How to Organize a Writer's Notebook

There's a lot involved in the world of freelance writing. Not only do freelance writers require excellent writing skills, it's also important to be organized. This isn't easy for some, so this how to is geared toward those who find keeping their freelance assignments organized a challenge.

The role of a writer's notebook is different for every writer, so the need to alter some items, add some items and omit some items may be necessary. This article is meant as a basic guideline to get freelance writers going (or writers of all kinds, for that matter).

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a one subject spiral bound notebook
• paper clips
• page flags
• post-it notes
• pocket report folder
• stapler or strong adhesive
• scissors (or paper cutter, if possible)
• ruler
• pen

1. If you're writing for regular columns, website, gigs or clients, decide which one you'd like this notebook to be for. Then, write the name of it on the front cover of the notebook.

2. Determine how many topics will be covered in the notebook (example: if you're a blogger, keep track of the categories you blog under in different sections of the notebook). Once you've figured this out, create a section for each throughout the notebook and use paper clips to separate each one.

3. If the section needs to be broken down into more sub-sections, utilize the page flags. For example, you may need to keep a list of interview contacts, interview questions, website references or books.

4. Trim a pocket folder to the size of a standard sheet of paper, then affix it to the inside back cover. This can be used for print-outs research, brochures and any other loose paper pertaining to the topic you've assigned to this notebook.

Tips & Warnings

• Use of a highligher to mark the headings of each section will allow for quicker reference.
• Larger (3-5 subject) notebooks are handy if you have multiple gigs, but would like to keep everything in one place.
• Be sure to save a section for ideas, stream of conscious writing and other notes.
• Don't be afraid to tear pages out.
• Don't feel like you need to keep this notebook pretty.
• Don't be tempted to buy a really expensive notebook for this project, the $.10 notebooks work just as well as the $5.99 notebooks.

Resources

• Organized Writer
• Absolute Write
• Funds For Writers

[jennhollowell]

on 10/21/2008 You're very welcome! I'm looking forward to hearing about how this method works for you once it is put into action. :-)

[jaheekin]

on 10/20/2008 Yes, I am sure now that this is the method for me and am about to go to the store to purchase the necessary materials. I am just making a list and checking it twice. Thanks again.

[jennhollowell]

on 10/19/2008 Thank you for responding, Jaheekin! You're right, this idea is very adaptable. I've been sharing my "writer's notebook" method for a few years now and, each time the writer finds a way to tweak it a bit to fit their personal needs.

[jaheekin]

on 10/18/2008 Excellent, although I think that I may need to adapt this. I really thought at first (as I freelance writer) in the VERY beginning this should be my computer. I am just not comfortable with that, and I love my computer. I really want to have a massive book that holds it all. And then that seems impractical. I just cannot decide what the right thing to use is. I think sometimes I could use a FranklinCovey notebook, as I am obsessed, but it just ain't it you know. I need to find the way to do this, and this very thorough article presents a great, great method. I wonder simply if it can work for me. I am trying desperately to create my personalized system and it is achingly difficult for some reason.

I start to think back about the writer's notebook in the past, when I thought I had to write fiction, that worked best for me. And it was just a princess (Belle) notebook because she is how

[xjenavivex]

on 10/16/2007 Thank you so much. These things will be essential to my work as time goes on.