How to Meet Your Deadlines: Nine Tips for Writers Everywhere

Writing involves being creative and articulate, but it also calls
for some advance planning to ensure you meet your deadlines. The
following tips should help you submit your work on time:Tip #1: Set a
schedule for yourself, working back from the deadline. Be aware of any
production time that's involved and be sure it has been scheduled. For
example, if you've been given a December 1 deadline, be sure that
production (proofing, printing, and uploading) is planned to occur
after that date.Tip #2: If you are relying on other sources for
material, give them plenty of time to provide it, and be sure to give
them a deadline. Stay in touch with them as the deadline approaches,
and use a helpful tone rather than an anxious one. For example, say
"How are you doing on that data analysis? Anything I can do to help?"
rather than "I'm really worried about getting this done. When can I
see the material?"Tip #3: Be well aware of the length of your piece-a
500 word article for an online journal, vs. a 5000 word piece for a
magazine, for example, and build in the time you need. Allow time to
set the work aside, if possible, so that you can read it over with a
fresh eye.Tip #4: What if your deadline is very tight, from the
beginning? This can be stressful, of course. Some things that may
help: set aside time during the day and forbid all interruptions, if
possible. Stay at home to complete the article, if you can. If you
work at home, send the kids out with a friend or sitter.Tip #5: This
one may sound obvious, but is important to emphasize: save your work
early and often! Open and name your file at the very beginning, and
save it regularly. Spare yourself the anguish, and extra time, of lost
work.Tip #6: Read over your editor's instructions (or those of your
supervisor, or other client) and make sure you understand them. It's
usually a good idea to review the instructions with the person who
gave them to you, because it's not unusual for people to be unclear
about what they want, or to think of additional items they really want
included in the writing. The clearer you are about content, the easier
it will be to meet your deadlines.Tip #7: Some people can't stand
outlines, others can't do without them. Even a rough outline will help
you think through what work is involved in getting the writing done-is
research involved, do you need to interview a vice president who is
notoriously hard to get hold of, will you have to travel? This kind of
planning is essential in getting the job done on time.Tip #8: If,
despite all your best efforts, you think it may not be possible to
meet your deadline, let your editor know as soon as possible. Sound
confident, convey your belief that you can certainly get it done close
to deadline, and make it clear that you are organized, but have run
into specific obstacles. People don't like unpleasant surprises, and a
heads up can keep the situation calm.Tip #9: Stay cool. The deadline
is looming, the page is blank, your editor is pounding on the
door-what are you to do? Stop, take a deep breath. Get up from your
chair and walk around. Remind yourself of other tough patches you've
been in, when you were able to produce a well-written article on time.
Have a cup of something hot to drink. Touch base with a co-worker who
may be able to help you figure out how to finish the work.Copyright
(c) 2010 Jane Sherwin. You may reprint this entire article and you
must include the copyright info and the following statement: "Jane
Sherwin is a writer who helps hospitals and other healthcare
facilities communicate their strengths and connect with their
readers."