Organized Manuscripts – How to Prevent Writer Frazzle
I don’t know how many books I published before I realized the importance of corralling each work for retrieval. The problem? Disorganized manuscripts were turning me into a frazzled meme.
But when it comes to filing, I can also over file and make the same frazzled meme out of myself just to maintain the system.
Neither under-organized nor over-organized filing works! Both systems were gobbling up valuable writing time.
Finally! I flailed my way to a super simple system for filing each manuscript from moment one of its creation.
Organized manuscripts are happy manuscripts. And prevent frazzled writer syndrome.
Here’s how to kick it off:
Start with a new folder for the new ‘Series’. Next, I open a new folder for each manuscript within the series. Now a specific manuscript within the series is right where I look for it – each and every time.
The cherry on top? It’s fast and easy to save the day’s work to my back-up thumb drive.
It’s working great. It will work even better when (?) I go back to the beginning and whip all my manuscripts in line.
What are the nuts and bolts?
Here’s the simple process for organized manuscripts.
It works whether you write on a computer or on paper, but the terminology here is for a computer:
Start a New Manuscript
Open a new document. Title it ‘___ Manuscript’. Save it in a new folder (within the ‘Series’ folder) just for this manuscript.
In this new folder for this manuscript, I save another new document and title it ‘Cast of Characters’. And here’s three more new documents for the book specific folder:
- Description
- Narration Version
- Audition Script
By inserting the labeled blank documents into the folder at the beginning, I don’t forget to create them while I’m writing the story. Or when I think I’ve finished the book. I’m not finished until the rest of the paperwork is done.
When it’s time to turn the story into an audiobook, I don’t have a panic attack because I forgot to write the ‘Audition Script’ while all those characters were acting out in my mind.
If certain places need research detailed, I add it. And pictures, whether they’re avatars or photos. Outlines and research notes go in, too.
Everything is neat and tidy. And quickly retrievable if I want to change anything or steal from it (I always do!).
Start Another New Manuscript
Now, when I get to Book 12 of the series, I simply open the ‘Cast of Characters’ and shop for the carryover characters (or places) from previous organized manuscripts. Then copy and paste to the new work-in-progress ‘Cast of Characters’, etc. document. Easy-peasy. No frustration or frazzle.
Why did it take me so long to figure this simple system?
Oh. That’s right. I’m human. Bleh!
On that note…
Happy Trails and Tales,
Alexie Linn
P.S. Free Audiobooks……Free Audiobooks……Free Audiobooks…..
Click here to join our Audible Lovers Cornucopia group. It’s free and where you’ll find links to Free Audibles for your listening and reviewing pleasure.
The easiest way to get updates is to follow this blog and follow me on Facebook. New posts should appear on the Alexie Linn page – if I’ve held my mouth right… 😊
BUT! If you only want updates and pre-order deals of new releases of Books, Vellas and Audibles, the easiest way is to follow me on Amazon. When you get an email notice of a new book release, simply ask for it by the title – or for all the Alexie Linn authored titles at your favorite retailer.
Subscribe to my You Tube Channelto not miss a fun and entertaining Book Trailer. They’re short. They’re mesmerizing. And they won’t waste your time.
And just one more thing. Here’s where to find and follow me on Goodreads. Please do to get in on all that Goodreads has to offer. Goodreads is always at the very best price. It’s FREE!
