Introduction
Writing one novel is hard enough. Writing twenty? That sounds like a challenge only fit for literary gladiators or caffeine-fueled maniacs. But what if I told you it was entirely possible and, dare I say, easy? Okay, maybe “easy” isn’t the perfect word, but with the right approach, dedication, and a little strategic planning, you can churn out twenty novels without losing your mind.
The secret? Efficiency, consistency, and a no-nonsense strategy that keeps you writing, revising, and publishing without getting stuck in the dreaded writer’s block. If you’ve ever dreamed of being as prolific as Stephen King or Nora Roberts but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you. Buckle up, grab your notebook (or open your favorite writing app), and let’s get to work.
Step 1: Commit to a Writing Schedule and Word Count Goals
The difference between an aspiring writer and a published author is consistency. If you’re serious about writing twenty novels, you need to establish a routine.
- Set a daily word count goal – A manageable target is 1,000–2,000 words a day. Even at 1,000 words per day, you’d have a full-length novel (around 80,000 words) in about 80 days. That means you could write four books a year—five if you really push yourself.
- Stick to a writing schedule – Pick a time that works for you and treat it like a job. Early mornings? Late nights? Lunch breaks? Whatever works, just stay consistent.
- Avoid perfectionism – The first draft is about getting words on the page. Don’t overthink it; you’ll have plenty of time for revisions.
If you write 1,500 words a day, you’ll hit 500,000 words in a year. That’s five full-length novels. Multiply that by four years, and you’re at twenty novels!
Step 2: Plan Your Books Before You Write
Some writers are pantsers (those who write without a plan), while others are plotters (those who outline everything). If you want to write twenty novels, becoming at least a semi-plotter will help.
- Use a simple outlining method – Try the Three-Act Structure, Save the Cat beat sheet, or even a bullet-point summary of major plot events.
- Think in series – Writing connected books, whether through a series or shared themes, will make it easier to plan ahead and keep the momentum going.
- Keep a notebook or digital file for ideas – You’ll need a bank of story concepts to keep your pipeline full.
Knowing what you’re going to write before you sit down will prevent the dreaded “staring at a blank page” syndrome.
Step 3: Master the Art of Fast Drafting
Speed is your friend when it comes to writing multiple novels. Fast drafting is the process of getting your first draft down as quickly as possible.
- Turn off your inner editor – Don’t stop to revise or reread. Just keep moving forward.
- Use a timer – Set a 25-minute timer (like the Pomodoro technique) and race against the clock.
- Write in sprints – Challenge yourself to see how much you can write in a short burst.
Your first drafts will be messy, but that’s okay! Revisions come later. The goal is to finish each book before you start editing.
Step 4: Create a Revision and Editing System
A messy draft isn’t a bad thing as long as you have a plan for fixing it. Instead of endlessly tweaking a single novel, create a structured approach to revisions.
- Step 1: Take a break – Let your draft sit for a few weeks before coming back with fresh eyes.
- Step 2: Read through and take notes – Identify plot holes, weak characters, and pacing issues.
- Step 3: Do a big-picture revision – Fix structural problems before worrying about grammar.
- Step 4: Line edit and proofread – Once the story is solid, polish the language.
By systematizing your editing process, you can move through revisions faster and start your next book sooner.
Step 5: Write in Multiple Genres or Styles
If you’re aiming for twenty novels, don’t be afraid to experiment. Writing in different genres keeps things fresh and expands your readership.
- Rotate between genres – Try writing a mystery, then a romance, then a fantasy novel.
- Use pseudonyms if needed – If your brand is genre-specific, you can publish under different names.
- Explore different formats – Novellas, short story collections, and serialized fiction all count as books!
Switching things up can help prevent burnout and keep your creative muscles sharp.
Step 6: Learn to Love Deadlines
Deadlines aren’t your enemy they’re the key to finishing projects. Whether self-imposed or publisher-driven, they keep you accountable.
- Set firm deadlines for each book – Mark completion dates on your calendar.
- Use external accountability – Announce your book’s release date or join a writing group.
- Break big tasks into smaller ones – Set deadlines for outlines, drafts, and revisions.
Treat your writing like a professional commitment, and you’ll see results.
Step 7: Streamline Publishing and Marketing
Writing twenty novels is great, but they need to reach readers. Whether you self-publish or go the traditional route, having a plan is essential.
- For self-publishing:
- Learn Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and other platforms.
- Create professional book covers (or hire someone).
- Optimize metadata for discoverability.
- For traditional publishing:
- Query agents while writing your next book.
- Network with editors and authors.
- Submit manuscripts strategically.
A repeatable system for publishing means you can focus on writing the next book instead of reinventing the wheel each time.
Step 8: Repurpose and Expand Your Stories
Once you have multiple books under your belt, repurpose content to reach new audiences.
- Expand short stories into full novels
- Turn blog posts into writing guides
- Adapt books into scripts or audiobooks
- Bundle books into box sets
This maximizes your efforts and increases income potential.
Step 9: Build a Writing Community
Writing can be lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with fellow writers who keep you motivated.
- Join online writing groups
- Attend workshops and conferences
- Find critique partners or beta readers
Encouragement and feedback can keep you moving forward, even when motivation dips.
Step 10: Stay Inspired and Avoid Burnout
Writing twenty novels is a marathon, not a sprint. The key is to keep your passion alive.
- Take breaks when needed – Rest is productive, too.
- Read widely – Other books fuel creativity.
- Celebrate small wins – Every finished draft is a victory.
If writing starts to feel like a chore, shake things up. Try a new genre, switch locations, or dictate instead of typing.
Conclusion
Writing twenty novels might sound like an impossible feat, but with the right mindset and a structured approach, it’s entirely achievable. By setting goals, writing consistently, embracing fast drafting, and streamlining the revision and publishing process, you can build an impressive body of work.
The key is to keep moving forward. One book at a time. One page at a time. And before you know it, you’ll have twenty novels under your belt and maybe even more.
So, what are you waiting for? Start writing today!
