How to build a 30-day chapter buffer

A buffer is the number of chapters that are finished before they are due. Start by choosing a pace readers can rely on, such as three chapters a week. Then write one extra chapter for each week until the ready count equals ten days of releases.

Count only edited chapters, not rough drafts. Protect the buffer: when it drops below a week, pause new plot threads and write. Track the number with the backlog calculator so you see the trend before it becomes a crisis.

Want the numbers? Use the backlog calculator.