Making Editing Easier with SMART Goals

When you're writing a story, editing is one of the most important steps. Editing helps make your writing clearer and better. If you use SMART goals during this stage, it can really help you stay organized and get things done well.

What are SMART Goals?

SMART stands for:

• Specific: Clear about what you want to do.
• Measurable: Something you can track.
• Achievable: Realistic goals that you can actually reach.
• Relevant: Goals that match your overall writing plans.
• Time-bound: Setting deadlines to keep yourself on track.

Let’s break this down!

1. Specific Goals

When you set editing goals, make them clear. Instead of saying “I want to improve my story,” try something like, “I will fix the dialogue in Chapters 2 and 4 so that each character sounds different.” This way, you know exactly what you need to work on.

2. Measurable Goals

It's helpful to set goals that you can measure. For example, you might say, “I will edit five pages each day for the next two weeks.” This breaks down the big job of editing into smaller pieces, which can make it seem less overwhelming.

3. Achievable Goals

Make sure your goals are realistic. You don’t want to set yourself up for failure. Look at what you can handle. Instead of trying to edit your whole book in one weekend, maybe set aside one hour each day for editing. This way, you can make progress without stressing yourself out.

4. Relevant Goals

Your editing goals should fit with your overall plans for your writing. If you want to send your story to publishers by a certain date, make sure your editing goals match that timeline. Start with big issues first, like fixing problems in the plot, and then move on to the finer points later, like word choice.

5. Time-bound Goals

Setting deadlines helps you stay focused. For example, you could say, “I will finish the first round of edits by March 1, and then do a second round by March 15.” Deadlines keep you moving forward and help you create a routine for editing.

Keeping Track of Your Progress

Once you have your SMART goals, it’s super important to keep track of how you’re doing. Here are some simple ways to do this:

1. Editing Log: Write down what you’ve worked on, the goals you’ve completed, and any feedback you’ve received. This helps you remember your progress.

2. Checklists: Break down your editing goals into smaller tasks. If you want to work on character development, your checklist might include things like “define character motivations” and “fix character conflicts.” Checking off each task feels great!

3. Progress Tracking Tools: You can also use apps or software to help track your progress. These tools can help you set tasks, deadlines, and even see how much you’ve accomplished.

4. Regular Reviews: Take time each week to check in on your progress. Look at what you’ve done, what’s next, and if you need to change anything. This helps you stay on track.

5. Peer Feedback: Sharing your work with friends or writing partners can be super helpful. They can give you new ideas and help you see things you might miss. Getting feedback keeps you motivated and connected to your readers.

Using SMART goals while editing can make the whole process easier and more productive. You can break things down into smaller tasks, which can feel less scary. Plus, when you have specific goals, you can see how much you’ve improved.

In the end, SMART goals not only help you edit your writing, but they also help you grow as a writer. By setting goals and sticking to them, you'll create a story that really connects with your readers. Embracing these editing strategies can guide you on the exciting journey of storytelling!