So now the Write Now Club is starting another challenge! This time, it’s Sixty Thousand Words* in Sixty Days!
But I put an asterisk beside the word “word”… because it’s not just words this time. There are many tasks involved in creating a book beyond just putting words down. What about doing research? Marketing? Illustration? One of our members is an incredibly-talented cartoonist. His stuff just doesn’t have many words. Should he be penalized even though he is doing as much work?
So another member came up with a list of tasks and word equivalents. You can get points for how much time you spend on a task, instead of for how many words you create during that time. Of course, if you’re mostly creating words, that is fine too.
This is great, because I’m doing a lot of illustration and drawing research in support of my story. It helps me figure things out.
The point system:
| Award System | ||
| Point Values | ||
| Time spent on one task: | One hour | 250 |
| 10 minute increments | 40 | |
| Writing for book | 1 word | 1 |
| Note: time and words cannot be used in conjunction with the task – you have to pick one or the other option | ||
| Travel time does NOT count | ||
| ELIGIBLE TASKS: | ||
| Choose a Topic: | ||
| Brainstorm at least 10 topic ideas. | ||
| Research each idea’s relevance and marketability. | ||
| Select the top 3 ideas for further exploration. | ||
| Conduct surveys or polls to gauge audience interest. | ||
| Research: | ||
| List essential books and articles to read. | ||
| Schedule time blocks for research (e.g., 1 hour a day). | ||
| Create a system for organizing notes (digital folders or notebooks). | ||
| Highlight key quotes and statistics for reference. | ||
| Interviewing – tasks include creating interview questions, arranging interview appointments, conducting interviews, culminating the information, finding ways to present the information | ||
| Outline: | ||
| Write a working title and subtitle. | ||
| Create timeline for book. | ||
| Break down chapters into major sections. | ||
| Create bullet points for key arguments and examples. | ||
| Review and adjust the outline as needed for clarity. | ||
| Writing: | ||
| Set specific writing times (e.g., mornings or evenings). | ||
| Use writing prompts to overcome writer’s block. | ||
| Aim for a certain number of pages or words per session. | ||
| Save drafts in multiple formats to prevent loss. | ||
| Editing: | ||
| Read through the manuscript out loud for flow. | ||
| Make a list of common errors to watch for (grammar, style). | ||
| Use editing software or tools to assist. | ||
| Schedule multiple rounds of edits (content, structure, grammar). | ||
| Illustrating: | ||
| Searching for illustrators | ||
| Creating own illustrations = 350 words/hour | 350 | |
| Cover design | ||
| Publishing: | ||
| Research potential publishers and their submission guidelines. | ||
| Prepare a book proposal if needed (overview, audience, marketing). | ||
| Create a timeline for self-publishing steps (cover design, formatting). | ||
| Gather necessary ISBNs and copyright information. | ||
| Marketing: | ||
| Develop a content calendar for social media posts. | ||
| Create a mailing list and collect email addresses. | ||
| Plan a book launch event (virtual or physical). | ||
| Engage with readers through book clubs and forums. | ||
| Create content for social media. | ||
| Photo shoots | ||
| Meetings | ||
| Attend Write Now Club Meeting | 250 | |
| Assisting fellow WNC members with their book-needs (ie proofreading, sharing skills) – each hour | 250 | |
| BONUS |