Help to Make Those Writing Deadlines. Deadline. Deadlines.

by Larry J. Leech II @LarryJLeechII

For many, the bane of their existence. But when we make ’em, all is well in the world. We smile, dance, and take a deep breath. But … when we miss one or two or three, we run the risk of being reminded by our editor. Or get publicly admonished. 

We work in a deadline-driven industry. When we miss a deadline, we throw a monkey wrench into the process toward publication. 

For years two numbers have been repeated over and over in regard to the percentage of projects that miss a deadline. Some have said 90 percent, which certainly is not good. Others have said 99 percent. Yikes!

If you need help making deadlines, consider these three tools that will work for writing a blog, an article, or a manuscript.

Plan. Give yourself plenty of time. If you are new to publishing deadlines, make self-imposed deadlines for each phase of your project. For example, set deadlines for: research (internet, library, book, possibly interviews). writing the first draft, editing, rewrites, second round of edits, and maybe a professional edit. If you can, send it early. Editors love when requested material arrives before deadline.

Execute. Write your first draft without editing. I’ve seen many writers get stuck because they want to edit and edit and edit while they write. James Scott Bell, an award-winning author in the inspirational market, has said for years: “Write hot, edit cold.” Be realistic about how much time you need to write your first draft and subsequent drafts. For instance, an article about a topic you’re not familiar with will take longer to write than a topic you know like the back of your hand.

Communicate. If you will miss a deadline, let the editor know as soon as possible. We understand that life happens. Early communication will help give the editor the opportunity pivot to another story or give you a new deadline that won’t derail publication. 

I hope these tips help you land in the one to ten percent of writers who make deadline. If you have a tool that has helped you, feel free to include in the comments.

Happy writing and rewriting. And making your deadline.

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Help to Make Those Writing Deadlines. Deadlines. Deadlines. from @LarryJLeechII on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Usually with a hot beverage nearby, Larry J. Leech II spends his days working with words—as a writing coach of award-winning authors, as well as Acquisitions Editor and Master Book Coach for Illumify Media. More than forty years ago, Larry started his career as a sportswriter in southwestern Pennsylvania where he covered prep sports, college sports, and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. In 2004, after 2,300 published articles, Larry shifted to book publishing. Since that time, he has ghostwritten thirty books, edited more than 450 manuscripts, and coached hundreds of authors through the writing and publication process. For nearly two decades Larry has taught at numerous general market and inspirational conferences nationwide. When he has a minute, Larry likes to hang out on Facebook and Instagram. You can also find out more about him on his website: larryleech.com.