2 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Writing deadlines are something which most writers have to contend with to one extent or another. The type of deadline and their frequency will vary dependant upon the discipline of writing in which the writer is involved but adhering to said deadlines wherever possible is extremely important for the writer in both the short and long term.

Let us consider in the first instance the novelist. The established novelist may well have a contract with a publisher for a number of books to be produced over a period of a number of years. They may also have included in the contract specific deadlines by which each book has to be presented in its finished capacity. It is important that the writer make these deadlines so as not to sour relations which his publisher as the publisher will have the book included in his own schedule and could face considerable inconvenience and additional expense in the event of any delay.

Article writers and journalists are probably the types of writers who most often have to write to deadlines. These deadlines can come in many shapes and forms. The article could be for a newspaper or magazine which has a specific publication date. If the writer does not submit his article by this date, it will not be published, he will not be paid, and he may be precluding the possibility of ever working for the publication in question ever again. The article could be for a website which has a closing date for submitting articles to such as a competition, as is the case here on Helium. If we don't post our articles by the closing date of the competition, they are not considered and we do not stand the chance of winning a prize. Money - possibly significant money - is lost in both instances.

Short story writers or poets may have had a story or poem accepted to be included in a compendium of works by different writers, either in conventional publishing terms or online. They will have a date by which the finished piece has to be submitted for inclusion and if this date is not met, again they will not be paid or published.

There is a distinct pattern beginning to emerge here in that if the writer is not attentive to writing deadlines and extremely adept at complying with them, the promised payment is not going to materialise in the short term, and in the long term, the writer's reputation is going to be tarnished, possibly - if not in fact probably - making it even more difficult to find sought after commissions.

In order to ensure, therefore, that deadlines are complied with, the writer has to do two things. He has to consider how feasible the timescale is in relation to the work required prior to accepting the commission and he has to ensure that he does not over extend himself by agreeing to too much work to tight deadlines simultaneously. By practising these essentially time management techniques, the writer can maximise his chances of making all writing deadlines and earning a reputation for doing so.

Learn more about this author, Gordon Hamilton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The importance of meeting writing deadlines?
We want to hear your view. Write now!