How to Avoid Missing Freelance Writing Deadlines
Time Management Strategies for Online and Print Writers
Sep 15, 2009
A reputation for quality work and dependability is important for any writer wanting to receive ongoing freelance writing assignments. Whether writing for online or print media, writers should organise their time to make sure that projects are always completed on time.
Organise a Productive Working Environment
Many freelance writers work from home. While this is convenient in many ways, it can also be difficult to prevent home and personal commitments from disrupting work routines.
As with any work from home employment, freelance writers should set up a work area where they can work effectively. This would most likely include computer, phone and internet access and any necessary printed reference materials.
A filing system to keep project records and general stationary organised will make it easier to maintain a tidy and efficient work area. Make organising a home office filing system a priority to ensure that research and reference materials can be found quickly when needed.
Set up a Writing Routine
The amount of time writers need to allocate to writing and research will depend on the types of writing projects they plan to undertake. Personal or experience-based pieces will generally require less research than technical or business writing projects. Articles requiring interviews will necessarily need to have time allocated during normal business hours when interview subjects are available while other projects could be completed in the evenings if this is more suitable.
Allocating time each day for writing or article research will ultimately help writers establish a regular writing routine and increase quality and productivity. If there are no projects requiring immediate attention, this time can be used for general research or drafting articles that could be used in the future.
A work diary, either printed, computerised or electronic, is important for keeping track of article deadlines, appointments for interviews and research opportunities. Aim to complete articles ahead of schedule to allow for unforeseen complications and include advance reminders, such as “airline magazine article due in one week”, to ensure that approaching project deadlines are not forgotten.
Always Plan Ahead
Completing articles ahead of deadlines if possible allows time for careful revision and proof-reading. It also minimises the risk of unexpected delays forcing writers to request extensions to their writing deadlines.
Whether writing an individual article or contracting to submit regular articles over a period of time, scheduling research and writing time for each project allows freelance writers to keep track of various commitments and ensure that they do not become overcommitted.
While it is tempting to take on board all writing assignments that become available, failure to plan can lead to a writing workload that makes it impossible to produce copy on time. Freelance writers should carefully consider how much time they have available before taking on additional writing commitments.
What to do if it is Impossible to Keep a Deadline
If unavoidable circumstances mean that a deadline will be missed, it is important for writers to contact the appropriate editor or supervisor as soon as they are aware that they will not be able to complete their article on time. Advance warning allows the editor to allocate the project to another writer if necessary or to simply reschedule publishing the article.
Depending on the circumstances, some editors may allow occasional late submission of contracted work. Others will be less forgiving. Most editors will see frequent or repeated failure to produce work on time as evidence of unreliability and future writing assignments from that source are unlikely to be forthcoming.
Always Maintain a Reputation for Reliability
Editors are often subject to inflexible deadlines and they will offer repeat or regular writing assignments only to those writers that they know can be relied upon to produce articles on time. Anyone wanting to establish themselves as a freelance writer should make meeting deadline commitments one of their highest priorities if they wish to succeed in this competitive field.
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