I spelled Follow-Thru like Drive-Thru because it reminds me of milkshakes and having a positive association might make it more fun.
Lately I’ve been spending what seems like a lot of time every day reading newsletters and yahoo groups and doing Google search after Google search for market research. I’m learning lots and trying to keep up on the news in the publishing world and the travel writing world, and some how translate that to my own efforts of increasing my clips and improving my writing. And last night I told myself, “Sure, it’ll pay off someday,” (Even if it feels like treading water now).
I’ve devised a Follow-Thru chart and have it taped up on my wall behind my computer so I can see it. Then I can chart my progress and always know which writing project needs work, and where it stands.
Here are the columns:
Project
Guidelines
Query
Research/Quotes
Write
Send Date
Resend to someone else Date
Most of those just need a check in their box to note that they are done, and others need a date.
To keep positive you could add a few more columns to that:
Print Date
Get clips
Send clips to family and friends
Add clips to personal web site
The bottom line is — don’t give up the faith, do whatever it takes to keep you on track, and keep punching the clock. Yes, it will pay off someday. And someday doesn’t have to mean ten years from now. You can do it. Live the dream.
I’m really enjoying your inspirational posts. Your chart is a great idea. I must say I’ve found the submission tracker at writersmarket.com to be super helpful. Downside, of course, is that it’s by subscription. But I like it so much I may not buy the printed book this year, just stick to online. I’m also on the road much of the time, so being able to access the info online is an an advantage. Again, so glad I found your Written Road blog. Thanks 🙂
Thanks for joining us Rabbit!
And also for the link. I checked it out, and for $2.99 a month, I might try it too.
I’ve been wanting to get the 2003 edition of Writers Market. If I pay the monthly, I wouldn’t *need* to. But the thing that I get out of having the book is flipping through the pages and being inspired by new markets and magazine subjects that I would’ve never thought of before. I’m not that old, but I still feel a connection to the turning of a physical page. I think I’d go digital to see if I like that organizational tool, but might stick to the book for handy reference and inpsiration…we’ll see. I’ll let you know. 🙂
You have an excellent point about the book. I have practically an addiction to printed pages. I have a hunch I’ll end up breaking down and buying it anyway. I just know I won’t want to give up the online tool, even just for the “Submission Tracker” alone. (Oh, and the “Favorites Folders” – to keep links of particular markets that are best for your needs). I’m just living the starving freelance writer life this year, so resisting the double payment was appealing. Thanks for the nice welcome. I’ll send a few more readers this way, if that’s fine with you 🙂
Rabbit, after your recommendation, I’m really looking forward to testing out that submission tracker on a monthly basis. Any tricks and gadgets to keep me better organized are eagerly awaited. And yes, please do send writers to this blog if you think they could get something out of it. Thank you.