Tips for Meeting Your Writing Deadlines

As a writer, meeting deadlines is vital. Deadlines not only push writers to complete a writing project but also helps them to complete it quickly and effectively. A lot of writers find deadlines to be overwhelming. However, many writers prefer a deadline as it gives them an extra push. If you are a professional writer, you are no stranger to deadlines as you are likely to encounter deadlines for every project you work on. 

The struggle to meet your writing deadlines is real. However, there are some things you can do to ensure you meet your deadlines on time. 

#1. Set a writing schedule

One of the most effective ways to meet your writing deadline is to have a consistent writing schedule. Establishing a writing schedule will help you be on track to finish your writing draft.

• Find a time that works best for you
• Set a daily word count
• Create a dedicated writing space
• Create your writing calendar
• Stick to it

#2. Goodbye procrastination

A lot of writers deal with procrastination daily. However, it is important to know that procrastination is a form of self-sabotage. Many writers fall into the trap of procrastination as it provides short-term relief. Procrastination is harmful to your work and can make it difficult for you to meet your deadlines. To successfully finish your project on time, you need to overcome procrastination. 

• Know why you are procrastinating: Maybe you are demotivated and have a fear of failure. Accepting and knowing the reason behind your procrastination can help you avoid it.

• Use rewards as incentives: It becomes easier to focus on your writing if you know you have a reward to look forward to. This technique will motivate you to work towards your goal and accomplishing your task will make you feel more productive. 

• Create a productive environment: If you want to stop delaying your writing project, finding a space that allows you to finish your work on time can be helpful. 

 

#3. Do not accept unrealistic deadlines

One of the most important things to keep in mind while trying to meet a deadline is to never overcommit. You need to be realistic while accepting deadlines. It may be hard to admit it, but sometimes, you cannot meet a deadline despite all the hard work you put in. To meet your deadlines on time, you need to know your limits and be honest with yourself. 

• Know when to say no
• Prioritise your writing tasks
• Look at your writing schedule and see how many hours do you have available to devote to this deadline. If you do not have the time, do not accept the deadline
• Do not be so hard on yourself for letting any impossible deadlines go

#4. Eliminate distractions

Sometimes it becomes difficult to get work done on time as you have distractions around you. Catching up with your deadlines requires discipline. Even the smallest distractions can hinder the quality of your work and can often lead to missed deadlines. 

• Turn off your phone while working 
• De-clutter your working space
• Take breaks when necessary
• Think of which task you want to focus on first
• Set a time and don’t stop working till the timer goes off

#5. Avoid multitasking 

Who does not want to get multiple things done all at once? But multitasking, especially for writers could be a bad idea. Writing is a process that demands your full attention. Taking up other work while finishing your draft will hurt the quality of your work and will make it harder for you to meet deadlines. 

So, rather than trying to do everything at once, take up one project at a time. Finish that project and move to the next one. This is a more practical approach and will help you save a lot of time by keeping you on track with all of your deadlines. 

If you are still finding it difficult to meet your writing deadlines, why not take up an online writing course? Check out our exclusive writing classes online by the legendary Ruskin Bond. In this unluclass, you will learn valuable lessons required to jumpstart your career in writing. Join this online course and unlock your true potential. Check out our website for more information!