Introduction
Writing faster doesn’t mean cutting corners; it means removing friction.
Many writers struggle to balance speed and quality, believing they must choose between the two.
The truth is, professional writers learn systems that allow both to grow together.
Why Writing Slowly Is Often a Systems Problem (Not a Talent Issue)
Most writers blame their pace on a lack of discipline, inspiration, or ability. In reality, slow writing is usually caused by inefficient processes, not weak skills.
Common speed blockers include:
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Editing while drafting
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Unclear structure
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Fear of writing badly
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Lack of preparation
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Overthinking every sentence
Professional writers don’t wait for perfection. They build workflows that separate creation from correction.
Speed improves when your brain is allowed to focus on one task at a time.
The Biggest Myth: Fast Writing Equals Poor Writing
This belief comes from school-based writing models where:
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Drafting, editing, and polishing happen simultaneously.
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Grades reward flawlessness over flow.
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Mistakes feel permanent
In professional publishing, writing fast means getting raw material down efficiently, knowing it will be refined later.
Quality comes from revision, not hesitation.
Step 1: Write With a Clear Destination, Not a Blank Page
Writers slow down when they don’t know where they’re going.
Before you start a session, clarify:
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Could you tell me what this chapter/section is trying to do?
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What question is it answering for the reader?
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Where does it end emotionally or logically?
Even a loose outline dramatically increases speed.
If you’re working on long form projects, planning techniques like structured outlining can remove decision fatigue entirely. This is especially useful when balancing productivity with creative depth.
Step 2: Separate Drafting From Editing (Non-Negotiable)
One of the fastest ways to double your writing speed is to stop editing mid-draft.
Drafting mode is about:
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Momentum
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Exploration
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Imperfect language
Editing mode is about:
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Precision
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Clarity
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Refinement
When you mix them, your brain constantly shifts gears, and that’s exhausting.
Professional editors consistently note that strong drafts are rarely perfect, but they are complete. For a deeper understanding of how revision strengthens writing after drafting, see Editing in Book Writing: A Complete Guide.
Step 3: Lower the Bar for the First Draft (On Purpose)
Fast writers don’t aim for brilliance on the first pass.
They aim for:
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“Good enough to fix later.”
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Emotional truth over elegance
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Completion over polish
Your first draft’s job is not to impress; it’s to exist.
Once the material is on the page, improving it becomes far easier and faster than trying to create perfection from nothing.
Step 4: Use Time Bound Writing Sessions
Unlimited time creates procrastination.
Try:
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25–45 minute focused writing sprints
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No backtracking during the session
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Clear word or section goals
Speed comes from constraint, not freedom.
Many Australian authors working on professional deadlines rely on these techniques to meet publishing expectations without burnout.
Step 5: Reduce Cognitive Load Before You Write
Decision fatigue slows writing more than a lack of ideas.
Prepare in advance:
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Keep notes visible
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Outline sections before sessions
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Decide POV, tense, and tone early.
The fewer choices you make while writing, the faster words appear.
This is especially important for authors preparing manuscripts for submission, where consistency and clarity matter. Understanding evaluation standards can guide smarter drafting. See How Australian Literary Agents Evaluate Manuscripts.
Step 6: Write the Easy Parts First
You don’t have to write in order.
Fast writers:
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Skip difficult sections temporarily.
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Draft scenes that feel energetic for
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Return later with momentum.
Progress fuels confidence, and confidence fuels speed.
Non-linear drafting keeps you moving instead of being stuck.
Step 7: Train Your Brain for Flow, Not Fear
Fear is the silent speed killer.
Fear of:
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Being judged
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Writing something “wrong.”
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Wasting time
Flow happens when writing feels safe.
Create that safety by:
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Writing privately
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Disabling spellcheck
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Reminding yourself that no one sees drafts.
Speed increases when fear decreases.
Step 8: Improve Your Input to Improve Your Output
What you read affects how you write.
Writers who read regularly:
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Write faster
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Edit more efficiently
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Trust their instincts
Exposure to strong writing trains your internal editor so you don’t need it hovering during drafting.
Step 9: Know When Speed Actually Matters
Not every stage requires speed.
Write fast when:
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Drafting
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Brainstorming
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Exploring ideas
Slow down when:
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Editing
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Structuring
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Final polishing
High quality writing is the result of fast creation + slow refinement.
Step 10: Align Speed With Your Publishing Goals
Writing faster matters most when you have:
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Submission deadlines
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Publishing timelines
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Multiple projects
Understanding the broader publishing process helps writers pace their work strategically. If you’re preparing a manuscript for review, the Manuscript Acceptance Guide for Australian Writers offers valuable insight into how readiness, not perfection, drives progress.
Common Mistakes That Kill Writing Speed
Avoid these traps:
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Rereading constantly
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Waiting for motivation
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Comparing drafts to published books
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Over-researching mid-draft
Speed thrives on trust in the process and yourself.
Writing Faster While Maintaining Quality: A Practical Checklist
Before each session:
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Clear goal defined
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Editing disabled
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Notes prepared
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Timer set
After each session:
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Do not revise immediately.
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Note what comes next.
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Stop mid-sentence if possible (momentum hack)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can writing faster really improve quality?
A. Yes. Speed reduces overthinking and preserves natural voice, which often improves clarity and authenticity.
Q2. How many words per day should I aim for?
A. There’s no universal number, but consistent daily output matters more than volume.
Q3. Is fast writing suitable for nonfiction?
A. Absolutely. Many nonfiction professionals draft quickly and refine structure during editing.
Q4. What if my fast drafts feel messy?
A. Messy drafts are normal and necessary. Editing is where quality emerges.
Q5. How long does it take to learn to write faster?
A. Most writers see improvement within weeks once they change habits and workflows.
Conclusion
Writing faster isn’t about rushing; it’s about removing resistance. When you separate drafting from editing, plan intelligently, and trust revision, speed and quality stop competing. They become partners. Master that balance, and writing becomes not only more productive but far more enjoyable.