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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Apr 04, 2023

How to Set Effective Writing Goals (That Will Help You Grow)

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Dario Villirilli

Editor-in-Chief of the Reedsy blog, Dario is a graduate of Mälardalen University. As a freelance writer, he has written for many esteemed outlets aimed at writers. A traveler at heart, he can be found roaming the world and working from his laptop.

Achievable writing goals require a certain ability to look inwards. You must evaluate where you are in your writing life, where you want to go, and how you work best. If your plan is to start writing a novel ( and actually finish it ), you need time in your daily grind to intentionally work toward it. But how can you set goals that are realistic and useful and lead you “confidently in the direction of your dreams”? Let’s break it down.

1. Observe your own habits and patterns

Are you a pantser or a planner?

Someone who writes with a detailed outline will approach their goals differently from "discovery writers" who start with a vague idea and then follow their intuition. So which are you: a planner or someone who flies by the seat of their pants?

Think back to the last time you wrote in a flow state, where you were completely dialed in, and words poured out of your pen (or keyboard). Were you following a plan or free-writing? If you’re unsure, imagine someone handing you a piece of paper and pen right now and asking you to try a bit of creative writing. Would you feel excited or stressed? If it’s the latter, you’re likely a planner.

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We’ll use this insight to inform your goal-setting later on. For now, let’s think a little deeper about what types of goals excite you or freak you out.

Do goals motivate or stress you out?

There are two common emotional responses to being given a goal:

Enthusiasm. The rush of possibility as you glimpse a future when you accomplish your dream through determination and hard work.
Dread . A heavy sinking feeling, a doubt that this is possible.

If someone told you that “writing 500 words a day means you’ll have 15,000 words of your novel written in a month’s time,” which of those two feelings do you lean towards?

Some writers would thrill at that goal. But if you are overwhelmed, try fitting your goal-setting to your personality. Just as sprinters don't wear hiking boots, writers must set goals that accommodate their temperament and circumstances.

Find a writing resolution you deem achievable: 100 words daily? 500 per week? Ideally, it should challenge you but is still within your reach. We’ll look at how to set such goals for yourself later on in the post.

Now, let’s take a look at your calendar.

How much time can you dedicate to your writing?

Try this spy game: for a week, track how you spend your time from Monday to Sunday. Keep a log of what activity takes up each hour.

At the end of the week, review this table. Aside from work, sleep, house chores, or childcare, what activities take up your leisure time? Do you have any weekday evenings free, or are your weekends the only time you have to yourself? Which activities could you minimize or occasionally sacrifice to make time for writing?

You might initially be discouraged, especially if your week is crowded with commitments and obligations. Ignore that feeling, though. Knowing your availability doesn't make writing harder; it just helps you set realistic goals that are more realistic, saving you disillusionment and disappointment down the road.

Now that you’ve compiled this information about yourself, there's one more tough question to face...

What’s stopping you right now?

Because you're reading this guide, we can assume you want to write but are struggling to do so. So, what’s brought you here? In some way, are you suffering from writer’s block ?

If you're not sure what's stopping you, our 1-minute quiz will help you diagnose the root of your writer’s block.

Let us diagnose the cause of your writer's block with our 1-minute quiz.

Armed with self-awareness and realistic expectations, let’s work towards some goals.

2. Establish your long-term writerly ambitions

Do you see yourself stepping onto a podium, accepting a multi-million dollar contract to the sound of applause? Are you clutching a printed copy of your published novel for the first time? Or maybe you see a way through the fog of poor mental health — into a routine where writing is your joyful outlet?

Publishing success takes many forms — there's no right or wrong way to achieve it . Take a moment and privately note what writing accomplishment would make you truly happy.

Here are a few examples of writing goals to give you some inspiration.

Project-oriented goals

“I want to complete a novel.”
“I want to share my journey by telling my personal story ”
“I want to write an account of my family history for my children to keep.”
“I want to write a short story collection united by a cohesive theme.”

Publication-oriented goals

“I want to traditionally publish my novel.”
“I want to find a literary agent to represent me .”
“I want to publish a book before I’m 50.”
“I want to publish a short story in a literary magazine.”

Habit goals

“I want to build a daily writing habit.”
“I want to journal every week.”
“I want to get used to starting new projects and not fear the blank page.”

Growth goals

“I want to become a better writer.”
“I want to join a writing workshop and exchange feedback with others.”
“I want to take a creative writing class to improve my writing skills .”

Emotional goals

“I want more creativity in my life.”
“I want to feel like I am using my talents.”
“I want to prove to myself that I can write a book, even if it’s hard.”
“I want to help at least one reader with my hard-earned knowledge on X subject.”
“I want to write something that brings comfort to a reader.”

If your goal spans more than one category, that’s fine. These categories are simply a reminder that all sorts of goal types are acceptable. No one goal is better or nobler than another.

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Focus on goals that are within your control

Some goals, like winning the Nobel Prize for Literature or becoming a #1 bestseller on Amazon, are not really up to us. They’re perfectly valid dreams, but they depend on external factors we can’t control. So try to avoid external validations in your goal statements.

Instead, focus on things within your control: honing your skills, writing the best book you can, pitching your ideas to agents confidently, or crafting a well-researched book proposal and promoting it without feeling shy. Whether or not the book goes on to win awards is out of your hands.

🏆 If bestseller status is important to you, check out author Brad Aronson’s success story and find out how he worked with a Reedsy marketer to get on a national bestsellers list.

So now that you've established your bigger dream let's break it down into tangible steps you can face without being overwhelmed.

3. Break your big goals down into smaller milestones

Most projects have several phases. A project manager (in this case, you) must start by looking into what their project will involve. Your aim at this stage is to plot out all the milestones you'll pass on your way to the finishing line. At all points in your writing process, you want to know what's happening once you pass your next milestone.

Example goal: writing a book

If your dream is to write a book, these might be the milestone objectives you’d aim for in the writing process:

Write a book outline. In great detail if you’re a planner , or sketched out if you’re a pantser
Completed drafts of every sub-section of each chapter
Drafts of every individual chapter
Draft 2. Resolve any pending issues or story gaps
Draft 3. Get feedback from friends or fellow writers
Draft 4. Get feedback from a developmental editor
Draft 5. Consider suggestions made by a copy editor
Draft 6. Consider any further edits made by a proofreader

Turning a project from an idea to a polished manuscript is a project in itself. Publishing it will be, to some extent, a second project. You’ll face a different process depending on whether you’re hoping to publish your book traditionally or independently, so check out these related resources on our blog for a breakdown of those:

How to Get a Book Published ( read here )
How to Self-Publish a Book ( read here )

Is self-publishing or traditional publishing right for you?

Takes one minute!

When you’ve completed your research and understand what it will take to meet your goal, let's draw out a step-by-step game plan.

4. Turn each milestone into a realistic, achievable task

Use the SMART system, if it helps you

One popular way to do this is to use the SMART framework. This acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. The idea is that objectives that meet all five criteria are guaranteed to be realistic and plausible. They outline when and how regularly you will work toward these objectives in a way that doesn’t allow for uncertainty.

Here are some examples of SMART writing goals:

Specific goals

To take the first step toward your bigger goal, you’ll have to move from vague hopes and dreams to specific, practical, and actionable tasks.

Vague goal: “I will contact more literary agents .”

Specific goal: “I will create a submission spreadsheet and send out 1 to 2 query letters every Friday, starting from the agents I believe to be the best fit for my work and progressing down my list.”

Measurable goals

Specific goals are great, but numerical goals can help give each activity a sense of scope.

Vague goal: “This year, I will write more.”

Measurable goal: “In January, I will write 8,000 words of my novel, keeping track of which days of the week are most productive for me and why. Once I have established that, I will aim to write only on my two most convenient days each week, adding 1,000 words each day.”

If you work on your draft in our free writing app, Reedsy Studio , it’ll keep track of your daily writing progress for you. Set an overall manuscript goal with a deadline and it’ll automatically calculate how many words you still need to get there — with the option of signing up for gentle email reminders if you fall behind.

If word counts stress you out, make your goals measurable in other ways: commit to writing X number of days a month, or dedicate X number of hours to your writing every weekend. Measure your progress in a way that still requires you to invest time and effort but takes a little pressure off of the outcome.

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Achievable goals

Whether a goal is “achievable” is highly dependent on your personal circumstances. So this is where the reflection we did in step one comes in handy. Be ambitious but realistic, or you’ll soon find yourself drifting.

Not achievable : “I will join NaNoWriMo despite being depressed and will produce a full draft of a novel even though I do not have an outline yet.”

Achievable : “I will take NaNoWriMo as an opportunity to write on ten different days in November, but I won’t stress about word count since I’m not in my best mental shape.”

Relevant goals

Having established your long-term ambitions, double-check that any goals you set will actually lead you there. Avoid tasks that are actually procrastination in disguise (e.g. testing every writing software in the market before you get started.)

Irrelevant : “I will invest considerable time in learning to use Scrivener to copy my planning notes there before beginning my draft.”

Relevant : “I will tidy notes relating to my first chapter this weekend, then on Monday I will begin drafting without delay to maintain momentum.”

Time-Bound goals

Every college student knows how deadlines can inspire a frenzy of productivity. Setting goals with deadlines will help you stay on track — otherwise, the endless stretch of days ahead fails to create any sense of urgency.

Not time-bound: “I will send my manuscript to an editor when it’s ready.”

Time-bound: “On September 1st, I will send my manuscript to an editor, so any major changes will need to be done by then.”

Editors are often busy a few months in advance, so if you feel like you need a real external deadline to motivate you, get in touch with Reedsy’s developmental editors and agree on a submission date ahead of time. Be careful to agree on a date that feels genuinely doable!

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Goals that follow the SMART framework can be incredibly helpful because they force us to engage with the plausibility of each goal. Life, however, can come with some surprises.

5. Be flexible and prepared for obstacles

Adapt your goals

Say your goal is to submit your poems to 30 literary magazines, but then life got in the way. Adjust the goal to fit your new circumstances: submit to 15 magazines instead at the same pace. Or commit to sending any that don’t get done as soon as your situation improves.

Alternatively, re-orient the focus of your goal — instead of tracking the number of poem submissions, commit to dedicating the next three weekends to this task, regardless of the outcome.

Have compassion for yourself

Writers are notorious perfectionists, so this is worth saying this out loud: “failing” to meet a particular goal is not the same as failing to be a writer, or a good writer, or a successful writer. Do not hold yourself to impossible standards.

Any struggle to meet your writing goals shouldn't result in existential doubts about whether you’re really a writer or not. We’ll just leave you with this quote from acclaimed writer George Saunders: "Even if you're not actively writing because you are too busy, you are still a writer, because of the way you regard the world — with curiosity and interest and some sort of love. No need, then, to declare that one is or is not a writer. You just are, because of how you think."

Whether you reach your goals entirely or in part, you still have cause for celebration.

6. Celebrate your achievements

The very act of deciding to evaluate where you are in life and setting writing goals to move in the direction of your dreams is already admirable, considering how exhausted everyone tends to be in their everyday hustle. After all, who wants to write, when you can just lean back and watch Netflix?

You have made that decision, and now you’ll work on accomplishing your writing goals. Who cares if it takes a little longer than you planned, or if you submitted to fewer lit mags than you hoped, or if you only wrote for five days a week instead of seven? You’ll still be miles ahead of where you were when you first started, and that’s a reason to celebrate your efforts.

Your journey toward your dreams will involve adversity and struggle — that’s inevitable. But do you know what matters the most? You’re on your way.

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13 SMART Goals Examples to Develop Your Writing Skills

Do you need help in your writing career? Have you hit a wall with your creative ideas and want to develop your writing skills?

Crafting SMART goals is a fantastic way to set a solid foundation to build your success. By pursuing these goals, you can measure progress and stay motivated while growing your writing skills.

From setting a word count goal to exploring new genres, this post will discuss examples of SMART goals to push yourself as a writer.

Table of Contents

What is a SMART Goal?

The SMART ( Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based ) framework will enable you to establish practical goals for developing your writing skills.

Still trying to understand? Let’s dive deeper into each SMART element:

The more specific you can be about your goals, the better your likelihood of reaching them.

For example, instead of “I hope to become a better writer,” try setting precise goals such as “I will improve my grammar skills by taking an online course.” By establishing specific targets, you’ll have something concrete to work towards.

Writers need more than hard work; they must also ensure their goals are measurable. This criterion may seem insignificant initially, but it will help you succeed in your writing journey.

Measurable goals are those that can be quantified or evaluated objectively. Instead of “writing more,” set the goal of “writing 500 words daily.” This way, you’ll know exactly how much progress you make towards achieving them.

Many people tend to set their sights unrealistically high. They think they can become the world’s next great poet by year’s end. While aiming high is admirable, setting these goals can be counterproductive.

Not only do unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment and burnout, but they also make staying motivated more challenging.

Creating relevant goals aligning with your values is key to unlocking a fulfilling life. When you’re clear about your core beliefs, it becomes easier to identify what matters most to you and prioritize accordingly. Knowing you’re working towards something meaningful inspires you to push forward.

Embarking on a journey to success can be daunting if you don’t have a specific timeline to keep you accountable. Without well-defined deadlines, getting sidetracked or losing motivation along the way would be too easy.

Here are 13 examples of SMART goals to improve your writing:

1. Read More Books

SMART Goal: To expand my writing knowledge, I’ll read one book a month on writing by the end of four months. This activity will help me gain a better understanding of writing fundamentals, as well as give me ideas on different ways to improve my skills.

Specific: This SMART goal is explicit because it outlines the number of books and the duration they are to be read.
Measurable: Make sure you select books that are relevant to writing fundamentals and have activities or other elements that allow for tracking progress.
Attainable: This statement is definitely achievable with careful scheduling and prioritization.
Relevant: Reading books on writing will help the individual to learn and understand more about the subject.
Time-based: The goal should be achieved by the end of four months.

2. Take a Writing Course

SMART Goal: I’ll sign up for a writing course and complete it within 5 months to learn more about the craft. The class should help me hone my writing skills and introduce me to other techniques and structures I might not be familiar with.

Specific: The goal is well-defined, detailing precisely what will be done.
Measurable: Progress can be tracked by completion of the course and any assignments associated with it.
Attainable: A writing class is within reach, depending on the availability and cost of courses in one’s area.
Relevant: The course furthers the goal of developing writing skills.
Time-based: Success will be accomplished in 5 months.

3. Practice Daily Writing

SMART Goal: I will set aside 15 minutes daily to practice my writing skills. By the end of 6 months, I want to be able to write cohesive and compelling pieces with accuracy and clarity.

Specific: This goal outlines the activity (writing) and the duration of practice (15 minutes daily).
Measurable: You can measure the amount and quality of your writing.
Attainable: Setting aside and dedicating 15 minutes daily to practice is feasible.
Relevant: Practicing your writing every day can help you hone your skills and increase proficiency.
Time-based: Goal completion is anticipated for 6 months.

4. Research Writing Techniques

SMART Goal: Within 6 months, I will dedicate time to read industry-relevant books and articles on writing techniques. To apply my knowledge to produce more impactful content, I’ll also attend a webinar on the latest writing trends and take notes.

Specific: This goal is learning writing techniques, not just consuming information.
Measurable: This project can be evaluated by reading books , attending a webinar, and taking notes.
Attainable: Dedicating time to reading and learning can reasonably be accomplished within 6 months.
Relevant: This is appropriate to the task because you can apply the newly acquired knowledge to create better content.
Time-based: There is a deadline of 6 months for this particular goal.

5. Join a Writing Group

SMART Goal: I’ll aim to join a writing group or online forum dedicated to improving my writing skills this month. I will participate actively in the group, take on an assignment each month, and offer support to other group members.

Specific: You know how to accomplish your goal —join a writing group or online forum.
Measurable: You can quantify the number of assignments you complete each month.
Attainable: This is relatively easy if you can find a suitable group or forum.
Relevant: The purpose of joining the group is to improve your writing skills.
Time-based: You have until this month to achieve the SMART goal.

6. Analyze Your Work Critically

SMART Goal: I will objectively analyze my written work every week and identify areas of improvement within two months. I hope to become more aware of my mistakes and areas where I can improve while writing.

Specific: The statement is to analyze written work and identify mistakes.
Measurable: Ensure that the person objectively analyzes and identifies areas for improvement weekly.
Attainable: This goal is feasible as it allows two months to review and make changes.
Relevant: It’s crucial to understand and identify the areas for improvement in one’s writing.
Time-based: The goal has a two-month end date for completion.

7. Network With Other Writers

SMART Goal: To learn from and stay current on the latest writing trends, I’ll expand my network by attending two writing events each month. I’ll also take active steps to engage with writers and other industry professionals on social media, such as liking, commenting, and retweeting their posts.

Specific: The statement is easy to understand: network with other writers.
Measurable: Measure your networking success by the number of events you attend and your engagement with other writers on social media.
Attainable: It’s realistic to believe that attending two events every month is absolutely possible.
Relevant: Networking with other writers and industry professionals can help you stay informed about the latest trends in writing.
Time-based: This goal has a time frame of two months.

8. Participate in Contests

SMART Goal: I want to enter and submit entries for at least 5 writing contests within the next year. I’ll keep track of my entries and carefully review every submission to ensure it meets all requirements for each contest.

Specific: The goal is clear. You will enter at least 5 writing contests this year.
Measurable: The writer will keep track of entries and review each submission to ensure it meets all requirements.
Attainable: This is possible if you have the commitment and dedication to complete the necessary steps.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate for the individual’s desire to develop writing skills.
Time-based: Goal attainment will be met within a year.

9. Improve Grammar and Punctuation

SMART Goal: I will enhance my grammar and punctuation by taking a grammar course or using an online program like Grammarly. I’ll aim to correctly use grammar and punctuation in my writing over the three months ahead.

Specific: The goal states the objective, what will be done to achieve it, and the deadline.
Measurable: You could assess your writing for correct grammar and punctuation.
Attainable: This is realistic because there are online tools to improve your grammar and punctuation.
Relevant: Grammar and punctuation are essential for effective communication .
Time-based: There is a three-month timeline for completing this goal.

10. Learn Different Genres of Writing

SMART Goal: I want to learn the types of writing genres for 6 months. I’ll spend time researching the different genres, such as creative writing, journalistic writing, and technical writing. That will give me an idea of the varying writing styles and guide me when tackling a new project.

Specific: This is specific as it has a timeline, aims to explore different writing genres, and provides guidance on tackling a project.
Measurable: Check your progress by using a checklist or calendar to see what genres you have explored.
Attainable: This goal is possible due to its specific timeline and required research activity.
Relevant: Genre-based writing can be useful for various projects, making this an applicable goal.
Time-based: Six whole months are needed to achieve success.

11. Ask for Feedback From Others

SMART Goal: I’ll contact three or more peers for feedback on my writing within 6 months. I want to use this feedback to improve my writing, so I’ll take constructive criticism and apply it to my writing process.

Specific: The specific action is to reach out to three or more peers for feedback.
Measurable: The number of peers a person should reach out to is stated.
Attainable: Asking for feedback from peers is an achievable goal.
Relevant: The SMART statement applies to enhancing one’s writing.
Time-based: The goal should be completed within 6 months.

12. Create Your Style of Writing

SMART Goal: I will strive to develop a style of writing that reflects my voice within four weeks. I aim to bring out my unique personality in my writing and create a clear, cohesive style that I can be proud of.

Specific: The individual aims to develop a writing style that reflects their voice.
Measurable: You will strive to create a clear, cohesive writing style in four weeks.
Attainable: This is achievable by taking time to practice and refine their writing abilities.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate because it allows the person to create a voice in their writing.
Time-based: There is a four-week window for achieving this certain goal.

13. Follow Style Guides

SMART Goal: I’ll use a specific style guide to help ensure consistency in my writing. I’ll read the guide before using it and reference it when writing for projects. By the end of two months, I plan to have a foundational understanding of the style guide and its key features.

Specific: The goal is to use a style guide and become familiar with its key features.
Measurable: Make sure you read the guide before using it and reference it when writing.
Attainable: This is attainable because the individual has two months to become familiar with the style guide.
Relevant: Following style guides will help ensure consistency in writing.
Time-based: The goal is time-bound since it has a specific end date of two months.

Final Thoughts

Developing SMART goals allows you to improve your overall writing skills. It promotes focus and discipline , encouraging you to break down each step of the process into smaller tasks.

It’s also a great way to track progress and celebrate victories. Put this practice into action today by reflecting on what you want to accomplish with your writing and creating achievable goals.

Writing Goals: How to Set Meaningful Goals for 2024 That You Can Manage and Achieve

by Joe Bunting | 24 comments

If you’re reading this, I'm assuming you already have some goals: fitness goals, goals for your family, maybe even a goal of writing a book or to become a better writer.

But how do you write goals that actually work, that actually help you accomplish the things that you set out to do?

In this guide, I’ll share the step-by-step goal writing process that I've used to finish fifteen books, publish over 2,000 blog posts, hit the Wall Street Journal bestseller's list, and reach over twenty million people with my writing over the last ten years.

No matter what your goals are, I believe this process will help you get clear on what you want to accomplish this year.

Prefer to watch the video? Click play here:

How to Set the Write Goals for Your Writing Year

How I Set My Writing (and Other) Goals

Each year, around New Year’s Eve, I block off three days, get out my whiteboard markers and note taking app, and start to check in with myself and my family. I start by reflecting on how the last year went and what I want to accomplish in the year ahead.

New Year’s resolutions sometimes get a bad rap, but research backs them up. In fact, you are ten times more likely to achieve your goals if you make resolutions than those who don’t.

This time of reflection and goal setting is the best part of my year.

More than Christmas candy and New Year’s champagne, this creative process helps me relax and refocus. In just two or three days, it sustains my work for the following year by giving me the direction and motivation to accomplish meaningful work in the untouched months ahead.

But for you, you don’t have to save this kind of process for the New Year.

If you can carve out a few hours—or even a few minutes—to think about your goals, it will be worthwhile. I promise.

And this post will also give you the tool you need to make this planning process easy.

Let's get into it!

Goal Setting Worksheet

To make your planning process easier, I’ve created a downloadable and printable goal setting worksheet for you to use as you go through this process.

It’s free, it’s printable, and I believe it will help you make your goals happen over the next year.

But before we evaluate how the writing goal template will help you get organized, it's important to understand the four types of goals you might consider setting.

The Four Types of Writing Goals

Before I get into the process I’ve found works best, what types of goals should you set?

I believe there are four main types of goals, and each of these goals builds on each other. After I explain each type, I’ll ask you questions that you can use to think about your goals.

1. Lifetime Writing Goal

What is on your bucket list? What are the things that you want to accomplish before you die or else feel like you’ve missed something important? What will you regret if you never do?

Maybe it's having a writing career and making writing your day job. Maybe it's winning a coveted award. Maybe it’s flying first class or starting a family.

These objectives are central to who you are and who you want to be. Maybe it's to be an author of bestselling books. Or to become a full time author. Or even just to write one book.

If you're not sure what your lifetime goals are, here's an exercise to find them :

Imagine yourself twenty years from now. You're supremely happy. You've accomplished everything you wanted to and more.

What does your life look like? What have you accomplished?

Whatever they are, write them down.

Lifetime Writing Goals Don't Have to Be Attainable . . . Right Now

Give yourself time to dream.

Set some future goals that seem outlandish, even crazy.

Sure, creating SMART goals that are measurable and achievable is a good idea.

But if you really want an extraordinary life, you have to allow yourself to dream something extraordinary.

Only once you have an image of where you want to go, can you then work backward from there. Building smaller goals that you can actually accomplish is the way to move you up the ladder, as we'll talk more below.

2. This Year's Writing Goal

What projects are you going to accomplish this year? Or at least make progress on? While project goals are smaller than lifetime goals, you may have a few project based goals on your bucket list, including :

Write the first draft of your book
Get something you’ve written published
Get 100 rejection letters from agents or publications (hat tip to Sarah Gribble)
Go on a family vacation to a national park
Make $1,000 off your side hustle
Create a successful blog, podcast, or YouTube channel
Get your first project as a freelance writer
Write a new short story every week for a year
Find a writing community that supports your work
Learn how to give strong feedback to other writers
Revise the first draft of your book

You can’t accomplish everything all at once.

Instead, break up your lifetime writing objectives into smaller chunks so that you can think through the steps it will take to make your dreams actually happen.

When big goals are broken down into smaller, more manageable steps, the likelihood of succeeding all your goals becomes a reality.

Moving from Dreaming to Focusing On What Can You Control

As you’re thinking of your project goals, think of them in terms of what you can control and avoid goals that rely on things outside of your control.

For instance, what if we changed the example goal above, “Get something you've written published,” to “Submit a query letter to 100 agents”?

You can’t control whether agents will like your book and sign you, but you can focus on how many well-researched, hard-written query letters you send out.

When you focus on what you can control—on a measurable goal—you not only set yourself up to actually accomplishing it, but you avoid feeling frustrated and resentful if that goal doesn’t come true.

Better yet, you design a goal that is likely to come true as long as you stay motivated .

And prioritize it.

3. Weekly Writing Goals

Once you have your project goal, go one step further.

Think about what you can accomplish each week to make that goal happen.

Here are some smaller goals you might set to help you achieve your bigger writing goals:

Write the premise of your book and pitch it to ten people
Write 5,000 words per week on your book
Publish one blog post per day
Send five people pitches for guest posts or articles
Email twenty people who would like to read your book
Listen to an audiobook while exercising for one hour three times per week
Finish one new writing project, like a short story
Give feedback on the work of at least two writing partners

Here, you're moving from grand dreams to simple, measurable goals that are within your control and that can be accomplished within a specific time frame with hard work. We're moving from the lofty goal to the achievable goal, the actionable goal.

Achieving your dreams comes from imagining giant leaps but taking baby steps.

You can’t control what other people do, but you can control how much time and effort you spend accomplishing your weekly goals.

When setting large writing goals like finishing a book, you can't expect to achieve this over night. Instead, you need to break down your writing goals into smaller, weekly milestones. Think of these as the building blocks that eventually construct a sturdy pyramid.

Use it to designate your smaller, weekly writing goals in addition to its other many organizing benefits.

And remember, you don't need to know every weekly goal (or goals) for the entire year on the first of January. Knowing your project goals is your first step, and then breaking this down into manageable, smaller goals will give you a strategy on what you need to accomplish first.

Learn more about how to make grand, organized goals with baby steps in this article! Tweet this

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

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24 Comments

Setting daily goals helps us going on and planning long-term strategies – it hasn’t got to be a big deal, even a little step further is helpful 🙂

My long-term goal?

Well, I’ve got quite a few short stories on my desk, so… I could create my first e-book, for example.

That sounds great! Having lots of stories to choose from is never a bad thing. You have plenty of options.

I am trying to have them, at least 🙂

One of my long-term goals is to write a large piece of work. Originally, I thought novel, but it seems the more I think about it, the more daunting it seems. So I thought about some other ways I could achieve something similar. I thought about a novella or novelette. I thought about a short story series. I’m still working out the details, trying to see what would work best for me.

In the meantime, I’m focusing on writing in my journal daily and writing a short story a month. Yes, I really need that time to write something compact. I recently recommitted myself to participate in writing exercises this blog offers. It’s been very helpful in spouting my creativity.

I love novellas! Sometimes all it takes is finishing a shorter piece to realize that you’re actually very capable of something longer. Other times it inspires you to write more short pieces. Whatever sparks your interest, you should chase after that. 🙂

Many thanks for this post!

Short-term goal? Polish my ebook and form a daily writing habit 🙂 Long term goal? Help in the transformation of people using words, not yet sure as to its form though.

I love those goals. 🙂 Daily writing habits are so important. Thanks for sharing!

Yes! Failure to set achievable, concrete goals is part of what holds so many writers back. With no sense of direction, aspiring writers end up wandering the earth talking about the book they will write “some day.”

As for daily goals, the word count goal has never worked for me. I wish it would, but I just can’t write that way. Instead, I look at my schedule for the day, see how much time I have to work on writing stuff, and then set a priority. Sometimes that is an actual word count, other times it might me to finish a scene, revise a chapter, or simply do a blog post.

What is important, however, is that we do try to accomplish at least one thing everyday toward building our writing careers and working toward achieving that big lifetime goal.

Some people can get scared off by word counts, so writing as much as they can in a fifteen minute chunk works better. I’m glad you found something that works for you! Every little bit helps.

Goal: wanting to do e-novel … no potential collaborators/publicizers to build any promise of momentum … although I had thought of that in particular …

I already have 16 pages, but it’s been over a number of days. Afraid the actual period in my working title is much too close. Sub-sub-sub-goal: maybe just maybe, I can write 6 more. In one day. Sub-goal: Then, I could build up a momentum – yeah, my mindmap outline, etc., etc. is abandoned for this, for now … until a … whole lot of pages are added. I maybe have only a couple dozen pages worth of packaged scenarios as of now.

My drunken imaginary muse has taken to insulting me. “You one of those a**holes who thinks they are going to write a book … hah, I give you the courage, but you don’t listen to me!!” and, “Be very scared. Somebody is going to do your e-novel instead of you!” … and then the demon rum makes her pass out … Yeah—in my world, that’s motivating.

Update: the imaginary drunken muse did get me writing. So far a little over 3 pages were added. I have been a teetotaler for the past dozen years or so, and did not get drunk in reality. But I’ve been drunk in my life. It had gotten me feeling quite amiable and never, ever aggressive/insulting or any shades of this aforementioned lady. So this muse really is quite imaginary …

2nd Update: … a little more abuse from my muse. So, far, now an additional. almost ten pages followed.

“Be very scared. Somebody is going to do your e-novel instead of you!” One of the things that motivates me is the realization that if I don’t write my story, NO ONE will!

That sounds, to me, that you are not driven to write your work by paranoia (or any other hang-ups). But I – with plenty enough foibles in that regard – have taken my bad mood [for writing], and turned it into something else.

I am a firm believer in “use whatever works.” If paranoia, hang-ups and other foibles get it done for you, harness those tools and go for it!

I have a horrible habit of starting and then not continuing. I get busy with work and school and slowly just stop. I want to write so much and get discouraged easily so I allow myself the excuse to stop. I’m going to make it work this time!

Daily goal: Write a minimum of 500 words The long-term goal: Write a short story by Dec 2016 Life-time goal: complete a novel that I have been working on since I was fourteen.

http://elizabgosc.weebly.com/blog

These are fantastic goals! Starting is easier than finishing. It takes a lot of hard work to see a project through. Thanks for sharing these with us. 🙂

Hey The Magic Violinist,

Your post really helped me reassess my goals. Not that I don’t have one in the first place but I’ve never though about a clear division of a daily, long-term and life long goals.

Thanks for sharing!

Cheers, Anh

Thank you! 🙂 I think a lot of people have vague goals to start, which is wonderful, because then you can examine them more closely and get a plan set.

From my WIP. I had a lot of false starts.

She had managed to find a place to sleep. It was not as uncomfortable as the culvert in Monterey had been, but it was a long way from a hotel bed. She had spent the past six nights here. She needed money, and had managed to land a job picking grapes at a local vineyard. The man who hired the workers was skeptical a blind girl could pick grapes, but the work was straightforward enough: find a cluster of grapes, cut the stem with the shears (be sure to leave enough stem), place the cluster in the basket (gently, so as not to bruise the grapes). The man always paid the workers cash, and never asked questions about where they were from. His biggest consternation had been Akiko’s insistence he pay her in singles. He did so grudgingly.

The hard part of picking grapes was the actual work: being in the hot sun for ten hours a day (with thirty minutes off for lunch) was arduous enough, but the constant bending over was brutal. By the end of the day, she could have easily slept in a culvert.

Thanks for sharing! You do a nice job of introducing the character right away and what her situation is. It’s easy to skip over details like that.

Thanks. This is from the middle of chapter four, so she’s been introduced, but thanks.

Daily Goal, Long term Goal, Lifetime Goal. That sums it up and easy to remember, This will be very helpful.

Thank you! 🙂 I’m glad it helps!

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However, setting SMART goals is one thing that can help you significantly improve your writing skills. This article discusses SMART goals for writing skills.

SMART goals can help you set precise goals you can measure in realistic ways to monitor your progress over time.

Table of Contents

What Are SMART Goals?

To set usable SMART goals, knowing what they are is crucial. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable (or Attainable), Relevant, and Time-Bound (or Timely). These are five parts of a greater goal.

If you focus on the five letters of this acronym, setting and achieving goals becomes easier. So let’s look at the five letters of the SMART acronym and what they mean in setting SMART goals for writing skills.

If you would like more information on setting and achieving SMART goals, we recommend checking out Ultimate Guide to SMART Goals . In addition, a vision board can help you determine what your biggest goals are.

Why SMART Goals Are Important for Developing Writing Skills

SMART goals help you create structure in a way that makes them easier to achieve.

It’s about setting specific goals where you can measure the progress over a certain period, goals that are relevant to your overall end goal, which, in this case, is improving your writing skills.

There are a significant number of challenges that today’s writers face . One of the most common is dealing with complex and unfamiliar topics and lacking practical research skills. But, of course, to write, you first need to research, which is easier said than done.

Another big challenge , once resources have been found, is to organize them, so they are easily usable for your writing. Also related to research and sources is ensuring that your writing hasn’t been plagiarized, which can land you in serious trouble.

goals as a writer and reader | goals of academic writing | list of writing goals

Moreover, perhaps one of the biggest writing challenges is forming a coherent argument that makes sense and is valid. It concerns using common sense, logical thought, and deductive skills within a solid writing structure to develop an argument that is accurate and easy to understand.

Another challenge writers face a simple lack of grammar and spelling skills , combined with an ineffective vocabulary. The cornerstone of assembling a good piece of writing is knowing the best words to use.

Other challenges you may face include a simple lack of feedback. To improve at something, you need constructive criticism. A lack of practice and experience are also issues.

We want to look at a series of SMART goals for writing skills to help you formulate a strategy that will help you improve.

We will help you set goals to tackle the challenges writers face, as laid out above. SMART goals are your plan of action.

11 Examples of SMART Goals for Writing Skills

Let’s go over a few examples of SMART goals that will help you tackle the challenges mentioned above faced by writers.

1. Read from Academic Sources

“To improve my vocabulary, I will spend at least 15 minutes reading from an academic source each day. All throughout, I will keep track of the number of words I do not know to judge my reading comprehension skills and vocabulary. My end goal is to fully comprehend any piece of writing within one year of the start date.”

S: This goal is specific as you aim to read from an academic source every day for a particular time to increase your vocabulary.

M: This goal is measurable because you can track how many words you are unfamiliar with over 15 minutes of reading.

A: This goal is achievable because spending 15 minutes per day reading is not very time-consuming, nor is making a list to keep track of unfamiliar words.

R: This goal is directly relevant to improving writing skills because having a good vocabulary is essential for writing well. Regularly reading is a great habit to have anyway.

T: This goal is time-bound to a certain degree because the aim is to engage in this practice for at least 15 minutes per day, every day, by the end of each day.

2. Learn New Words

“To help improve my vocabulary, I will spend 10 minutes each day making a list of words that I have heard but do not know the meaning of. I will then use a dictionary and a thesaurus to learn what these words mean and their synonyms. I want to shorten my list of unfamiliar words by at least 5% each week.”

S: This goal is specific as the aim is to make a list of unfamiliar words and then learn their meanings. The objective is to improve your vocabulary.

M: This goal is measurable to a certain degree because you can easily see the length of your list of unfamiliar words.

A: This goal is easy to attain because you can write down unfamiliar words as you read them and then set aside a few minutes each day to look them up.

R: As established above, having a strong vocabulary is essential to becoming a proficient writer.

T: This process is time-bound, as you are setting aside a certain amount of time each day to complete this task. It’s also time-bound as you intend to shorten the list of unfamiliar words within a set timeframe.

3. Ask for Feedback

“Whenever I complete a piece of writing, I will immediately give it to a friend or family member and ask them to provide me with realistic and relevant feedback. I will ask for feedback within three days. Then, I will examine the feedback immediately and make adjustments as needed by the end of the week (or within seven days of giving said person my piece of writing).”

S: This goal is specifically designed to seek feedback on your writing within a specific timeframe to have others tell you what needs improvement.

M: This goal is measurable to a certain degree, as you can use your judgment to determine how positive or negative the feedback is. The more positive feedback you get, the more you progress.

A: This goal is easy to attain because you simply have to find some people willing to engage in this feedback process. Here’s a good guide on how to motivate others to help you.

R: This is highly relevant because things sound different from somebody else’s perspective. You need to know how other people read and interpret your work.

T: This goal is time-based, as the aim is to get feedback and make adjustments within a specific time.

4. Join a Debate Club

“To improve my logical thought, deduction, and argument-formation skills, I will join a debate club within the next 14 days. I will aim to have at least one debate per week, with the overall goal of winning at least two consecutive debates within six months of joining the debate team.”

S: This goal is specific in using a debate team to improve argument-formation skills over a particular time to win consecutive debates.

M: This goal is measurable because you can judge your progress by your performance and overall results in your weekly debates.

A: It’s a relatively easy goal because argument formation skills also improve by practicing debating skills.

R: It’s a relevant goal because good writing requires clear and coherent arguments to be formed.

T: It is a time-bound goal because it aims to win two consecutive debates within six months of joining the team.

5. Learn to Read Faster

“I will read at least one chapter of a book per day and write a summary of the main points within the said chapter. The overall goal is to first increase the speed at which I read, and second, to detail the main points more clearly and concisely within each chapter. My aim is to read at least one word more per minute each day and be able to read at least 100 words per minute within 60 days of beginning this exercise. I will then go back through each chapter to examine my analysis' accuracy.”

S: This goal is specific because you intend to read a certain amount, be able to read faster, at least one word per minute more each day, and to better comprehend what you’ve read over a period.

M: This goal is measurable because you can keep track of how many words per minute you read and count the main points you could remember and comprehend.

A: This is an easy-to-attain goal because by practicing, your reading speed and comprehension skills will improve over time.

R: A crucial reading and writing skill is to disseminate essential facts quickly and efficiently from large writing pieces.

T: This is a timely goal as the objective is to read a certain number of words more each day, intending to read at least 100 words per minute within 60 days of starting. This could be a part of a daily morning routine .

6. Hone Writing Skills

“I will join a professional writing class by the end of the month and complete it by the end of the year. The overall goal is to hone my writing skills, precisely the style, and type of writing required for my profession. My aim is to get at least a 90% score on all exams in this writing course.”

S: The specific goal is to first complete a particular writing class and, second, get a score of at least 90% on all exams.

M: This goal is easy to measure, as all of your work will be graded by the instructor.

A: This goal is attainable through hard work, practice, and studying.

R: It is a relevant goal because taking a course designed specifically for that end will improve my writing skills.

T: It is a time-bound goal, as writing classes only last for so long.

7. Identify Writers You Admire

“I will identify writers I admire whom I can learn from. By choosing one writer per month, I will have time to research that writer, identifying their trademark style, unique approach to topics, and literary style. I will identify one to three aspects of each writer’s style that I can adapt to my own writing style, practicing these over the last two weeks of each month per writer. I will then track to see which style adaptation works for me and which feels out of place.”

S: This goal is specific in that you need to identify people who write in such a way that you admire. The task is specific and targeted at a predetermined outcome—finding writers you like.

M: You can measure your success here by how many great writers you’ve researched and considered as writers you admire.

A: Achieve this goal by reading up on one writer per month, which is achievable.

R: Build the relevance of this goal by focusing on a skill (other writers’ writing ability) that you can apply to your own writing career.

T: This goal has a time limit of one writer per month, which ensures you won’t get bored and will have enough time to research these writers, while still having time to write too.

8. Developing Writing Tricks

“Having achieved my goal of identifying writers I admire; I will now learn their tricks or the shortcuts that help them create great content and captivating manuscripts. I will use the next month per writer, reading their best work and also their worst work, identifying what worked in the first while being missing in the latter. From my notes, I will then apply the x-factor that helps these writers be so great to help me be a better writer. Having found each writer’s success formula, I will apply this to my writing too.”

S: Identify the specific traits or skills that a writer used to succeed that was missing from their poor work. This is a specific step.

M: Success can be measured by seeing whether you can identify what made a writer great in their work, while also spotting what made them not succeed, and then seeing if you have similar challenges. You can measure success by how many writers you can analyze in the given time.

A: Anybody can read what someone else wrote, but because you are a writer, you will be able to achieve a real analysis of their work and style through comparison.

R: This is a relevant goal as it will improve your writing ability if you can see what tricks work and what doesn’t. You write relevant content by learning from someone else’s mistakes.

T: There is a time limit to this goal because you have a month per writer, which is when you move on to a different writer.

long term career goals statement examples | sample career aspirations statement for managers | how to write a goal statement for work

9. Develop Brilliant Self-Editing Skills

“I know I am not perfect, so I will sharpen my self-editing skills. I will make it a requirement to read my content at least three times before letting it rest for a week and then reading it again, but this time reading it from the bottom up (not in reverse) so I can check each sentence independently, and also then read it from start to finish to catch any errors and inconsistencies that need to be edited. I will also invest in a good grammatical tool such as Grammarly Premium for the next six months to suggest changes where necessary. By asking family members to check my writing, I can get an indication of my improvements and learning.”

S: This goal is about improving the quality of your writing, which is a specific goal.

M: You can measure this goal by looking at the grammar checking tool’s score, while also asking family members to report back on their perception of your writing improvement.

A: You can achieve this goal as it has smaller micro-goals, such as editing from the bottom up and investing in a grammar tool for six months.

R: As a writer, having quality content and captivating writing is vital to industry success, which means this goal is relevant to your career as a writer.

T: With a time limit of reading content three times, resting seven days, then reading it again, you create a healthy time habit that will help you review your work with fresh eyes.

10. Broaden My Knowledge Base

“To be a successful writer, I also need to be a great “reader” with a wide knowledge base, so I will read a new niche or topic each week. Instead of reading about things I am already familiar with, I need to read new and unusual topics that I know nothing about and possibly never even knew existed. For each new topic, I will create a list of 10 terms or ideas that are unique to that area of expertise, which I will practice referring to in the last week of each month.”

S: The specifics of this goal are to broaden knowledge, which you can specifically do by reading a new topic each week and keeping notes on that topic.

M: You can measure your knowledge expansion by using industry-specific knowledge in daily discussions. Check off each term or idea each time you use them.

A: Reading a book or blog each week is achievable, and it’s interesting too, so you will likely keep up the knowledge habit.

R: Writing is about knowledge, so being informed about many different areas of interest means you will have a wide knowledge base, and this will keep you (and your written content) relevant.

T: The time limit on this task is specific, helping to keep you on track in your goal to read a new book (topic) each week.

11. Identify New Writing Markets

“To ensure I can earn a living from writing, I will explore different writing markets until I find one (or more) where I naturally thrive. A market can only be explored if you work in it, so I will choose a new writing market every three months, seeking out writing opportunities and clients in that market. When I am satisfied that I know more about that particular writing market, I will move on to the next (while still maintaining activity in the previous markets). Finally, I will choose the markets where I can enjoy the most success and hone my skills there.”

S: The specific goal is to find new writing markets that may help you write successfully and earn a living.

M: Your success can be measured by the number of markets you explore and how you slot into each.

A: You can achieve this goal by applying for new writing jobs or projects online in markets where you haven’t previously written, such as content writing, SEO writing, copywriting, fiction, non-fiction, and more.

R: The goal is relevant as you want to build a successful writing career, but you may not yet know what market you and your writing abilities are best suited to.

T: With a time limit of three months per market, you have enough time to investigate a market without forcing yourself to drown in any particular one. You can easily dip your toes into a market in three months, so the goal is reachable and timebound.

Final Thoughts on SMART Goals for Writing Skills

The best way to hone your writing skills is to set specific goals. The best way to do this is by making them SMART goals, which enable you to set concise goals, achieve those goals, and when they should be completed.

This kind of structure and organization always makes achieving any goal easier. So make five or six SMART goals and start improving your writing today!

And if you want more SMART goal ideas and examples, be sure to check out these blog posts:

Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals .

smart goals for writing skills | goals to improve writing skills | writing goals examples

7 Ways To Set (Insanely Successful) Writing Goals

by Lewis / January 10, 2023 / Inspiration , Other

Good writing goals don’t always come easy…

We all set goals with the best of intentions. But if you’ve ever gotten caught up in the New Year’s resolution hype, you’ll know it’s just as easy for those goals to fall to the side. Writing goals are no different, meaning sticking to our goals can often be as difficult as writing itself.

Fortunately, there are ways to choose the right writing goals, ones that set you up for success rather than disappointment. So, let’s take a tour through all the ways you can set better writing goals— from the SMART goal framework to mercy days and more!

Why You Need Better Writing Goals

Setting goals comes with a ton of important benefits and is a big part of succeeding as a writer. Perhaps you hope to finish your novel by the end of the year, outline your new fantasy trilogy, or find a critique partner to help you as you write. Or, maybe you’re a bit more specific, and plan to revise your second draft in the next six months or send your manuscript to an as-yet-determined editor.

However, all of these goals have a problem—they’re not achievable.

On the surface they might look fine, but when you actually try to meet them, you’ll quickly realize they’re just too big to be successful…

This is why setting the right writing goal is almost as important as setting goals at all.

Good writing goals keep you accountable, but they also give you milestones to work towards, ways to measure progress, and the confidence that you’re on track. They’re tailored to you, and they’re specific enough that you always know what’s next. After all, work expands to fill the time allotted to it. Without some goal in mind, you’ll tinker with your novel forever.

So, how do you set better goals?

How to Set SMART Writing Goals

SMART goals have their origins in the business and productivity spaces, but they’re a useful tool for writers too. SMART is an acronym that stands for:

Specific: What specific outcome are you trying to achieve? What actions or steps will you take to achieve it? Measurable: How will you track your progress? What numbers, dates, or milestones can you focus on? Attainable: Is this goal realistic for you to achieve? Does it respect your existing commitments and writing speed? Relevant: Will this goal move you closer to your desired outcome? Will it help you achieve your long-term goals? Timely: What is the timeframe for accomplishing this goal? When do you want to achieve it?

Of course, even within the realm of SMART goals, there are many ways to approach this .

On the one hand, you might focus on a project-based goal where you measure things like word count, chapters written, et cetera. Or, you could decide on a time-based goal, where you focus on how long and when you want to write each day or week.

Both options have pros and cons:

Project-Based Goals: Great for tracking measurable, steady progress over time, especially if you’re confident in how much you can write each month or week. However, these can quickly become overwhelming if you fall behind or overestimate your writing speed. Time-Based Goals: Best for those with busy schedules or who can’t commit to writing a certain number of words, but can squeeze in fifteen or thirty minutes throughout the day. Just don’t get distracted and waste your limited writing time.

Regardless of which type of writing goal is best for you, the principles of SMART goals still apply. So, here’s an example of two different SMART writing goals, and one “not-so-smart” goal for comparison:

Project-Based Goal: My goal is to write 1,500 words of my first draft each day of November, aiming for 50,000 words total by December 1st. Time-Based Goal: My goal is to work on my first draft (specifically on writing new words) for two hours every Saturday, plus fifteen minutes every day during the week. Not-So-Smart Goal: My goal is to write a novel this year.

With this in mind, take a moment to write down your own writing goal—keeping these SMART principles in mind! Once you’ve chosen your goal, it’s time to talk about seven steps you can take to actually achieve it. 🙂

7 Tricks for Meeting Your Writing Goals

Create a routine:.

One of the trickiest parts of meeting your writing goals, is actually incorporating writing into your normal life. Let’s be real—we’re all way too busy! Between work, school, family, and occasionally sleep, it’s hard to make time for writing, and that stress and overwhelm means the time we do have often isn’t very creative. However, it is still possible to make writing a priority, even in small ways.

My recommendation is to develop a routine.

If you create a clear plan for when and where you’ll sit down to write, it’ll be that much easier to carve time out of your day to do so. You’ll have removed that barrier to writing, opening up mental space to spend on your story.

This extends beyond just when and where too. Ask yourself—what rituals could you use to get your brain in a creative zone? Will you free write for five minutes, turn on a playlist dedicated to your novel, or meditate before writing? Whatever your routine looks like, this is a great thing to pair with your new writing goals to make actually writing that much easier.

NOTE: Interested in the types of writing routines (and how to build a routine that fits your schedule)? Check out this article: Do You Need a Writing Routine?

Write it All Down:

Alongside developing a routine, I also strongly encourage you to write your goals down, and not just in a random notebook—but where you’ll actually see them.

Though it might seem simple, keeping your writing goals front and center is a great way to hold yourself accountable. Luckily, you can write your goals just about anywhere! If you have a whiteboard beside your desk, jot them down in a bright color to catch your eye. You could also write them on the first page of your writing notebook, or even add them as a desktop wallpaper if you’re handy with Photoshop.

This goes beyond your goal itself too.

Alongside your writing goal, consider why this goal is worth working towards:

This is your chance to brag a little, get hyped, and leave a reminder for your future self. Now, whenever your motivation wanes, you can remember what makes your novel worth your time, and fall back in love with all the interesting, fun aspects of your story!

Make Them Smaller:

Much like “write a novel” is way too broad to be a SMART goal, sometimes even our best writing goals can be a bit too big for comfort.

This is why it’s wise to organize your goals in smaller chunks.

It helps to think of these as milestones you’ll need to meet in order to achieve your main writing goal. What small, specific steps will you take to reach your desired outcome? How small you make these is up to you, but try to make them small enough that they feel attainable and relatively easy.

For example, say you’re taking part in NaNoWriMo . Rather than only having your main goal of writing 50,000 words in thirty days, you could also have weekly and daily goals to keep you on track, and give you a nice boost of serotonin when you check them off your list.

This also helps if you struggle with overwhelm.

If your brain keeps shutting down when you think about writing, try setting the smallest goal you can. This should be something you know you can achieve every day or week with little stress—such as writing one hundred words each day.

On the surface, this goal might seem like nothing to be proud of, but you simply need to shift your mindset. All progress is good progress , because writing a novel is a game of momentum. If you only write one hundred words today, great! And if that one hundred words inspires you to write even more, that’s great too!

Find Your Mental Blocks:

We all have some mental block that prevents us from writing as much (or as happily) as we would like—and these blocks are usually a major barrier between us and our writing goals.

Though frustrating, this is nothing to be ashamed of.

To tackle your own mental blocks, start by identifying them. What do you believe about your creativity, writing habits, or novel? How could these beliefs be holding you back from writing, and from enjoying your writing?

This will probably be hard at first, but I encourage you to do this without judgement. Once you’ve taken time to reflect, write what you’ve come up with, and then think of ways you could let go of these beliefs. What new beliefs could you adopt in their stead? Could you find an accountability partner or friend to help encourage you? Whatever you decide, put this into practice alongside your new writing goals!

Outline Your Novel:

Outlining your novels is one of the most useful things you can do to not only tell better stories, but also make achieving your writing goals easier too. Outlines are basically a cheat sheet for your novel, containing all the most important details of your story in an easy to reference format. With a solid outline in hand, you’ll always know what to write at the start of each writing session, saving you a ton of time and frustration.

Though not for everyone (looking at you pantsers), outlines are definitely a writing tool worth trying, whether you go full in, build a brief story bible , or create a skeleton draft .

NOTE: Want to outline, but not sure where to start? I highly recommend The Ten Day Outline . It’ll guide you through every step of outlining your next novel, and only requires ten days to complete!

Include Mercy Days:

Like it or not, you will fall behind on your goals eventually.

All of this is normal, but it can still be extremely stressful if you don’t have any wiggle room built into your writing goals.

Because of this, I strongly encourage you to schedule mercy days.

These are days where you would normally write, but where you instead have no set goals at all. This is your chance to catch up if you’ve fallen behind, or just to rest and recuperate after a difficult writing session. As I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, meeting your writing goals is as much about schedules and word counts as it is about caring for your mental wellbeing —and mercy days are a big part of that!

Track Your Results:

For many writers, “tracking” often just means recording their word count at the end of each day, adding it up until they hit the magic number that means they’re done. However, I like to think that tracking can be better than that!

Tracking your progress towards your writing goals is often the most useful thing you can do when writing a novel, because it helps you see your progress more objectively. This goes beyond word counts and hours spent writing, and into your mindset too.

So, what should you be tracking?

Well, at the end of each writing session, pause and record these eight things:

While this might seem a bit “extra,” this information goes a long way towards helping you understand yourself as a writer—both now and in the future. A few months from now, you can look back and see your progress in hard numbers, and you can start recognizing patterns too. Maybe the middle of your story always gives you trouble, or you seem to catch a second wind right around your finale.

Whatever your situation is, this helps you create better goals in the future, and serves as a reminder that (even on rough days) there’s light right around the corner!

A Final Piece of Advice…

With those seven tips behind us, you should be in a good place to put your goals into action. Now, there’s only one thing left to do—start writing. Honestly, this is hardest part. Putting those first few words on the page is extremely intimidating, and often comes with its own set of mental blocks and anxieties.

So, I want to give you some comfort: Your first draft is yours alone.

This draft is an unfinished, rough version of your novel, meaning it’s going to be messy and weird—and that’s ok! This is your chance to tell yourself your story, laying the foundation you’ll use to polish and refine it into a finished novel later.

So, here’s permission get weird! Write your first draft in emails to yourself. Dictate it using the notes app on your phone. Heck, write entirely in fridge magnets. Whatever you need to do to take that pressure off yourself and reach your goals is worth it. No matter what your goals look like, you’ve got this. 🙂

What are your goals? Let me know in the comments!

Thoughts on 7 ways to set (insanely successful) writing goals.

This is just what I needed. Thank you. Going to set those goals today!!

Thanks Lewis. The only time I really have to write is first thing in the morning and I’ve got a lot of Big Goals, and sometimes it just feels like A Lot. The timely reminder that this moves at my own speed and little goal chunks are completely fine is exactly what I needed. 100 words is still 100 more words than I had, even if that’s all I get done in an hour.

(Came over here from Tammi. Loved that Wildfire presentation!)

Welcome to TNS Tabitha! So glad this was timely for you. 😁

Hmmm… Your “Like it or not, you will fall behind on your goals eventually.” LOL not helpful, Lewis, not helpful 🙄 I came here via the Hiveword newsletter, and am completely frustrated about goal setting. I’m retired (75) and should have loads of time to write, but there always seems to be something leaping out to derail me. Grandkids need to be taken to and from school, my elderly neighbour (84 years) needs to be taken shopping or to medical appointments, and my inability to set goals is the biggest frustration of all and I just sit and feel frustrated about feeling frustrated. Maybe I should take out an advertisement in the local newspaper, “WANTED: Fellow fiction writer to bounce ideas off.” It took me 12 years to write my first YA novel, and now it’s finally about to be published – albeit self published. My second novel is in bits and pieces (probably about 15,000 words so far) and there are lots of good scenes (thank goodness for Hiveword) and just need to all be joined together with lots more scenes – a bit like a patchwork quilt. Still, I guess I still have at least 25 years of writing left in me 😄

You’ve got this Lyn! Even if you will fall behind on your goals sometimes. No shame in that! 😉

I definitely feel you on how quick life is to derail your writing. I’m curious though, is there a time in your day that you could set aside as your “writing time” and guard it in the same way you would a doctor’s appointment? As something you can’t miss, except for a true emergency? It doesn’t have to be long (you can make surprising amounts of progress in 15-30 minutes) and you would want to schedule it for a time that’s less likely to be interrupted. But that way, when someone asks you for something, you can feel more confident saying “Sure, but I have an appointment with myself until 3PM. I’ll be with you at 3:10!”

Obviously easier said than done, but I hope that gives you permission to be more protective of your writing time, if that’s what you need!

Yes–I need to set writing goals for 5-6 days a week since I am retired. I also need to set definite time allotments for setting up my plot outline/plan and for fully fleshing out my protagonist and other characters who are nearly as important as the protagonist. This is my first novel; it has been in my mind for much too long and I want to get a first draft mapped out and then written by June at the latest. Thanks for posting this message. It confirms what I already knew I need to do and pushes me to get organized and DO it! Thanks–Peggy Fish Oliver

You’ve got this Peggy! 🥳

I just came to say the same thing you did, Elijah. Lewis’ TNS blog posts always seem to come exactly when I need them and are always a big kick in the pants. 🙂

I’ll be reworking my Q1 goals – again 🙂

Lewis, you always have exactly the the kick in the rear I need right when I need it most. 😂 I’m officially taking today as a goal-setting day. I’m setting a goal to have my long-suffering second draft finished by the end of Q1 this year, just waffling on whether I want that to mean “write at least four days each week and 1,000 words on each day I write” or “write at least five days each week and 800 words on each day I write”.

Perhaps test both? Sometimes the best way to figure this stuff out is to experiment! Glad this was a positive kick in the pants for you though. So excited to see your second draft finished, I’ll be rooting for you all the way. 😁

What “SMART” Stands For

SMART is all about the properties of a good (“smart”) goal.

It stands for:

( See here and here for more on these descriptions.)

Each of these feel like good goal-setting elements in general, but what really stands out to me is R, Relevant. This is a chance to ask: What does this writing goal, resolution, project, or process mean to me ? How is it part of the life I wish to live?

This is certainly worth reflecting on. In my experience, knowing why I write can help a huge amount with the how and when.

Our reasons for writing will—of course—be different for each of us. With that in mind, I’ll offer that, in my view, having the chance to share our humanity with one another through written language is one of the great gifts of life. So whatever your reason is, I know it’s a good one.

Here’s to a wonderful and writerful 2024!

Frederick Meyer

Writing truly an amazing way to give life in the form of tangible memories or basic ideas…therapeutic for sure…to the ones conveying and the ones receiving it…my blood my brows sweat the ink to my pen!!! The countless pages in the form of sheets of many types..from paper bags to napkins to the parts of my skin for my canvas that waits to be outlined into the intensity of a kaleidoscope of emotions dying to come out…to be viewed to be felt in ensuring all types of waking UP’s inside and out every side..especially the parts that are crippled locked jammed in sick stillnesses out of fear of scaring all away leaving us in an awkward mess for doubts set out to stop anything from becoming something!!I would love to leave y’all with something I came across a year in my 3 years and 3 month prison term…when nothing could console me..the losses from being free to be a mother to my beautiful three daughter’s aja and naynay and jady..from being able to have the freedom to know I could be free even while incarcerated ..a blessing in disguise because I was dying!!! I’d lost my physical freedom my rights my luxuries.. To just be in my life’s moment’s.. In a Bible a year after not knowing how to deal with all I wanted to get back to… My life!! My girls!! This was in a separate piece of paper within the pages of the only book of life worth referring towards.(THE BIBLE)..this is what the small piece of paper said and I quote!!!” Sometimes you have to let go of all you think you cannot live without in otderTO BE ABLE TO HOLD ONTO WHAT YOU STILL GOT”end quote…it was then..right at that moment that I realized how wise words are imperative&vital and, crucial…how FREEING and helpful they can be .why its important to learn to want to understand… So its wisdom and valuable lesson’s won’t pass you by…words!!! Turned into knowledge for the very power that fuels Gods hope in order to find your way out of the bondage for pessimistic thoughts that have been like a plague…a form of cancer ..poison to your mind’s abilities& capabilities,and capacity to break out and awayyyyyy..!! and see all through!!! Yea…its not how much you write its what you write about and owning your own style of how to go about!!! Write on!!!! Right on!!! Sincerely Gypsy skigh blue!! Aka Noemi cazares MY NEW YEARS RESOLUTION… TO BE ABLE TO GIVE LIFE THROUGH WORDS TO ALL IVE EXPERIENCE… SURVIVED WHILE HAVING TO BECOME MANY COOL AND INSANE SAVAGE CHARACTERS IN order TO FINALLY FIND MY WAY TO MY THROWN IN WAITING… A CHAIR IN FRONT OF A DESK OR TABLE WHERE I MAY FINALLY SIT DOWN AND SHARE MY unbelievable MISSIONS IN LIFE!! BECAUSE ITS NO LONGER A JOURNEY.. ITS MY LIFE!! I FINALLY VALUE IT AND UNDERSTAND THE UNSPEAKABLE THE UNREFINED THE rawness OF IT ALL THATS BEEN EVER SO DEEPLY SENSITIVE… LEADING ME MANY TIMES ON THE DEFENSES MAKING IT EASY TO BELIEVE I MUST BE CRAZY… IM NOT BUT WHAT WAS DONE to me and mine AND LATER SAID AGAINST ME TO DECLARE ME FOR SURE insane !!! GOD FORBID THEY LISTEN TO ME…YEA…THAT WAS TRULY CRAZY THEY WERE UNHINGED… BUT SOME HOW THROUGH THE graceful GRACE OF GOD… I SURVIVED IT…SO PEN TO PAPERS…and this is how it soon will go…..God help me always… I’m your mess…I’m not any less….I’m More, more than I allowed myself to become… Thank God!! I’m never alone especially when I was…AMEN!! Amen!!/Amen!!

Everyday I come up with the day’s to-do list and i’ll make sure the followings feature on the list: (a)writing at least two flash fictions (b) editing an old story (c) reading online magazine ,at least two magazines (d) listening to an audio story , at least two short stories

As one who also like programming, i’d including coding as well. is this a clear SMART violation?

I have never really thought about writing stories or anything else related, I just happened to by pass this website but I’m actually considering taking it in for my goals in this coming year.

So thank you for the inspiration and happy new year!

We hope you start writing, Nshuti! Happy New Year!

SMART goals were a part of my life throughout my career as a school administrator. I had forgotten about them until I read this article. More than four years ago, I made the goal of writing every day. Not entirely smart but it is one that I have achieved. As January 1, 2024 approaches, I will got back to my roots and create my SMART goal for the year. Thanks for refreshing my memory.

Smart Goals Ideas for Creative Writers

What is a smart goal , m—measurable, a—achievable , t—time bound, how setting smart goals can help creative writers , guide creativity, measure milestones, prevent overwhelm, ditch procrastination, two smart goals ideas for creative writers , smart goals examples 1/2, smart goals examples 2/2.

If you’re a creative writer, you may not be known for things like “ organization ” and “structure,” but this doesn’t have to be the case! We’ve put together smart goals ideas and smart goals examples to demonstrate how creating structured goals can actually enhance your creativity, not limit it.

(Seriously.)

Smart goals is a style of goal setting that helps tease out the finer details that will turn a vague idea into a road map for achieving your goals.

By applying these smart goals examples and smart goals ideas, creative writers (and writers of every type) can work towards reaching their big objectives while still getting the best from their art.

S.M.A.R.T is an acronym to help you break down the details of exactly what, when, why, and how you’re planning to reach your goals.

Get clear on exactly what you want.

Creative writers can often face challenges with vague goals and aspirations. Instead of having a goal to “write more,” be more specific, with goals such as entering five contests or finishing the first draft of your manuscript this year.

How are you going to track your progress toward your goal?

Using metrics like word counts, hours worked, or number of clients can help you be more accountable to your goals.

Is this goal something you will realistically be able to accomplish?

Setting big goals is motivational, but setting unrealistic goals isn’t helpful. They just leave you feeling discouraged.

Your goal should be something challenging enough that you will need to push yourself, but not so out of reach that you cannot possibly be successful.

Your smart goals should be in line with your values, current projects, or future plans.

Don’t just set a goal of writing a novel if it’s not relevant to the work you want to pursue. Think about what matters to you and set goals that will get you closer to your larger objectives.

Give yourself a deadline and check in points to stay on track.

Without a timeline, it’s easy to become complacent and put off working toward your goals. The consequence? You’ll eventually drop them. Whether it’s a week, month, or yearlong commitment, set a date and stick to it.

Using the smart goal format, you can create goals for any area of your life from personal, financial, business and even creative that are clear and actionable.

If you're a creative writer, you may not be known for things like "organization" and "structure," but this doesn't have to be the case! We've put together smart goals ideas and smart goals examples to demonstrate how creating structured goals can actually enhance your creativity, not limit it.

I’ve heard it said that creativity thrives in chaos, but writers don’t have to fear their creativity being stifled by setting structured goals. Smart goals can help creative writers keep the chaos…it just becomes organized chaos .

Honestly, smart goals work for everyone—including creative writers. Here are a few ways that creative writers can benefit from smart goals.

Writers are known for their imagination. And guess what? The beauty of smart goals is they can be customized into whatever you want or need them to be. The right smart goals give you just enough structure and direction to channel your creativity and allow you to use more of your energy on creating your best work.

If your goal is too broad or non-existent, it can be difficult to measure your progress. Setting multiple smart goals can help you clearly see the different pieces or aspects of your project. This makes it easier to see progress, stay focused on your objectives, and allows you to celebrate reaching milestones along the way.

Are you even a writer if you haven’t stared endlessly at a blank page or screen for what feels like hours or days? This can happen for a number of reasons, but when a task seems too huge it easily leads to thoughts that lead to overwhelm and lack of action.

Breaking up big projects or goals into specific, achievable tasks can help you maintain progress and feel more accomplished.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by Regina George procrastination.

Without deadlines, it’s easy to put off projects or spend too much time on them. Having a timeline and/or due date is not meant to handcuff you or stifle creativity. Look at deadlines more as a motivator to move past procrastination and perfectionism in favor of urgency and getting words on paper.

Goals are not one-size-fits-all. Putting in a bit of effort into setting solid smart goals from the start can lead to big results.

Let’s look at some smart goals examples and smart goals ideas to kick-start the process.

Weak goal: I want to get recognized for my work.

Smart goal: I will submit my piece to one literary magazine each month of this year with the goal of being published in at least one so I can be recognized for my work and further my reach in the writing community. I will know I have reached my goal if I have submitted to 12 magazines by December 31 and been published in at least one.

Weak goal: I want to write more.

Smart goal: I am committing to increasing my creative writing output to 500 words per day for the next three months to get closer to turning my hobby into a profession. I will set aside 30 minutes a day to write and track my word counts in a digital spreadsheet. I will know that I have reached my goal if I have written 45,000 words at the end of the three-month period.

If creativity thrives in chaos, then imagine how much it can flourish with a bit of direction!

Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound goals does not mean your creativity will suffer. Let smart goals lighten your load so you can focus more energy on your craft.

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They all have their uses.

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Long ago, I came up with a list of ways working freelancers can grow their writing income. If you’ve been wondering how to make money writing—serious money, that is—this list is for you. If you’re a newbie, you’ll find plenty of useful suggestions here, too.

Fire Up Your First Draft: 10 Time-Saving Ways to Boost Writing Speed

The Blazing-Fast Way to Boost Writing Speed. Makealivingwriting.com

Are you struggling to boost your writing speed?

You’re not alone. Cranking out a first draft is agony for many freelance writers. It can kill your productivity and suck the joy out of your work. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

I used to hate first drafts, too. I could sweat for hours over one paragraph. Hours! My writing speed was so terrible, I even quit freelance writing for a while. Don’t do that, OK?

When I came back to freelance writing after a long break, I had a new attitude-and a new skill set. I learned how to triple my writing speed. I’m happier, I’m a better writer, and I make more money in less time.

No matter how slow, scared, and perfectionistic you are, you can light up your first-draft writing speed.

It’s not a mysterious, magical gift. It’s a skill, just like knowing where to put the commas or how to pitch an editor. And the better you get at it, the more you can earn.

Ready to fire up your first-draft writing speed? Check out these ten tips to write faster.

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Secret of Success: Know How to Set and Achieve a Writing Goal
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Editable Writing Goals Posters Clip Chart for Classroom Decor
What are good writing goals
Setting Writing Goals in Writing Workshop
Writing Mini Lesson #13- Setting Writing Goals

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My writing goal: to set aside time every day to write
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The Power of Writing Down Your Goals
Achieve Your Goals: Unlock Success with Writing, Planning & Taking Action!
Writing Performance Review Goals

COMMENTS

How to Set Effective Writing Goals (That Will Help You Grow)
You may find that writing a book takes longer than anticipated (*nods in George R. R. Martin*), or you're dealing with unexpected life events that leave little room for pursuing your writing goals. Adapt your goals. Say your goal is to submit your poems to 30 literary magazines, but then life got in the way. Adjust the goal to fit your new ...
13 SMART Goals Examples to Develop Your Writing Skills
10. Learn Different Genres of Writing. SMART Goal: I want to learn the types of writing genres for 6 months. I'll spend time researching the different genres, such as creative writing, journalistic writing, and technical writing. That will give me an idea of the varying writing styles and guide me when tackling a new project.
Writing Goals: How to Set Meaningful Goals for 2024 That You Can Manage
3. Weekly Writing Goals. Once you have your project goal, go one step further. Think about what you can accomplish each week to make that goal happen. Here are some smaller goals you might set to help you achieve your bigger writing goals: Write the premise of your book and pitch it to ten people; Write 5,000 words per week on your book
11 SMART Goals Examples for Improving Your Writing Skills
11 Examples of SMART Goals for Writing Skills. Let's go over a few examples of SMART goals that will help you tackle the challenges mentioned above faced by writers. 1. Read from Academic Sources "To improve my vocabulary, I will spend at least 15 minutes reading from an academic source each day. All throughout, I will keep track of the ...
7 Ways To Set (Insanely Successful) Writing Goals
Regardless of which type of writing goal is best for you, the principles of SMART goals still apply. So, here's an example of two different SMART writing goals, and one "not-so-smart" goal for comparison: Project-Based Goal: My goal is to write 1,500 words of my first draft each day of November, aiming for 50,000 words total by December 1st.
How to Set SMART Writing Goals for 2024
Frederick has been with Writers.com since 2019. He studied literature, creative writing, social sciences, and business both as an undergraduate and in graduate school. He has also worked as a copyeditor, writing tutor, web developer, and spiritual coach. Frederick's writing interests are poetry, short fiction, and especially spiritual nonfiction.
Smart Goals Ideas for Writers (+ 2 Smart Goals Examples)
Two Smart Goals Ideas for Creative Writers . Goals are not one-size-fits-all. Putting in a bit of effort into setting solid smart goals from the start can lead to big results. Let's look at some smart goals examples and smart goals ideas to kick-start the process. Smart Goals Examples 1/2. Weak goal: I want to get recognized for my work.
How To Set (Truly) Effective Writing Goals
Setting flexible goals to avoid writing burnout…. Big-picture goals can help you find focus in your writing practice, while an achievable everyday goal is the foundation on which your practice will thrive. But hitting your goals with consistency isn't always possible. Life is messy, and your creative energies ebb and flow over time. If you ...
Writing Goals and Intentions: 25 Prompts
But rather than just make a resolution and watch it gradually fall by the wayside as January turns to February and life takes over (guilty as charged!), we want to help you set goals and intentions with actionable steps so you can find writing success in 2023—no matter what that looks like to you.
How to Set Your Writing Goals
5 Steps for Setting Meaningful Writing Goals Start with a deadline. Start with the end in mind. Give yourself a deadline for completing the project. For example, if you are taking part in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), you will start your project on November 1st with the goal of completing it by November 30th.Maybe you're entering your novel in a writing competition, and the ...