect. Some days you’ll write more. Some days less. The goal is progress, not perfection.
The 90-Day Writing Formula: A 3-Part Journey
Your 90-day writing process can be broken into three clear phases—each about a month long.
Phase 1: Pre-Writing & Planning (Days 1–30)
This first stretch is all about laying the groundwork.
🧠 What you’ll do:
- Define your core book idea
- Get clear on your target audience
- Outline the chapters and themes
- Break down your word count goals
- Lock in a daily or weekly writing schedule
This is also the phase for research. If you’re writing nonfiction, gather data and references. If it’s fiction, this is your time to flesh out characters and plotlines. 🕵️♂️📚
🎯 Your goal: clarity and a clear roadmap.
Phase 2: Writing the Draft (Days 31–60)
This is where the magic happens—putting words on the page.
🛠️ How to stay on track:
- Hit your daily writing target (around 667–800 words)
- Write in sprints to maintain momentum 🏃♂️💨
- Avoid editing—just write!
- Use writing tools that help you focus
- Make time for writing like it’s a meeting
Remember: this draft is not the final version. Your goal is to finish the manuscript, not to make it perfect.
Phase 3: Revisions & Refinement (Days 61–90)
Now, you shape your raw material into something publishable. 🎨📝
What to focus on:
- Read through your entire manuscript 🧐
- Fix plot holes, improve flow, remove fluff
- Polish dialogue or transitions
- Cut down repetition
- Strengthen your book’s structure
If possible, get feedback from beta readers or critique partners. Then make final improvements before editing and proofreading. ✅🔍
Daily Writing Targets to Reach 60,000 Words in 90 Days
|
Best Tools for Writing a Book in 90 Days
You don’t need to invest in fancy software, but some tools will make your writing journey smoother:
- 🗂️ Scrivener – Great for organizing big projects
- 🌐 Google Docs – Write from anywhere
- ✒️ Grammarly – Catch grammar issues early
- 🔕 FocusWriter – Block out distractions
- 📋 Trello / Notion – Plan your goals and track progress
Find what fits your writing flow—but don’t let tool-hunting delay your writing.
Realistic Expectations vs. Common Myths
Let’s bust some writing myths that often sabotage progress:
- ❌ Myth: I must write every single day.
✅ Reality: Consistency helps, but flexibility matters. - ❌ Myth: I need to love every word I write.
✅ Reality: Some parts will feel off. Keep going. - ❌ Myth: I need hours to write.
✅ Reality: Even 30 minutes a day adds up. - ❌ Myth: My first draft should be perfect.
✅ Reality: The first draft is allowed to be messy.
Let go of these myths and just show up.
Tips for Staying Motivated
Writing a book in 90 days is more mental than physical. Here’s how to stay energized:
- Track your daily word count—progress is powerful.
- Join a writing group or challenge for accountability.
- Celebrate milestones—chapter finishes or weekly wins.
- Visualize your book launch—that’s your motivation.
When discipline falters, let your “why” carry you.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Writers often stumble on the same hurdles:
- Overplanning instead of starting
- Self-doubt freezing progress
- Overediting during the drafting stage
- Burnout from zero breaks or no rest
Be kind to yourself. Keep going—even when it’s messy.
What Happens After the 90 Days?
Finishing your book is just the beginning. Here’s your next move
- Hire a professional editor
- Design a great cover (or hire someone!)
- Choose your publishing path (self, hybrid, traditional)
- Build your author platform—website, email list, social media
- Plan your book launch early
Whether you publish independently or pitch to agents, having a completed manuscript gives you options and momentum.
Final Thoughts: 90 Days to Your Dream
Writing a book in 90 days is challenging—but deeply rewarding. It gives you structure, momentum, and motivation. Most importantly, it helps you finish.
Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to write your book. That moment might never come. But three months from now, you could have something powerful in your hands: your story, your message, your finished manuscript.
Start today—and 90 days from now, you’ll thank yourself.
