I too find spreadsheets are my big picture organizer. All those big, medium and small tasks are charted out in one document that you can put your arms around. You can always tweak it along the way - adding new tasks that pop up, editing those that need a better explanation and deleting those you really didn't have to do. Your final copy will also be a perfect start as the guide for your next book. Just make a new copy with your next book title and target launch dates and you are set.
Thanks MTFA. You're right. Easily edited and saved for another time. And let's not forget links. If you have a tried and trusted book designer or formatter, slip the link into the sheet for next time.
Good idea with the spreadsheet. I am not nearly organized enough. I just keep a list of the things I hope to get done that day, but I rarely get them all done. And the list keeps growing throughout the day. If you can share a copy of your spreadsheet that would be great.
I use a big spreadsheet with multiple worksheets/tabs to keep track of everything from actual publishing tasks (get your ISBN/ send in copyright registration / hire a cover designer) to editorial review submissions to links to my book on different platforms so those are easy to grab when you need them. I LOVE SPREADSHEETS!! They make my life so much easier.
I am doubling-up on today's Poet-to-Poet post, which basically is another "busy" person's plan: Basically, to spend at least 15-30 minutes a day -- when you can -- to "do something" towards one's goal submitting and publishing more in 2025.
Personally, I am finally recovering from two years of very bad health, including successful prostrate cancer surgery, complicated also by our downsizing and moving in late 2024 from our condo to a senior-living apartment community/complex! With my improving health and less-hectic(?) new life, I have begun to faithfully follow the above practice, almost daily! Just this week, I did two anthology submissions and work on a new spreadsheet to track and plan my writing/submissions plan for the next couple months. All this, as well as my involvement in several new social/writing/music groups, here at Luther Manor (in Wauwatosa, WI) has given me not only a sense of direction, but now also satisfaction fulfillment and a new happiness.
One day, upon turning 70, I realized I really hadn't even hardly thought about my own "next chapter"! Last November, my health took a rapid and positive upswing. My plan for 2025, now includes, as I said, the above-mentioned practice, as well as spending more times now doing things with and for my wife of 47 years (Next Week!), allowing more time for my grown children and two grandsons, and finally allowing myself to be happy and content with whatever I accomplish and not to dwell (more than a couple minutes) on any small failures.
Hope this note isn't too long ...and did I mention reading more novels like "The Women" and getting back to compiling my first poetry anthology and resurrecting my own half-finished novel? Suddenly, the old movie, Mr. Holland's Opus", is playing in my head....
I too find spreadsheets are my big picture organizer. All those big, medium and small tasks are charted out in one document that you can put your arms around. You can always tweak it along the way - adding new tasks that pop up, editing those that need a better explanation and deleting those you really didn't have to do. Your final copy will also be a perfect start as the guide for your next book. Just make a new copy with your next book title and target launch dates and you are set.
Thanks MTFA. You're right. Easily edited and saved for another time. And let's not forget links. If you have a tried and trusted book designer or formatter, slip the link into the sheet for next time.
Valerie, are you willing to share your spreadsheet designs!? Best wishes for your new novel! -Tom T in Wauwatosa, Wi
I can share privately Tom.
I like these videos! I calendar my tasks and find that year after year, the same tasks come up to do again around the same time.
That's a great idea Sherrill! I'll try linking my spreadsheet with my calendar.
Calendaring works well for me since I'm mostly on the same timeline from publishing a book a year.
A lovely, welcoming, and informative presentation. Excellent, my friend, Nick
Thanks Nick!
Being organized is key.
Good idea with the spreadsheet. I am not nearly organized enough. I just keep a list of the things I hope to get done that day, but I rarely get them all done. And the list keeps growing throughout the day. If you can share a copy of your spreadsheet that would be great.
Let me add a few more details and I will. Thanks Carl!
I use a big spreadsheet with multiple worksheets/tabs to keep track of everything from actual publishing tasks (get your ISBN/ send in copyright registration / hire a cover designer) to editorial review submissions to links to my book on different platforms so those are easy to grab when you need them. I LOVE SPREADSHEETS!! They make my life so much easier.
I am doubling-up on today's Poet-to-Poet post, which basically is another "busy" person's plan: Basically, to spend at least 15-30 minutes a day -- when you can -- to "do something" towards one's goal submitting and publishing more in 2025.
Personally, I am finally recovering from two years of very bad health, including successful prostrate cancer surgery, complicated also by our downsizing and moving in late 2024 from our condo to a senior-living apartment community/complex! With my improving health and less-hectic(?) new life, I have begun to faithfully follow the above practice, almost daily! Just this week, I did two anthology submissions and work on a new spreadsheet to track and plan my writing/submissions plan for the next couple months. All this, as well as my involvement in several new social/writing/music groups, here at Luther Manor (in Wauwatosa, WI) has given me not only a sense of direction, but now also satisfaction fulfillment and a new happiness.
One day, upon turning 70, I realized I really hadn't even hardly thought about my own "next chapter"! Last November, my health took a rapid and positive upswing. My plan for 2025, now includes, as I said, the above-mentioned practice, as well as spending more times now doing things with and for my wife of 47 years (Next Week!), allowing more time for my grown children and two grandsons, and finally allowing myself to be happy and content with whatever I accomplish and not to dwell (more than a couple minutes) on any small failures.
Hope this note isn't too long ...and did I mention reading more novels like "The Women" and getting back to compiling my first poetry anthology and resurrecting my own half-finished novel? Suddenly, the old movie, Mr. Holland's Opus", is playing in my head....