Coaching: Setting Deadlines
It
takes time to write a book, and it can't be in 10-15 minute
snippets. You need blocks of time, set aside for working on
your book, so you can concentrate and "get in the zone."
For many writers, nothing works like a deadline; but, since
a book has many parts, it is wiser to set mini-deadlines than
just one drop-dead date at the end. The key is to work backwards
from the nonnegotiable, real deadline from the publisher (even
if you are the publisher). Ask yourself:
- What is the delivery date?
- What is today's date?
- How much time do you have in between?
- What do you have to do in that time period?
- What are the tasks with realistic deadlines?
In other words, you should have deadlines for each section of the book, for the first draft, for revisions, for the final draft, for copy-editing, proofreading, sign-off, and delivery to the publisher. If schedules and deadlines aren't your strong suits, Bobbi Linkemer can help.
