There is one good thing about a deadline: if you use it right, it will enable you to plan your writing and get your copy in on time. The question, of course, is how to use a deadline properly? Here are 8 tips to meet your deadlines on time and without the anguish that sometimes goes along with the process.

Tip #1: Be aware of your deadline in the same way that you are aware of a party you really want to attend, or a vacation that you really are looking forward to. This is not to say, “be happy about your deadline” but rather, make it an important part of your awareness. Once you have put the deadline in your calendar, it can be easy to ignore it.

Tip #2: Evaluate the amount of time your writing assignment will take. Get in the habit of doing this for even the smallest articles. How much research is involved? How many interviews? Will there be travel, or can you do the interviews by phone? Allow room for delays as well, such as cancelled meetings, new information that leads you in new directions, and any other surprises, such as a senior manager who needs to give approval.

Tip #3: Once you have evaluated the time involved, work backward from the deadline to make a schedule. Choose some dates as flags: the date by which you intend to have all your research in place; the date for a first draft. If, for some reason, your editor needs hard copy, build the time for mailing into your schedule.

Tip #4: Are there photographs intended for the article? When do you expect them to arrive? And, just as important, how will they shape your writing? Will there be content in the images that may influence your writing?

Tip #5: When setting up your schedule, be realistic about how you work. How many drafts do you usually write? Do you write quickly? Are you more comfortable working at the last minute? Avoid telling yourself that “this time” you are going to work at a steady pace, if this is just not your way.

Tip #6: While working, keep a running list of tasks. This will become invaluable once you are well into the project. I like to work with a simple piece of lined paper, numbering the bits and pieces that have to be taken care of: “check footnote for section 4 source” or “confirm Baker quote” or “get correct spelling for institute director.” The reassurance that comes from documenting what you need to do-and from crossing off items one by one-can be astonishing.

Tip #7: If you are dealing with more than one deadline at a time, a white board can be very useful. Set it up near your desk, and write each project name and deadline. Each time you look up, you can see an overview of what is due and when.

Tip #8: And as I always recommend, stop from time to time, take deep breaths, a short walk outside if it’s not freezing. If you are stuck, touch base with a colleague-never hesitate to ask for help!

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.”

Author Bio: Learn more about Jane at http://worddrivecommunications.com/index.htm. Subscribe to Jane’s free monthly e-newsletter at http://tinyurl.com/2enrdqx for practical tips on communicating effectively with customers, clients, employees and the public.

Category: Writing
Keywords: meeting deadlines,deadlines,article deadlines