Mastering the Art of Setting Goals for Writers and Authors
by Drew Bankston
Setting clear goals is one of the most powerful tools a writer or author can use to improve productivity, maintain motivation, and achieve success. Without goals, writing projects can feel overwhelming or directionless. This post explores practical strategies for setting effective goals tailored to writers, helping you turn your creative ideas into finished works.
Why Writers Need Goals
Writing is a creative process, but creativity alone does not guarantee completion. Many writers struggle with procrastination, distractions, or losing sight of their projects. Goals provide structure and focus. They break down large tasks into manageable steps and create a roadmap for progress.
Goals also help measure success. Instead of wondering if you’re “doing enough,” you can track your achievements against specific targets. This clarity boosts confidence and encourages consistent effort.
Types of Goals for Writers
Writers benefit from setting different kinds of goals depending on their projects and career stage. Here are some common types:
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- Daily or Weekly Writing Goals
These focus on consistent writing habits, such as writing 500 words a day or completing a chapter each week. They build momentum and keep the project moving forward.
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- Project Milestones
Larger goals tied to stages of a manuscript, like finishing the first draft, completing revisions, or submitting to an editor. Milestones mark progress and provide motivation.
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- Skill Development Goals
Goals aimed at improving craft, such as attending a workshop, reading books on writing, or practicing dialogue. These enhance your abilities over time.
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- Publication and Marketing Goals
For authors, goals might include querying agents, submitting to publishers, or building an author platform. These focus on sharing your work with readers.
How to Set Effective Writing Goals
Effective goals are clear, realistic, and motivating. Here are key principles to follow:
Be Specific
Vague goals like “write more” or “finish book” lack direction. Instead, specify what you want to accomplish. For example:
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- Write 1,000 words every weekday morning
- Complete chapter 5 by next Friday
- Submit three short stories to literary magazines this month
Make Goals Measurable
Quantify your goals so you can track progress. Word counts, number of pages, or submission targets work well. This helps you see how far you’ve come and adjust if needed.
Set Achievable Targets
Goals should challenge you but remain realistic. Setting too high a target can lead to frustration and burnout. Consider your schedule, energy levels, and other commitments.
Assign Deadlines
Deadlines create urgency and help prevent procrastination. Even self-imposed deadlines can be powerful motivators.
Break Large Goals into Smaller Steps
A novel can feel daunting. Break it into chapters, scenes, or word count chunks. Celebrate completing each step to maintain momentum.
Tools to Support Goal Setting
Several tools can help writers set and track goals effectively:
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- Writing Apps with Goal Features
Apps like Scrivener or Ulysses allow you to set word count targets and deadlines.
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- Habit Trackers
Tools like Habitica or Streaks help build daily writing habits by tracking consistency.
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- Calendars and Planners
Use digital calendars or physical planners to schedule writing sessions and deadlines.
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- Accountability Partners or Groups
Sharing goals with fellow writers or joining writing groups can provide support and motivation.
Overcoming Common Goal-Setting Challenges
Even with goals, writers face obstacles. Here’s how to handle some common issues:
Writer’s Block
If you hit a block, try changing your goal temporarily. Instead of writing new content, focus on editing or brainstorming. Sometimes shifting focus helps restart creativity.
Time Constraints
Busy schedules make it hard to write consistently. Set smaller daily goals or write during short breaks. Quality matters more than quantity.
Losing Motivation
Revisit why you set your goals. Visualize the finished project or the benefits of completing it. Reward yourself for milestones reached.
Perfectionism
Don’t let the desire for perfect writing stall progress. Set goals to complete drafts first, then revise later. Progress beats perfection.
Examples of Goal Setting in Action
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- Daily Word Count Goal
Jane, a novelist, sets a goal to write 750 words every morning before work. This habit helped her finish her first draft in three months.
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- Submission Goal
Mark, a short story writer, aims to submit two stories per month to literary magazines. This goal keeps him focused on polishing and sharing his work.
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- Skill Improvement Goal
Lisa dedicates one weekend per month to attending writing workshops or reading books on craft. This goal improved her dialogue and pacing skills.
Tracking Progress and Adjusting Goals
Regularly review your goals to see what’s working. If a goal feels too easy or too hard, adjust it. Flexibility keeps goals relevant and achievable.
Use journals, spreadsheets, or apps to record daily progress. Reflect on what times of day or environments help you write best, then plan accordingly.
Staying Motivated Over the Long Term
Writing projects can take months or years. Maintaining motivation is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Celebrate small wins
- Visualize your finished book or article
- Connect with other writers for support
- Remind yourself of your reasons for writing
- Keep goals visible, such as on a whiteboard or phone reminder
Final Thoughts on Writing Goals
Goals are an essential part of the writing journey. Without them, we flounder, procrastinate, berate ourselves, and often end up giving up. Set a goal to take some time today to sit down and develop some goals in your writing work, then watch your writing habits and career soar!