The answer to this question varies depending on who you ask. Some people say that you should write at least 1,000 words a day in order to make significant progress on your book.
Others say that 500 words a day are substantial and less pressure, making it easier to stick to long term.
It is also for this reason that many writers choose to not set a daily word goal and instead focus on writing for a set amount of time each day.
Setting a timer and just getting on with it can work well if you’re struggling to reach a daily word target, or do not do well with deadlines.
However, there are some people who feel that they work better with a specific goal to aim for.
Use Your Final Goal To Calculate Your Daily Word Goal
If you are a goal-orientated person, then it can be useful to calculate your daily word goal by using your final word count target.
This way you can break down the task ahead of you and have a much better idea of the effort and work required upfront to meet this goal.
If it looks like too much daily work or if you are concerned about getting writer's block or burning out, you can also adjust the completed by date.
Use our book writing calculator to give it a go; you can play around with the numbers to get a feel of what you’re comfortable with.
Will I Burn Out If I Write More Than 1000 Words A Day?
No, you won't burn out if you write more than 1000 words a day. In fact, many professional writers write much more than that. The key is to make sure you're taking breaks and getting enough rest so that your mind and body can rejuvenate.
If you're finding it hard to focus or stay motivated, try varying your routine a bit. Experiment with different times of the day, writing in different places, or working on different types of writing projects.
And don't forget to give yourself time to recharge by reading, watching TV, spending time with friends and family, or doing something else that you enjoy.
