There’s not much to say about this topic, but it is sooooo important that I’m going to tell you everything you need to know as quickly as I can. Then, re-read it six or seven times so that it sinks in.

D is for Deadline

Here’s the only thing you really need to know – DON’T MISS A DEADLINE! In fact, set your own deadline, and make it at least 24 hours earlier than what your editor tells you. Make this a goal until it becomes a habit.

Meeting a deadline isn’t just about getting it to your editor in time for publication. It tells the editor about your character. I’ve developed a wonderful reputation in our area as a writer editors can trust. When it’s crunch time and they have a last minute lead, they call me. It’s not because I’m the greatest journalist, but because they know’ll I’ll give them a well-written, well-edited article early enough that they can jazz it up if they need to (and they usually tweak it a bit). I wouldn’t get these calls, however, if I didn’t meet my own deadline (which is always the day before their deadline).

There you have it, repeat it with me now … DON’T MISS A DEADLINE!


QUESTION: How do you motivate yourself to make sure you meet your deadlines?