by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel

Have you just signed a contract to write a book and now have that angst in your stomach wondering if you can actually fulfill your end of the agreement?

What if something comes up between now and the deadline and you can’t produce a quality work?

I know this feeling. Even now as I embark upon a new writing project (yes, with a very definite deadline) I have to remind myself that I did actually turn in all previous thirteen books on time!

I am not bragging. Just saying that as a professional writer, I take contracts seriously and my writing even more seriously. But I don’t take myself too seriously.

When I commit to write a book, an article or guest blog, I am plugging into the intricate scheduling of someone else – a publishing house, a magazine or a website. They are counting on receiving my work and they, too, have committed to me that it will be published.

If I fail to follow through in a timely and appropriate manner, my actions could set in motion unfortunate consequences that might reflect poorly on my integrity and their house.

This is the part of a writer’s life that you don’t want to hear. You may be thinking that I am haughty, judgmental or lacking grace. I assure you, this is not the truth. I live every day dependent on God’s grace in my life and I offer it freely to others.

One day I may need to ask a publisher for an extension of a deadline, due to an emergency or illness or crisis. And, believe me, I will do so! There are many circumstances in life that are simply beyond our control. And my professional exception is that “family trumps everything.” So, yes, sometimes we have to negotiate a new deadline.

A few years ago, a publisher invited me to write another Bible Study for them, and I was so honored that they had liked the first three I had written, that I immediately said “Yes!” After outlining the new book, but before I had actually signed the contract, I realized my decision had been precipitous. My two daughters were getting married within six months of each other and I wanted to be totally free to focus on our family. So I contacted the publisher, who was most understanding, and suggested several other suitable authors for that study. In fact, the one who ended up writing it was brilliant. I felt a tinge of embarrassment, but knew I had chosen rightly.

However, running late due to my own choices is something altogether different.

Here is my strategy for writing that book I just contracted:

1. Dates: Pray before you sign the contract and think carefully about the deadline they have proposed. For a recent book, I had to ask for a date change in the contract, but one that would still enable the publisher to get the book out on schedule. To compromise, I told them I would submit the first half of the book halfway through so they could begin editing. It worked on both sides.
2. Prayer: I cannot emphasize this enough. Write down your prayer for this project, your concerns, your hopes and dreams. The names of the people you know that will take your words and make them into a book or help it get into readers’ hands. Pray for those who must live with you at this time. Enlist your family, friends or Bible Study group to pray for you and keep them informed on your progress.
3. Schedule: Construct a dedicated calendar for the project, starting now and ending on the due date. First write in everything that is non-negotiable – work times, trips scheduled that cannot be changed, children’s recitals etc. I also marked down one night a week as a date with my husband, and one night weekly with my special needs adult son. Now look at the spaces of writing time. This is what you have to work with, so plan wisely.
4. Daily Goals: Divide your project into chapters or sections and begin filling in those spaces. Do not neglect the early time of research, which often takes longer than you expect. Also, give yourself ‘recovery’ spaces after a trip or event, because you will need to settle back in and gear up for the project. Every day, try to meet your goal. If you don’t meet your goal that day, try to catch up or redo your calendar.
5. Writing: Outline. Write the book. Rewrite the book. Edit. Rewrite the book. Confirm details on all the footnotes. Write the back pages. Read over and submit!

There will be more – much more – before your words become a book. The editor at your publishing house will send you edits, and you may be crushed by what they deleted or added. But you will confer with them, and together you will produce a better read. The graphic designers will create a cover and inside design, which I hope you will love … or at least choose to embrace graciously.

But you will have done your part. Writing is work. It is not a hobby. I’m very excited about several current writing projects, which are a passion of my heart. But I know it will take hard work from now until release.

The last several books I have written were a pure joy to put words on paper. But it was work. Please know I write this blog with all humility, utterly grateful to God’s grace and mercy for every word. It seems to be a miracle each time I turn in a manuscript. May my suggestions help you as well.

What strategies help you remain focused so you are able to submit your manuscript or writing project on time? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

©2018 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.EncouragingWords.net

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is passionate about embracing life — both through deep soul care as well as living courageously to touch a needy world. A storyteller who engages both heart and mind, she delights in “Helping you Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” 

A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 13 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her books include the award-winning Dwelling Places (2017 Christian Retailing BEST Award), Ordinary Graces (2018 SELAH finalist), Live These Words, Refresh! and Role of a Lifetime.

A member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), Lucinda received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs monthly for The Write Conversation and Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog. 

Whether co-directing  “reNEW ~ retreat for New England Writing,”  pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages.

Lucinda’s favorites include tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things.  Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at http://www.EncouragingWords.net/