Image ID: A clipboard sits on a table strewn with holiday decor. On the clipboard the words "2025 goals" are written in Sharpie.
It’s that time again—when the dust has settled on the holidays, and we turn our attention to the new year. And with the new year comes new intentions.
I'm sure I'm not the only one making resolutions to finally finish that work in progress. To help you prepare yourself for success, here are some tips for setting (and reaching) your 2025 writing goals:
Assess
Take an honest look at what your manuscript needs and make a list of everything left to do. Are you truly in the polishing phase or could the characters use some further development? What about your plot—is it rock solid? Now is the time to be brutal. The more comprehensive you are with assessing what your manuscript truly needs, the better you can budget your time to get it done.
Set a deadline
Once you have a list of everything you need to do, it’s time to make a plan. Open your calendar and figure out how long you think it might take you to accomplish your goal. Set a deadline and write it down. It’s okay to be flexible; if you get a little way in and discover you’ve underestimated how long you’ll need, you can adjust. But the process of setting a deadline and working toward it is an important part of accomplishing your writing goals.
Build in wiggle room
Life happens. Work demands arise, kids get sick, computers break. Make sure your deadline includes a little grace for the unexpected.
Break it down
“Finish manuscript” is not only unspecific, it could be quite daunting. Break your larger goal into smaller ones, such as closing plot holes or refining your protagonist’s character arc. Set deadlines for these smaller goals and write them in your calendar as well.
Consider the obstacles
Historically, what has stood in your way of accomplishing your writing goals? Is it time? Physical space? Mental headspace? Write down each obstacle and brainstorm ways to mitigate it.
Set up accountability
Being beholden to another person can keep you on track. Consider finding a fellow writer to be an accountability buddy. Even the simple act of telling a friend or loved one about your goal can help.
Reach for your goals!
Good luck on your 2025 writing resolutions. Feel free to reach out to learn how Allegory Editing can help you reach your goals. And in the meantime . . . happy writing!
Image ID: Andrea, a white woman with brown, curly hair, stands in front of a tree. She wears a blue dress and is smiling at the camera.
Andrea Karin Nelson is the Founder & Executive Editor at Allegory Editing. In addition to her developmental editing work with published novelists, playwrights, and essayists, Andrea brings a unique set of experiences and skills to her editing craft. Twenty years as a writer and theater maker has developed her keen sense of story structure, plot and character development. Her plays have been commissioned and produced across the United States and performed in both English and American Sign Language. Fifteen years as a Master-Level, Certified Sign Language Interpreter has finely tuned her ear to the subtleties of language and the nuances of human interactions. And with over two decades as an educator, her teacher's heart allows Andrea to personally tailor her work with each writer. Click here to read an interview about Andrea’s journey founding Allegory. You can contact her at andrea@allegoryediting.com.