SETTING GOALS

Write On Target

A Guide to Setting (and Smashing) Your Writing Goals

 

Goal-Getter or Goal-Forgetter?

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Why should writers set goals?

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Whether you're working, writing, or just wrangling your creative chaos, setting goals gives your efforts purpose. Without them, it's all too easy to drift along in a sea of half-finished ideas, unsure of what you're doing—or why you're even doing it.

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In most jobs, goals are set for you by a manager or as part of a development programme. But writers? We're the boss, the worker bee, and the whole productivity department rolled into one. That means it's up to us to set both our short and long-term writing goals.

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Writing goals help anchor you. They remind you why you're sitting at your desk when the siren call of Netflix beckons (Thu-dum). They motivate you to improve your craft and achieve more than you ever thought possible.

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Big Dreams, Small Steps

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How to start setting writer goals

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A top-down approach works well: start with the big picture. Where would you like to be in a year—or two? Then break it down into quarterly goals, then monthly, then weekly. (Daily if you're really keen!)

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The best writer goals are SMART. Yes, it's an acronym, and yes, it's shouting for good reason. I used SMART goals at Penguin Random House for all of my team, and it not only helped them excel in their positions, but it gave them something to work towards. And at the end? They get rewarded after all the hard work paid off.

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Let's break down SMART goals:

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S – Specific

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Be crystal clear about what you want to achieve—and why. Name names, nail locations, and identify resources if it helps.

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For example: I want to complete the final draft of my manuscript so it's ready to send to agents. This will mark a turning point in my writing journey and prove to myself that I can do this.

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M – Measurable

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How will you know when you've achieved your goal? Is it hitting 75,000 words? Submitting to five agents? Seeing certain analytics improve?

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For example: I'll know my draft is done when I've addressed all the beta feedback I plan to act on.

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A – Achievable

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Stretch yourself, but don't aim for the moon if you've only got a ladder. Consider your time, money, and energy levels. Be ambitious, but realistic.

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For example: It's achievable because I already have proof copies and feedback in hand, and the drive to finish.

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R – Relevant

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This goal needs to matter to you. Not to Instagram. Not to your critique group. Not to that bestselling author you secretly compare yourself to.

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For example: Finishing my manuscript matters because writing is the one time I feel completely myself. And the feedback's been so encouraging—I'm ready to get my book into readers hands.

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T – Time-bound

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Without deadlines, your goals become wishful thinking. If your big goal is months away, break it down into mini-deadlines to stay on track.

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For example: I will complete the final draft of my manuscript by 31 March.

 

Find Your Inner 'Why'

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Know your 'why'

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This ties into being Specific and Relevant, but it's important enough to stand on its own pedestal.

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Don't choose goals just because everyone else is. Your writing journey is your own. Choose goals that truly resonate with you—ones that make your heart beat faster (in a good way).

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Knowing your 'why' gives you a powerful motivator when the words don't come easily (and let's be honest, they won't always). If you're struggling for inspiration, check out my guide on Character Development Prompts.

 

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Reward or Regret?​

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Reward yourself

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Ticking off a goal deserves celebration—big or small. Treating yourself triggers a lovely little dopamine boost, reinforcing your success and fuelling your motivation.

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Not sure how to reward yourself? Try:

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• An hour reading in the bath (just for fun!)

• A peaceful coffee break at your favourite café

• A massage or a long walk

• Answer that siren song and binge a few episodes of something on Netflix

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And if you hit a biggie—like finishing your book? Bring out the bubbly.

 

My Not-So-Secret Sauce

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How to stay motivated

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People often ask, “How do you manage multiple projects and stay motivated?”

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The not-so-sexy answer: It's a job. I have deadlines. I make goals. And I get on with it—even when I'd rather watch telly or clean the kitchen.

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I don't rely on vague dreams like “get hired by a publishing house”. I focus on clear, actionable goals I can actually do—like finishing a draft, clearing my inbox, or editing a chapter.

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From Pass to Page: Why Writing Is Like Making a Burger

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If you've read any of my other guides, you may have noticed a few culinary headlines sizzling away in the mix. I used to be a chef, and believe me, nothing builds discipline like working in a 40-degree kitchen with fifteen orders flying in and a head chef yelling “Service!” every 30 seconds. Even then, I broke everything down—task by task, component by component—until the full plate came together on time and (usually) still hot.

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Writing? Same idea.

Just like I'd have my buns sliced, tomatoes chopped, sauce made, salad prepped and grill searing before a single order came in, your writing will benefit from a little mise en place too. That could mean scribbled notes, a beat sheet, a chapter outline—or simply knowing what mood you want to create. Engage your brain. Prep your tools. When it's time to “cook,” you're not staring blankly at the fridge wondering where to start.

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And now, the analogy you didn't know you needed:

A burger is basically a book

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• Top and bottom buns? That's your front and back cover.

• The burger? Your main plot.

• The salad, sauce, cheese and other gooey bits? Subplots, supporting characters, witty dialogue—everything that adds flavour.

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It might sound daft, but reducing the huge task of writing a novel to the 10-minute job of flipping a burger highlights the magic of structured, step-by-step action. Let's break it down like you're on the grill:

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1. Put the patty on the grill

2. Grab a plate

3. Toast the buns

4. Remove buns and apply sauce, lettuce and tomato

5. Flip the patty

6. Drop the fries into the oil

7. Place cheese on the burger and the top bun ready to crown

8. Move the plate to the pass (under the heat lamp)

9. Remove burger from grill and slide it onto the bun

10. Remove fries, plate them beside the burger

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Bosh! Burger done. Ding the bell. Off to a happy customer.

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Writing works the same way. You can stagger your steps, or even juggle four or five “burgers” (projects or targets) at once—if you're organised and prepped, you'll have them all ready to serve without breaking a sweat.

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The Write Stuff (Worksheet Time)

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Use the Setting Writing Goals Worksheet

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To help you stay on track, I've created a worksheet that walks you through your goal setting.

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This isn't homework. It's a promise to yourself. A starting point. The place where you say: “This is what I want to do, and here's how I'm going to do it.”

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Download the Setting Writing Goals Worksheet and fill it out:

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1. My Writing Goal

Keep it short—2 sentences max.

e.g. “I want to finish this short story. It'll be no more than 10,000 words and part of a larger collection.”

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2. Why have I chosen this goal?

Be honest—it's just for you.

e.g. “It's the linchpin to my collection. Once it's done, I can move on.”

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3. What 3 things do I need to achieve this goal?
 

e.g.

• Time away from distractions

• Self-belief

• A clear ending

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4. What challenges might I encounter?

e.g.

• No time

• Self-doubt

• Losing interest

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5. How will I overcome those challenges?

e.g.

• Block time in my diary

• Remind myself I can edit later

• Reread positive feedback

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6. My writing goal completion date

Be realistic but push yourself.

e.g. “Three weeks from now, writing twice a week.”

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7. Milestones

Break it into chunks:

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• 2,000 words

• 4,000 words

• 7,500words

• 10,000 words

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8. Positive words I need to keep going

Your own personal cheerleading section:

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• I can do this.

• I've tackled tougher things before.

• This story matters.

 

Memory is a Liar

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Planners and journals: your secret weapon

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If worksheets aren't your jam, a good planner can guide you through the process.

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I use the Legend Planner – it's been a game-changer. It's the Goldilocks of planners: not too detailed, not too sparse. Just right.

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What I love:

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• Helps you set short and long-term goals

• Encourages you to dream big

• Easy to keep up with

• Doubles as a journal

• Covers a full year

• Undated—start whenever you like

• Stickers! (Seriously.)

 

He Shoots, He Scores

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My writer goals for 2024/25

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For a bit of inspiration, here are a few of my own SMART goals from last year:

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• Create an editing website with resources and guides

• Launch my own freelance editing business

• Secure a new client each month

• Read ten fiction and five writing craft books over the year

• Go to the gym at least 4 days a week

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Simple. Actionable. Achievable. And they worked!

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Final Thoughts: Zen and the Art of Word Maintenance

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Whatever your goals, don't fall into the comparison trap. Your journey is yours alone.

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Just because someone else wrote their debut in a weekend and landed a film deal doesn't mean that's your path. Nor does it mean years of rejection are guaranteed for you either.

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Choose goals that fit your life and bring you joy. And remember: clarity breeds action. Write them down, commit to them, and then?

 

Crack on.