Sample List of Writing Tasks

Initial Work:
☐ Brainstorm
☐ Character Sketches
☐ Research
☐ Begin Plot
☐ Finish Plot
☐ Compose Full Outline
☐ Create Map
☐ Create Timeline

Writing & Editing:
☐ Set Word Count per day
☐ Write First Draft
☐ Write Synopsis
☐ Self-edit
☐ Revise
☐ Edit via Program or App
☐ Write Book Description
☐ Send to Alpha Readers
☐ Revise again
☐ Send to Editor
☐ Incorporate Edits & Revisions
☐ Send to Beta Readers
☐ Revise/Edit again
☐ Send to Proofreader
☐ Final Pass Before Format

Traditional Route:
☐ Submit to Agent
☐ Submit to Publisher
☐ Track Submissions & Followups
☐ Galley Edits
Cover:
☐ Research Cover Artists
☐ Order Cover: eBook / Print
☐ Create Cover
☐ Finalize Cover
☐ Schedule Cover Reveal

Formatting: ☐ Format eBook (Self)
☐ Send to Formatter
☐ Galley Edits
☐ Format Print (Self)
☐ Inspect Finals
☐ Upload Files for Pre-order

Before Release:
☐ Contact Reviewers
☐ Develop Marketing Plan
☐ Sale on Backlist
☐ Send Updates to Newsletter
☐ Update Website
☐ Write/Send Press Release

Marketing Plan Ideas:
☐ Research Email Services
☐ Order Promotional Material
☐ Contact Advertisers
☐ Compose Ad Copy
☐ Buy/Create Ad Images
☐ Create Images with Quotes from MS
☐ Create Interactive Genre Memes
☐ Schedule Ads
☐ Schedule Social Media Posts
☐ Update Backmatter Buy-links
☐ Upload Final Files
☐ Claim Title: Author Central/Bookbub
☐ Cross Promotion with other Authors
☐ Schedule Reader Contests

Release Day Events:
☐ Release Day Newsletter Push
☐ Facebook/IG/Twitter Party
☐ Reader Giveaway Contest

Add Your Own Tasks:
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Suggestions for Increasing Productivity

• Dictation
• Listening to music with a steady, driving beat
• Brain FM
• Daily Meditation
• Regular Exercise (yes, really)
• Battling depression, anxiety, or insomnia? Check out the Fisher Wallace Stimulator (a non-drug solution, but very expensive.)

• Exercise/Stretching/Yoga
• Journaling
• Meditation/Prayer/Silence
• Affirmations and/or Gratitude List
• Look over your daily planner
• Visualization of your goals
• Reading for Self-improvement
• Daily Tarot Reading (develops your intuition)
• Tracking your habits to see what works for you, what doesn’t, and changing when needed.

Like the above list and want a copy? Click here for the downloadable PDF.