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All Writers Need Editorial Calendars

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All Writers Need Editorial Calendars

Whether you post to a blog regularly, write articles for clients or are trying to finish The Great American Novel, you need an editorial calendar.

This simple organizing tool keeps your writing on track in bite-size, manageable chunks of time. After all, we all cringe at thinking of finishing a huge project. So, why not think in small time slots each day? Budget your time in hourly increments to see results!

I use Google Calendar — it’s free!

Make Tasks Manageable

Using an editorial calendar to schedule each step of the writing process, from brainstorming and writing a draft, to editing and marketing the piece, takes the sting out of a multi-step process.

For example, block out 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to work on developing that new character in your novella. Or, set aside the afternoon to brainstorm blog post titles for the next month. Turn off the cellphone and simply focus for that time period.

Don’t Miss Deadlines

The worst thing a freelancer can do is miss deadlines. If you want to get work from that client again, deliver the project on time, or early. Use an editorial calendar to set up reminders to keep you on track. I also use my editorial calendar to schedule revisions since they take time. I used to get behind and work late into the evening due to the tasks I wasn’t planning for, like edits.

Do you use an editorial calendar? Why? Please share in the comments below!

Want more tips right now? Download my free e-book, “18 Ways to Increase Online Writing Productivity and Earnings”.  Along with this free 10-page report, you’ll get updates each time I post to the Web Writing Advice blog and a monthly newsletter packed with helpful tips.

Note: This post was updated on April 21, 2019.

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Published by Angela Tague

Hi! I collaborate with content marketing companies, SEO agencies and media publishers on their web content production. I utilize my background in print media journalism to write, research, conduct interviews, fact-check texts, follow client-focused style guides and meet deadlines. I strive to create content that fits seamlessly with your company’s marketing and journalistic goals by aligning with the audience and voice you prefer. Connect with me on Twitter @AngelaTague.

12 Replies to “All Writers Need Editorial Calendars”

    1. Hi Felicity,
      Thanks for stopping by. I understand 100%! I find that using a calendar makes me more aware of how I’m using my time, so I’m inherently more time efficient. It really does work!! Good luck! ~Angela

  2. I find I need an editorial calendar desperately when writing for the A-Z Challenge, because of which letter goes on which day. Although I do not take Sundays off – I mark Sunday afternoon as the time when I write all the next week’s blog posts and schedule them!

    Please visit me. My blog is at GenWestUK

    1. Hi Ros,

      I did the A to Z challenge in its entirety in 2012 and 2013. I completed the first week this year, but then bowed out because my website subscribers were dropping like flies because posting daily was simply too spammy.

      I also used a dedicated calendar to plan and keep track of my A to Z posts. It works great to get ahead on such a big project! Happy Writing! ~Angela

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