A good daily word count is generally 1,000 words, especially after you have a solid story plan.
Understanding Daily Word Counts
Setting a daily writing goal is a common practice for writers to ensure steady progress on their projects. However, the ideal daily word count can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type of writing, personal preferences, and available time.
Factors Influencing Daily Word Counts:
- Writing Experience: New writers might find it challenging to reach 1,000 words per day, while experienced writers may comfortably exceed this.
- Project Type: A novel may require a consistent daily output, while blog posts or short articles may have more flexible schedules.
- Individual Pace: Some writers work best in short bursts, while others prefer longer writing sessions.
- Personal Commitments: Daily word goals should accommodate other responsibilities, like family, work, and other obligations.
Recommended Word Counts
While aiming for a specific word count is helpful, it is also important to be realistic. Here’s a breakdown of a reasonable daily word count:
| Daily Word Count | Notes |
|---|---|
| 500 words | A comfortable pace for beginners. As suggested, 500 words a day helped British novelist Graham Greene finish a novel every 9 months. |
| 1,000 words | A good standard for regular writers, allowing steady progression. |
| 1,500+ words | Suitable for experienced writers or those under a tight deadline. |
Tips for Reaching Your Daily Word Count:
- Plan: Before writing, have a clear idea of what you will write about.
- Schedule: Set a specific time each day for writing, making it a routine.
- Focus: Minimize distractions while writing to maintain your flow.
- Don't Edit: Don't worry about errors while writing. Just keep going. Editing can be done later.
- Be Consistent: Stick to your daily writing schedule as much as possible.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the good daily word count is one that is achievable for you and allows you to make consistent progress toward your writing goals. Don't expect to reach astronomical daily word counts. As referenced, aim for 1,000 words a day after you have planned your story.
