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Writer to Writer

Rie Sheridan

Why Couldn't It Have Been Snakes?

I’m in total agreement with Indiana Jones when it comes to snakes. I hate ‘em.

But I would rather face a pit full of pythons than that more dreaded beast: a deadline. I am one of the world’s worst procrastinators, and that is every editor’s nightmare. Learning to stick to a deadline and deliver on time is one of the best skills a burgeoning author can acquire, and one I am constantly working to improve upon. Ask all those patiently awaiting my manuscripts.

If you can learn this skill, you have an edge in many types of writing. For example, monthly columns for newspapers or magazines (like this one) rely on meeting deadlines. Even the most sympathetic editor can only give so many chances before you are shown the door. And the word will get out that you are not the most reliable candidate for any other such position. Trust me on that. The publishing world, especially the e-publishing world, is very closely-knit. Editors talk to one another.

On the other hand, if you are seen to be consistently on time with your work, need little rewriting, and accept editing gracefully, a good chance exists that your reputation will precede you there as well. You may find yourself asked to fill in when there is a need for a piece with a minimum of time till deadline. Editors like someone they can rely on. They will tell their friends. They will start offering you jobs because they know you can do them quickly and efficiently. It is a win-win situation for everyone concerned.

How can an author learn to meet deadlines? First of all, I just got a big calendar for my wall where I can write in upcoming deadlines and what is expected. One ideal way to help yourself be on time is to up the deadline by a day. That way you are finished early. I plan on trying this next month.

Give yourself a reward when you meet a deadline. Go to a movie, eat some ice cream, take a bubble bath, whatever suits your fancy.

Set your own deadlines in your writing so that you get used to meeting those of your editors. I have two stories to finish for Echelon Press. I intend to set myself deadlines for finishing them so that I can get back to other projects.

Don’t beat yourself up the first time you miss a deadline. But if it happens consistently, examine your work habits and see if there is a change you can make that would help. I know I need to dedicate some part of each day to writing, no matter how tired I am, or how much fun offered distractions may sound. If managed correctly, deadlines can actually begin to be a blessing to you--you will know just what needs to be done and by when. Wouldn’t it be nice if all our snakes were so easy to slay?