Accountability is Key to Getting to the Finish Line
I’ve said it a million times to students and clients: What separates a published writer from the unpublished on the most basic level is that one of them finished their manuscript.
From working with clients and students, whether I’m ghostwriting, editing, or teaching, one of the key determinants of a completed manuscript is accountability. The question is: To whom is a writer accountable if they don’t have an agent yet or a traditional publisher breathing down their necks?
That’s an easy answer. Accountability can come from anyone who has the strength to hold the writer’s feet to the fire. Now, does that mean this person must be aggressive and call weekly, daily, hourly? No. Heck, the writer doesn’t even need to let them know they are assigning them this task.
Look at it this way. Suppose you are writing a fictional novel. Just by mentioning that you’re writing a book to the person you know will ask you about it, you will automatically put yourself on notice. Again, if and only if you tell “the right person.” You must choose a person whom you know will continuously ask you: “Hey, how’s that book coming?” We all know this type of person! Typically, you avoid telling them anything for that reason. But in this case, their annoying habit may benefit you.
But if you are one of those types who isn’t impacted by what others think, well, then your accountability needs another source. Some of my other favorite accountability methods are:
· Attend a writing class. As a writing teacher, my students tell me, “I wrote this just before class today!” To which I reply, “Would you have written at all, if you didn’t have class?” The answer is almost always, “Probably not.” Class for these individuals is their accountability coach.
· Join a writing group. Like a writing class, you will automatically be forced to follow through and produce because you won’t want to come unprepared.
· Ask a friend or anyone you know to be your accountability coach. This is preferably a tenacious and objective person who is not afraid to call, text, or email you often to get a status update. Specifically, one who doesn’t tiptoe around your feelings.
· Hire an editor to developmentally edit your manuscript and commit to a start date. In most cases, the editor will ask for a deposit before they begin their work. The simple act of acquiring an editor with money on the line will force you to finish.
As a side note: For those thinking they don’t need an editor, read my blogs on the matter. Even if you plan to try for a traditional contract, you need to have your work developmentally edited by a professional to give yourself the best chances of securing an agent or publisher. Only individuals already contracted with a traditional publisher do not need to worry because they are held to completion dates and have an editor provided by the publisher.
Before I go, remember this: You can’t publish what you don’t finish. Get off your butt and get moving. Your ideas are waiting to move past the point you left them.
Happy Writing!