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There are several reasons why it is important to meet writing deadlines.

First and foremost, not meeting your deadline may be detrimental to the publication process. In the case of print journalism, some editors build flexibility into their publication schedule to accommodate late submissions. However, many editors don't have the luxury to do so, particularly if they manage daily or weekly publications. A late writing project slows down the editing process, which can impact layout and printing. In the worst case scenario, the editor may have to substitute someone else's story in the slot initially targeted for your piece.

If you miss a corporate writing deadline, your negligence can reflect poorly on your boss, your team, or your client. Many times a written piece needs to be reviewed by several people in a company, particularly press releases and speeches. When people have to scramble because you were late, any fallout that results from the late piece can ultimately be placed on you.

The second reason for meeting your writing deadlines is to build credibility with an editor and/or writing manager. Editors want good material, but they also want material on time. If an editor knows you can turn a story around on or before the requested deadline, chances are you will be top of mind when he or she is in a pinch for material. You want to be the person the editor thinks of first. No writer wants the reputation, "Creative, but can't get the job done".

In the corporate world, meeting deadlines is expected to build credibility with your boss and with the rest of the company. Not meeting deadlines tends to raise eyebrows.

Finally, meeting writing deadlines builds credibility for the writing profession as a whole. Writers aren't a bunch of starving artists with their heads in the clouds or noses in the sand. We want to be perceived as professionals who know how to meet deadlines.

If you're having problems meeting your writing deadlines, consider the following tips:

1. Working backwards from the deadline, figure out how many hours are required to complete the work. Include time needed to interview sources, fact check, write drafts, and proof your work.

2. Avoid loading your schedule the week your writing project is due. I like to keep two to three days open prior to the deadline, depending on the level of effort required.

3. Plan to do something fun after you've met the deadline.

With time, writers can plan for success when it comes to meeting their deadlines. Focus on the task at hand and your ultimate goals for writing the piece, and meeting your deadlines will soon become the norm, not the exception.

Learn more about this author, Kristen M. Anderson.
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