How to Set Effective Writing Goals

Every writer has stared down a blank piece of paper wondering what to do next. But the good news is, with an effective plan, you can learn to set goals that will help to get words onto the page that much quicker and easier than ever before. Read more to learn how you can create solid, strong and specific goals that work!

Instructions

1. Be specific. Quantify and qualify each goal with a measurable statistic. For example, "Write 10 600-word essays on various arts and entertainment topics for publication in the [enter name of publication]." The goal, "10 600-word essays" is specific, actionable and measureable.

2. Determine an area of interest. Narrow the focus of your writing to an area of interest and work to build a competence or precision that defines the quality of the work. Study technical or creative writing. Determine if you will be a dramatic scriptwriter, hard hitting news writer, or witty op-ed writer.

3. Plan how and when you will write. Organize a writing schedule that determines set hours and days when you will write. Divide the time to include brainstorming, writing and editing. Determine if paid assignments have priority over creative or non-paid assignments.

4. Decide how you will measure progress. Is progress determined by the number of new writing assignments completed for the week or month or the number of paid writing assignments completed for the week or month. Be specific and chart progress accordingly. For example, "Add three articles of varying topic to my portfolio each week."

5. Set goals that build alongside other goals. Avoid, "I want to write," for example. Instead, go with, "I will write and edit at least one article per day," or "I will spend 20 minutes brainstorming to generate ideas. Afterwards, I will allow for a minimum of two hours to write an outline and complete the introduction to the first draft. I will complete the assignment in five days, with one day set aside to edit and make revisions."

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain a writing schedule and write even when you don't want to write.

Resources

• Goal Setting for Writers
• Step By Step Action Guide To Goal Achievement Plan Works For Writers