The Power of Reverse Scheduling for Writers

Written By C.J. Redwine

As writers, we’re no strangers to big dreams: finishing a novel, querying agents, self-publishing, or launching a new project. But sometimes, those dreams feel more like mountains than milestones. Where do you even start?

Enter reverse scheduling: a simple, stress-reducing way to plan your year by working backward from your big goals. Instead of staring at the mountain and wondering how to climb it, you start at the top and map out your path step by step, all the way to where you are now.

Here’s how it works:

1. Identify Your Big Milestone

What’s the major goal you want to achieve this year? Maybe it’s finishing your novel, preparing for NaNoWriMo, or launching your book by October. Be as specific as possible.

For example: “Have my manuscript ready to query by November 1.”


2. Break It Into Key Steps

Think about what needs to happen to reach that milestone. If you’re querying, you’ll need a polished manuscript, a query letter, and a list of agents. If you’re self-publishing, you might need to finish revisions, work with an editor, and plan your launch.

Write down each step in the order it needs to happen.

Example:

  • Revise my manuscript.

  • Get feedback from beta readers (and implement it).

  • Hire a professional editor.

  • Write a query letter and synopsis.

  • Research and create a list of agents.


3. Set Deadlines for Each Step

Now work backward. If your manuscript needs to be ready by November 1, when should revisions be done? When should beta readers have the manuscript? Assign realistic deadlines to each step, keeping in mind how much time you’ll need.

Example:

  • August: Send manuscript to beta readers.

  • September: Implement feedback.

  • October: Final round of edits.

  • November 1: Submit queries.


4. Plan Your Weekly and Monthly Tasks

Break each step into smaller, manageable chunks and schedule them into your weekly or monthly calendar. If “revise manuscript” is your goal for March, your weekly task might be “Edit one chapter per week.”

This makes even the biggest goals feel doable because you’re always focusing on the next step, not the whole journey.


5. Build in Flexibility

Life happens, and creativity isn’t always linear. Leave some buffer time in your schedule for unexpected delays or inspiration detours. Reverse scheduling is a guide, not a rulebook.


6. Celebrate Your Progress

Reverse scheduling isn’t just about reaching the goal—it’s about the journey. Take time to acknowledge your milestones along the way, no matter how small. Every step forward is worth celebrating!

Reverse scheduling transforms overwhelming dreams into achievable steps. It takes the guesswork out of your writing year and gives you a clear, actionable plan tailored to your life. With this strategy, you’re not just climbing the mountain—you’re navigating it with confidence and purpose.

Here’s to a productive and inspiring year—one step at a time!

P.S. If having accountability, scheduling help, and plenty of inspiration would help you plan out your novel & finish it this year, then The Storyteller’s Weekly Journal is perfect resource for you! It’s like a guided planner, bullet journal, & writing book had a baby, and we’re pretty smitten.❤️



C.J. Redwine
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