Have you ever wondered how many hours an author spends writing every week? Is it like a 9-to-5 job or more like a passion they squeeze in during late nights? Whether you dream of becoming an author or you’re just curious, the answer might surprise you. Writing books takes time, but how much? Let’s explore.
How Many Hours Do Authors Really Work Every Week?
When people imagine authors, they often think of someone sitting at a desk all day, typing thousands of words. But in reality, how many hours do authors actually work each week? The answer isn’t simple because it depends on whether they’re full-time or part-time writers, their deadlines, and even their personal habits.
According to surveys conducted in the United States in 2024, full-time authors work an average of 30–50 hours per week. However, this includes not only writing but also editing, researching, marketing their books, attending events, and engaging with readers on social media. For many, actual “writing time” is much less—often just 15–25 hours weekly.
Part-time authors, on the other hand, might dedicate anywhere from 5–20 hours per week to their craft. They often have day jobs or other responsibilities, so their writing hours depend on their schedule flexibility.
So, while the average workweek for authors varies, most agree that writing a book is less about clocking hours and more about maintaining consistency.
Do Full-Time Authors Work Like 9–5 Jobs?
Most full-time authors don’t treat their work like a traditional 9-to-5 office job. Writing is a creative process, and creativity rarely sticks to a schedule. Some authors prefer working early in the morning, while others find their inspiration at night.
However, many successful full-time writers build structured routines to stay productive. For example, Stephen King famously writes four hours every morning, aiming for about 2,000 words daily. This discipline helps him finish several books a year.
But even with routines, full-time authors rarely work eight solid hours a day just writing. Their workweek often includes non-writing tasks like meeting editors, outlining future books, and reviewing contracts. So while the commitment feels like a full-time job, the daily structure can look very different from standard office hours.
Part-Time Authors – How Do They Manage Their Time?
Part-time authors face unique challenges. Many juggle their writing alongside full-time jobs, parenting, or studies. So how do they manage? The key lies in smart time management and setting realistic goals.
Some write during lunch breaks; others wake up early or stay up late to squeeze in writing sessions. A common strategy among part-time authors is using “writing sprints”—short, focused bursts of 25–45 minutes. These sprints allow them to make progress even when they have limited time.
Part-time writers might work as little as 5 hours a week or as much as 20 hours if they’re close to finishing a manuscript. Consistency is more important than total hours, and many successful authors started this way before moving to full-time writing careers.
Morning or Night – When Do Authors Write?
There’s no universal “best time” for authors to write—it depends on their personal energy levels. Many famous authors prefer mornings. For instance, Haruki Murakami wakes at 4:00 AM to write while the world is quiet. Others, like J.K. Rowling, have admitted to writing late into the night, especially when raising children.
The common thread is finding a time when distractions are minimal and sticking to it. Morning writers often say their minds are fresher, while night writers claim inspiration strikes when the world sleeps.
How Many Days a Week Do Authors Work?
Most full-time authors write 5–6 days a week, leaving one or two days for rest or brainstorming. Part-time writers may only write 2–4 days weekly. Interestingly, many authors find that writing every day—even if only for 30 minutes—helps them maintain momentum and avoid “writer’s block.”
Weekend Writing – A Common Habit?
For part-time authors, weekends are gold. Many use Saturdays and Sundays to put in long, uninterrupted writing sessions. A weekend focus can mean 3–6 hours of writing per day, often making up for lighter writing during the week. Even full-time authors sometimes save big editing or brainstorming sessions for weekends.
Famous Authors and Their Work Hours
Curious about how famous authors schedule their time? Let’s peek into a few routines:
- Stephen King – Writes 4 hours every morning, 6 days a week.
- Maya Angelou – Wrote from 7 AM to 2 PM in a rented hotel room, focusing without distractions.
- Ernest Hemingway – Preferred writing early, often stopping by noon after producing 500–1,000 words.
- Neil Gaiman – Writes whenever he can, though he admits to preferring long, uninterrupted sessions.
These examples show that work hours vary widely. But all these authors share one trait: discipline. They treat writing like a serious job, even if they don’t follow a 9–5 schedule.
Is Writing Full-Time Hard Work?
Yes, writing full-time is hard work—but it’s also deeply rewarding. Authors face creative challenges, tight deadlines, and sometimes financial uncertainty. Writing a book is mentally demanding, and editing can take even more time than the first draft.
Besides writing, full-time authors often spend hours marketing their books, maintaining websites, and engaging readers on social media. So while the writing process might not fill 40 hours a week, the business of being an author often does.
Tips for Authors to Plan Their Writing Hours
To succeed as an author, whether part-time or full-time, effective planning is crucial. Here are some helpful tips:
Writing Goals Per Week
Setting clear goals helps authors stay on track. For example:
- Full-time authors might aim for 10,000–15,000 words per week.
- Part-time authors might set a goal of 3,000–5,000 words weekly.
Breaking these into daily targets (like 1,000 words a day) makes the workload feel manageable.
Break Time – Why Authors Need It
Writing for long hours without rest leads to burnout. Even bestselling authors take regular breaks to recharge their creativity. The Pomodoro technique—working 25 minutes, then resting 5—can help keep the mind fresh. Longer breaks after heavy writing days also allow authors to return to their work with new perspectives.
How Many Hours Should a New Author Work Weekly?
New authors often ask: How much time should I dedicate each week? The answer depends on your goals:
- If you’re serious about finishing a first draft within 6 months, aim for 10–15 hours per week.
- If writing is a hobby, even 3–5 hours weekly will help you make steady progress.
Consistency matters more than total hours. A new author writing 30 minutes daily will finish faster than someone writing 5 hours once a month.
Does More Writing Hours Mean More Books?
Not always. More hours can help you finish drafts faster, but quality writing also requires editing, rewriting, and rest. Some authors produce many books per year because they write quickly and have a solid process. Others spend years crafting one perfect novel.
Remember, writing more doesn’t guarantee success—it’s about writing smarter and maintaining passion for the craft.
The Bottom Line
So, how many hours do authors work a week? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Full-time authors may work 30–50 hours weekly, balancing writing with other author duties. Part-time authors often dedicate 5–20 hours per week, fitting writing into their busy lives.
Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just curious, one thing is clear: writing a book requires commitment. But with good planning, even a few hours a week can add up to a finished manuscript.
