Are You Writing Fast Enough?

Are You Writing Fast Enough? The Importance of Speed in Screenwriting and Novel Writing

In the fast-paced world of screenwriting and novel writing, time is a critical factor. With deadlines, agent expectations, and the industry's demand for fresh content, the speed at which you complete your project can often be just as important as the quality of the work itself. But how fast should you be writing? Is there a set timeline for finishing a screenplay or novel? And how does this impact the chances of selling your work?

This article breaks down the typical phases of completing a screenplay or novel, explains how long each phase should take, and provides insights into the industry's expectations. We'll also discuss how agents use timetables to sell your work and the pressures writers face to deliver faster.

The Ideal Timeline for a Screenplay

Writing a screenplay is often faster than writing a novel due to its specific format and structure. However, it still requires careful planning and execution.

Phase 1: Concept and Outline (1-2 Weeks)

Before you dive into writing, you need to nail down the concept and outline of your screenplay. This phase should take about 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, focus on developing a clear plot, identifying key characters, and determining the central theme or conflict of the story. Writing a solid outline is crucial because it will serve as your roadmap through the rest of the process.

Phase 2: First Draft (4-6 Weeks)

A first draft should take approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Screenplays are typically between 90 and 120 pages, with each page representing about a minute of screen time. It’s important to set a daily or weekly writing goal to ensure you're making consistent progress. The industry standard for a professional screenwriter is to produce 3 to 5 pages per day.

Phase 3: Revisions and Rewrites (2-4 Weeks)

After completing the first draft, revisions and rewrites should take another 2 to 4 weeks. This phase includes fixing plot holes, polishing dialogue, and fine-tuning character arcs. Many screenwriters go through multiple drafts before they feel their screenplay is ready for submission.

Phase 4: Polishing and Final Draft (1-2 Weeks)

The final phase of writing a screenplay involves polishing it for submission. This should take about 1 to 2 weeks and involves reviewing formatting, ensuring continuity, and making the script as tight and professional as possible.

Total Time to Complete a Screenplay: 8-12 Weeks

The Ideal Timeline for a Novel

Novels, being longer and more complex, require more time than screenplays. However, there are ways to structure your writing to stay on track and meet industry expectations.

Phase 1: Planning and Outlining (4-6 Weeks)

Before writing a novel, you need to plan out the story, develop the characters, and create an outline. This phase should take about 4 to 6 weeks. While some writers prefer to dive in and see where the story takes them (known as "pantsers"), having a clear outline can help you write faster and avoid getting stuck.

Phase 2: First Draft (3-6 Months)

Writing the first draft of a novel typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the length and complexity of the story. Novels generally range from 60,000 to 100,000 words, with daily word count goals of 500 to 2,000 words. It’s important to maintain a consistent writing schedule to stay on track.

Phase 3: Revisions and Rewrites (2-4 Months)

After completing the first draft, revisions and rewrites can take an additional 2 to 4 months. This is where you’ll address structural issues, refine character development, and ensure the pacing is right. Many writers work with beta readers or editors during this phase to get feedback.

Phase 4: Polishing and Final Draft (1-2 Months)

The final phase of novel writing involves polishing the manuscript, which can take about 1 to 2 months. This includes line edits, proofreading, and formatting the manuscript for submission.

Total Time to Complete a Novel: 9-12 Months

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How Agents Use Timetables to Sell Your Script or Novel

Agents work with a timetable to sell your work and manage expectations. If your project takes too long to complete, it can be seen as a red flag, especially in the fast-paced film and publishing industries. Here's how agents approach your timeline:

1. Speed Indicates Professionalism: Agents and publishers are accustomed to working with writers who can meet deadlines and deliver on time. Completing a project in a timely manner shows that you’re a professional who can handle the pressures of the industry.

2. Market Trends Are Time-Sensitive: For screenwriters, scripts must align with current market trends. If you take too long to finish, the trend may pass, leaving your script less relevant. Agents want material they can pitch while it’s still timely and desirable.

3. Publishing Windows Matter: For novelists, publishers often have specific windows for releasing certain types of books. If you miss a deadline, your manuscript might not align with their publishing calendar, potentially delaying your book’s release by months or even years.

4. Industry Competition: Agents juggle multiple clients and need to ensure they have fresh material to pitch. If your writing process drags on, you risk losing priority in their roster, as agents will naturally focus on the clients who are producing faster and meeting deadlines.

The Pressure to Write Faster

There is an undeniable pressure in both Hollywood and the publishing world to write faster. The industry thrives on fresh content, and deadlines are often tight. Here’s why speed matters:

- Studio Timelines: For screenwriters, studios work on fast-paced schedules. From pre-production to release dates, they need scripts completed quickly to keep projects moving. If you're too slow, the project may get passed to another writer.

- Market Demands: Publishers also need to respond to market demands. With so many writers competing for attention, producing work quickly can give you an edge, as publishers are more likely to take on authors who can meet their deadlines.

- Career Momentum: The more projects you complete, the more you build momentum in your career. Agents and producers want to work with writers who consistently deliver.

Balancing Speed with Quality

While there’s pressure to write fast, it’s important not to sacrifice quality. Here’s how you can find the balance:

- Set Realistic Deadlines: Break your project into manageable phases and set clear deadlines for each one. Stick to these deadlines to stay on track.

- Daily Writing Goals: Establish daily writing goals that fit within your schedule. Even if you can only write for an hour a day, consistency will help you finish faster.

- Avoid Perfectionism: Don’t get stuck trying to make every sentence perfect in your first draft. Focus on getting the story down first, and then refine it during the revision process.

- Know When to Move On: At some point, you have to let go of the project and submit it. Over-polishing can lead to delays and missed opportunities.

In today's competitive writing landscape, speed matters. Whether you're working on a screenplay or a novel, sticking to a realistic timeline is crucial for staying relevant in the industry. Agents, producers, and publishers expect writers to deliver on time, and those who can produce high-quality work quickly have a significant advantage.

However, speed shouldn't come at the expense of quality. The key is to find a balance that allows you to meet deadlines while still producing work you're proud of. By breaking your project into phases, setting clear goals, and staying consistent, you can ensure that you're writing fast enough to meet industry expectations—and ultimately, see your work come to life on the screen or the page.

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