Your To-Do List and Your Time

How to Manage Your To-Do List and Time as a Non-Fiction Author

Writing and promoting a non-fiction book is a significant undertaking which can prove overwhelming. Whether you're in the planning stages or already in the midst of promoting your book, effective time management is crucial to your success. Here are some tips for managing your to-do list and time as a non-fiction author:

1. Prioritise your tasks:
Make a list of everything you need to do, and then prioritise your tasks based on urgency and importance. Identify your most critical tasks and tackle those first. By doing so, you'll be able to make steady progress towards your goals without getting bogged down in less important tasks.
2. Create a schedule:
Once you've identified your priorities, create a schedule for yourself. Block out time in your calendar for writing, editing, promoting, and any other tasks that need to be done. Be realistic about how much time you have available, and don't forget to build in breaks and downtime to avoid burnout.
3. Use tools and apps:
There are many tools and apps available that can help you manage your time and stay organized. Consider using a project management tool like Trello or Asana to keep track of your tasks, deadlines, and progress. Or use a time-tracking app like RescueTime to monitor how you're spending your time and identify areas where you can improve.
4. Learn to say no:
As an author, you may be asked to participate in speaking engagements, interviews, and other events that can take up a lot of your time. While it's essential to promote your book and build your brand, it's also important to learn to say no to opportunities that don't align with your goals or values. Be strategic about the events you choose to participate in and prioritize those that will have the most significant impact on your career.
5. Be flexible:
Finally, remember that plans can change, and unexpected challenges may arise. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule and priorities as needed. By staying adaptable and focused, you'll be able to manage your to-do list and time effectively and achieve your goals as a non-fiction author.

Managing your to-do list and time as a non-fiction author can be challenging, but it's essential to your success. By prioritising your tasks, creating a schedule, using tools and apps, learning to say no, and being flexible, you'll be able to stay organised and focused and achieve your goals as a non-fiction author. In Book Boost's membership hub, we provide advice and tools to help you stay on track.