How to Write a Book in 90 Days: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Authors

Writing a book is often seen as a monumental task—one that takes years to complete. But what if you could write a full-length book in just 90 days? Whether you’re a seasoned author or a first-time writer, the 90-day book plan is a focused, goal-driven method that allows you to transform your ideas into a polished manuscript. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to write a book in 90 days—step by step.

Why Write a Book in 90 Days?

Writing a book in 90 days creates urgency, eliminates procrastination, and keeps your momentum strong. Many successful authors—like Stephen King and Chris Fox—have used structured short-term plans to produce books quickly without sacrificing quality. Here are a few compelling reasons to adopt this timeline:

  • Build momentum and consistency
  • Develop writing discipline
  • Achieve a finished draft in just three months
  • Avoid burnout caused by long, unfocused writing periods
  • Gain confidence as a writer

Now, let’s break down the process into a simple, actionable plan.

Phase 1: Preparation (Days 1–7)

Before writing, preparation is key. The first week is all about planning your book and creating a framework to follow.

  1. Define Your Purpose and Audience

Ask yourself:

  • What message am I trying to convey?
  • Who am I writing for?

Clarity here will guide your tone, content, and structure. Writing a thriller? Your pacing will differ from someone writing a memoir. Know your niche and understand your reader’s needs.

  1. Choose Your Topic and Genre

Whether fiction or nonfiction, select a topic you’re passionate about. For nonfiction, narrow your subject to a specific problem or area of expertise. For fiction, decide on your genre and develop your central theme or plotline.

  1. Create an Outline or Plot Structure

Think of this as your roadmap. For nonfiction:

  • Break your content into chapters.
  • List 3–5 key points for each.

For fiction:

  • Use a structure like the three-act structure, Snowflake Method, or Save the Cat Beat Sheet.
  • Identify your main characters, conflict, climax, and resolution.
  1. Set Daily and Weekly Goals

To write a 50,000 to 70,000-word book in 90 days, you’ll need to write about:

  • 556–778 words per day
  • 3,900–5,400 words per week

Break this down into manageable daily goals to stay on track.

Phase 2: Writing the First Draft (Days 8–67)

This is the heart of your 90-day plan. Your goal is to write consistently, without getting stuck in editing or overthinking.

  1. Create a Writing Schedule

Choose a time of day when you’re most productive—morning, afternoon, or evening. Block off at least 60–90 minutes daily for uninterrupted writing. Use tools like:

  • Google Docs or Scrivener
  • Pomodoro timers
  • Focus apps like Cold Turkey or Freedom
  1. Write First, Edit Later

Avoid the trap of editing while writing. It’s a fast way to lose momentum. Allow your ideas to flow freely, knowing that you’ll refine later. Remember, done is better than perfect.

  1. Overcome Writer’s Block

Stuck? Try the following:

  • Change your writing environment.
  • Revisit your outline.
  • Free-write for 10 minutes.
  • Skip the scene and return later.

The key is to keep writing. Even a bad page can be edited—a blank one can’t.

  1. Stay Accountable

Accountability keeps you going when motivation fades. Use:

  • Writing groups or online forums
  • Writing buddies
  • Public commitments (e.g., “I’ll finish Chapter 5 by Friday.”)

Phase 3: Revision and Editing (Days 68–83)

With your first draft done, it’s time to polish and shape your manuscript.

  1. Take a Short Break

Give yourself 2–3 days away from the manuscript. This distance allows you to return with fresh eyes, making your revisions more objective and impactful.

  1. Read Through Your Draft

On the first read:

  • Don’t edit—just take notes.
  • Highlight major structural issues, plot holes, or confusing passages.
  • Pay attention to pacing, tone, and flow.
  1. Revise for Structure and Content

Now it’s time to tackle the big stuff:

  • Rearrange or rewrite chapters if needed.
  • Clarify confusing parts.
  • Ensure consistency in your narrative and character development.

For nonfiction, check that your arguments are logical and well-supported.

  1. Line Editing

Focus on clarity, grammar, and style:

  • Cut filler words and passive voice.
  • Improve sentence flow.
  • Fix typos and grammatical mistakes.

Consider using tools like:

  • Grammarly
  • ProWritingAid
  • Hemingway Editor

Phase 4: Final Touches and Publishing Prep (Days 84–90)

With the heavy lifting done, it’s time to prepare your manuscript for the next stage.

  1. Beta Readers or Feedback

Send your revised draft to 2–3 trusted beta readers:

  • Ask specific questions: “Did this chapter confuse you?” “Did you like the pacing?”
  • Use their feedback to make final adjustments.
  1. Hire a Professional Editor (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re serious about publishing—especially for nonfiction or commercial fiction—a professional editor can take your book to the next level.

Types of editing to consider:

  • Developmental editing – structure, theme, and flow.
  • Copyediting – grammar, syntax, and clarity.
  • Proofreading – final polish for typos.
  1. Format Your Book

Use tools like:

  • Vellum (Mac)
  • Atticus (Windows & Mac)
  • Reedsy Book Editor
    Or hire a professional formatter for clean, professional results.
  1. Plan for Publishing

Choose between:

  • Self-publishing (via Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, etc.)
  • Traditional publishing (requires querying agents or publishers)

Design a compelling book cover, write an engaging book description, and prepare your author bio.

Finding the Right Life Story Writer

Choosing the right writer to tell your story is one of your most important decisions. You can write the book yourself or hire a professional ghostwriter. If you hire a writer, look for someone who has written memoirs or biographies before. Examine their portfolio to see if they have written books in a genre or style similar to yours. Because this will be a collaborative process, consider their personality and whether you feel comfortable working with them. A good ghostwriter will not only capture your voice and vision but also help shape your memories into a compelling narrative that readers can connect with.

Bonus Tips for Success

  • Celebrate milestones – Every finished chapter is a win.
  • Back up your work – Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or external drives.
  • Read often – Writers read. Consume books in your genre.
  • Reward consistency over perfection – It’s about progress, not flawless pages.

 

Final Thoughts

Writing a book in 90 days might sound daunting, but it’s entirely achievable with a structured plan, daily discipline, and a clear vision. The key is to move through each phase—planning, writing, revising, and polishing—with purpose and focus. By the end of 90 days, you’ll have something many people dream of but few achieve: a finished book.

Whether you’re looking to self-publish, share your story, or launch your career as an author, this 90-day blueprint provides the foundation to make it happen. Start today—your story is worth telling.