WRITE IT DOWN

By Susan Reichert,   Editor-in-Chief, Southern Writers Magazine   

If you are writing a book, you probably thought about what kind of results you want for your book when it is finished and published.  No?  Well, it is a good idea to decide that in the beginning.

Even a vague idea, should be written down and dated. In the days ahead writing and editing your book, this will evolve into more details and plans.  By writing down what you want gives you something to work with and work on through the process.

As you go through the days ahead in writing, it is a good idea to pull out this piece of paper, periodically, and see if you need to adjust your thinking.

The next step write down the action steps you feel are important to bring about your desired result.  Remember, this too will be changing through your journey.

By now, you should have discovered you have more control over your book than you at first thought.

You are the one who is in the leadership position here. No one else. You need to develop the plan to carry out your goals for your book.

What does success mean to you concerning this book? Write it down.

Using this process, you are more focused in bringing about not just the writing of the book but the success of the book.

Remember, it is easier to achieve a goal when it is broken down into short-term actions that can be done on a consistent basis.         

Now, the plan is drawn, if you did the steps above. Commit to a schedule to work your plan.  I know you are a writer, but this is part of being a writer. We have to market our books.

As you complete each item, date and check them off the lists. Revise the list. Keep it current. Do this every week. Track your goals. Track your progress. Keep these things in a file.

This is detailed information that will help you when you begin your next book. You will see what works and what needs to be changed.