One of the most common questions we get here at Beal Press is about how to increase writing speed. Just how do those guys who crank out a book in 2 weeks do it? In this post I will tell you some of what has worked for the authors at Beal Press. Not every technique will work for everyone, but just maybe we’ll be able to help you get closer to your goal of being a published author.

First, writing doesn’t begin when you sit down at the keyboard. Most writers spend days on end, possibly months, or even years working a story out in their heads, visualizing the whole thing before ever putting words down on the page. You have to plan what you are going to write. I have never met a person who can just sit down and pound out a great story.

Now, once you have a plan for your story it’s time to sit down and get to work. You want this time to be as productive as possible. So the first thing you want to do is make your writing area as distraction free as possible. For some this means disconnecting the phone, turning off the internet, silencing the cell phone…whatever works for you. If you want to increase your writing speed you need to be able to concentrate strictly on writing.

Lastly, there is something to be said for that old saying of “practice makes perfect.” You won’t get there without practice. The more you practice the faster you will get. And what better way to practice than by working on your latest novel, screenplay, short story, blog post, or whatever work-in-progress you are in the middle of.

Now go out there and get to writing!