by Jennifer Brown Banks
Time Management for Writers
Time management for writers is most important for those of all levels and genres.
Some scribes rise in the wee hours of the morning; others write during lunch breaks at work; and some even stay up burning the midnight oil, to fit everything in and make progress with their projects.
While these activities may slightly enhance their productivity, it’s certainly not the most effective way to “work smarter, not harder.”
If your goal is to make more progress and more profits, (with less struggle) here are some timely tips to make it happen.
Achieving the Right Balance
1. Take Inventory
Do you write everyday?
Are you being published on the regular?
Do you have projects and clients you enjoy?
Where do you stand in relation to your goals?
It’s important to assess and address.
In order to achieve more of my writing goals this year, for example, last year I dropped a few projects that were not “paying” off monetarily or in quality exposure.
You should too.
Whether it’s the newsletter you write for your church, or the guest posts that you provide for your friends’ blogs.
Ongoing activities that fail to move you forward in your career goals or make you money, could be doing more harm than good. Choose wisely.
2. Limit Your “Free” Work
Many experts contend that writers should never write for free.
Not true.
But, it’s important to be strategic in order to “profit.”
For example, some years ago, I penned a guest post for the hugely popular blog, “PRO BLOGGER.”
My goal was to attract new business.
It worked.
Within 72 hours, I was pitched by three potential clients.
I subsequently signed with one; without any pitching or proposal.
It’s okay to sometimes write for free; just make sure that free projects are minimal and that they don’t outweigh your paying projects.
Remember, “Time is money.”
3. Publish Quality Reprints
Submitting to reprint markets is a great way to get more “bang for your buck” and better manage your time and resources.
Author Kelly James-Enger shares that she has “made thousands” by using this approach.
Here are some details for you to do the same: http://www.writing-world.com/business/enger.shtml
Another important strategy here to consider, in closing, is to minimize clients and collaborative projects that are “time consuming” due to unnecessary stress, incompatible work ethics, and creative differences that can‘t be resolved with reasonable effort.
Besides wasting time, they can be real energy sappers!
The Bottom Line for Your Bottom Line…
By following these timely tips, you’ll enjoy a year with more free time to enjoy the perks of “free” lancing, have greater balance, and make more money, too.
Here’s to your success!
About Jennifer Brown Banks
Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, author, ghost writer and an award-winning blogger.
Learn more about her E-book series and her Blog at Pen and Prosper.
Thanks, Jennifer, for your timely article. I feel I have wasted months, if not years, not accomplishing what I need to in writing. My focus this year has been to make better use of my time. I appreciate the hints on how to establish priorities. I will check out your blog as well.