Typing is one of the biggest factors in content writing that controls how much you can earn in a single day. As is probably known already on this forum, my speed is low, about 20-25 wpm. That is while looking at the keys, something that I feel is hindering my progress. Anyway, my humble speed aside, how fast do you type? Are there any techniques you employ to type faster? It will be assumed that the speed you list is without looking at the keys ( I'm sure pretty much everyone here but me types without looking). Don't know your typing speed? No problem! You can find it here.
I actually type more than 100wpm, but your typing speed has very little to do with you ability to write content quickly (unless your idea of "writing" is just rewriting and making minor edits to existing work). Typing speeds are typing alone -- looking at existing text and typing almost brainlessly. Writing on the other hand involves thinking, creating, and planning all in addition to the actual typing.
I am right around 42 WPM. Which is what I do believe is average. I do agree with jhmattern typing speed has very little to do with content writing. You have to take into consideration that you have to research a little, and then write while making it interesting. So you're spending time time thinking and planning out the article.
I type around 85wpm. The only time it makes a difference is when I'm writing a basic content article within my niche (for which I have tons of knowledge and don't need to do any extra research). Then, I can write a 500-word article in about 5-10 minutes if I don't get distracted, which I usually do.
Surprised to see people here writing at more than 100 wpm at their top speeds. For me, its always been in the range 40-50 wpm. Remember, effective word speed is no doubt better, but its the power of the mind that counts more. Research takes about 80% of my total time to write an article, unless I am writing a post like this... And yes, the clock tells me that I have taken about a minute in writing this post !
I don't think anybody "writes" at more than 100wpm. Like I mentioned before writing is very different than typing.
I have no idea what my typing rate is. I know it's fast, and I also know it's not fast enough to keep up with my brain sometimes. I don't do rewrites for many reasons, but even rewriting my own material is a waste of time for me. I can type an entirely new article in the same area from a different angle or concept in less time that it takes me to go back into an article and "make" it new.
I touch type at around 90 wpm. I tend to mull an article or short story (or chapter) over, then type like a train until its finished. Christine
@jhmattern: I see your point. When you factor in all the researching and organizational thought that goes into an article, the typing speed might not be the most time consuming. However, if you already have an understanding of your topic, or once you get all your research done, typing starts to take on a bigger role. To me, if it takes you 40 min. to put it down an paper (OK, on computer screen) compared to 15 min., that's a fair chunk of time. For me, the typing is the main gating item when it comes to how long it takes me to write and article. This is when I write about thing I already know, of course. Anyway, from the poll results, it looks like I am the slowest typist to vote so far. Your 100 WPM is a huge inspiration for me to keep trying. @internetauthor: If you want to find you speed (or at least one site's interpretation of it) you can check my first post. There is a link in it to a site where you can take a quick typing test.
WPM is only a factor if you are writing for really low rates. I type s-l-o-w-l-y...30-35 WPM. That does not hinder my ability to make a comfortable living because I don't treat my writing business like a factory assembly line. We aren't talking about assembling widgets--we're talking about creating intellectual property.