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Like any project, writing and publishing a book requires dedication, time, and a supportive team for a professional final product. The professional editors and writers at Midnight Publishing know this from working with hundreds of clients in the last ten years. We have a special understanding of this process. We also have a passion for assisting authors in hitting their author goals. Read on for our experts 10 tips to successfully hit your publication goals as an author in 2020. Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime for a one-on-one consultation to discuss how we can help you achieve your personal book goals this year.

10 Tips for Reaching Your Publication Goals

Writing/Production Goals

1. Set a Realistic, ACHIEVABLE Daily Word Count

Everyone produces at a different rate. However, a general rule of thumb is 250 to 500 words per half hour. It is key to stick to the word count that you set for yourself.

2. Get to Know Your Body Clock and Productivity LevelsPublication goals - know your limits

You need to write at the time that your body thinks is best. That means if you are a morning person, wake up an hour early. If you find you are more creative at night, do your bed time routine an hour early and give yourself time to write in bed.

3. Don’t Reread What You Have Written

This is a rule of thumb for most authors, but do not reread what you have written until your work is done. While this is not a hard-and-fast rule, productivity often lags if you spend time reading over what you’ve written before the manuscript is done. Don’t fall into this trap.

4. Set up a Personal “Reward System” for Productivity

This is a great way to make sure you reach your daily goals. Whether it’s a nice dinner or dessert, a fun outing, or a special item you’ve been wanting. Gift yourself for hitting your daily or weekly word count.

5. Participate in Word Sprints

Set a timer for a designated amount of time and see how many words you can write. No social media, phones, or interruptions of any kind. You can also bring in your fellow authors for further inspiration. Check out our blog that talks about #WordSprints.

Revising/Editing Goals

1. Contact Midnight Publishing After Finishing Your Manuscript

Get in touch with one of our experts. We offer a free sample edit and professional recommendation on your manuscript’s needs moving forwards. We offer a variety of developmental edit, copyedit, hybrid edit, or proofreading. Find out more about what we offer here.

2. Receive Your Notes from Your Midnight Publishing Editor and Review Revisions

With the different options for editing, the revisions can take either several weeks or several months. A simple proofread will take much less time to revise then a full on developmental edit.

3. Consider a Second Pass with Your Editor or Use Beta Readers

Publication goals - review your editsBased on the amount of revising you need to do for your manuscript, a second pass with your Midnight Publishing editor could be helpful. This would ensure all the issues were addressed. You can also use something called beta readers. Beta readers are early readers who give free critiques and thoughts.

4. Compile Beta Reader Feedback

Even if you don’t use beta readers until after your second run of edits, take their responses seriously. Compile all of their thought and look for common threads, if there are any.

5. Scheduling a Final Proofread with Midnight Publishing’s Professional

One of the most important things is if you didn’t get a proofread, get one. A proofreader will ensure a professional style guide is followed for uniformity, quality, and to address typos. Just so you know, there are multiple style guides that can be followed. For more information on that go here.

Midnight Publishing is an editing, writing, and publishing consulting company. We have been serving authors and entrepreneurs for nearly a decade. Contact us today to see if we can provide the right professional assistance, collaboration, and insight for you to reach your publication goals in 2020.