Maximizing Productivity And Time Management

How Editors Get More Done without Working More Hours.

These are notes from LDS writes conference. The presentation was hosted by Suzi Bills. Any misinformation is the fault of the note taker.

Getting into the writing / editing mood.

Set habits for starting the work period

Read a blog/ article related to your career
Review a section of style guide/ grammar (learn new rules). Sites the edit accesses are; lesis harmony and Denise cowl blog. Edit boots podcast. Delivery Freelance by Mel… editing or writing Facebook. Editorial alliance, editors of the earth. Diction editors of the earth. Copy editors list serve,
Open up marriam-webster dictionary in a browser tab

Become focused:

Determine what times of day you are most focused. Some people productive may be split at different times of day.
Prioritize the most important things you need to do. Do them first. Do less intense work during your time of low productivity. See what time of day you feel most alert. Track yourself for two weeks and journalize the times you feel the most energetic.
Identify your ideal working environment. (Silence or background music. desk etc.) Your place for work is only for work not other activates like TV watching.
Create a plan for working with others around. (Might be editing rather than writing new fiction.) For kids you might need to work around their schedule or how to keep kids occupied. Establish boundaries by setting a time aside for talking and a time for work between members. You may need to set some quiet time. Have an open income that this is your job. Shut the door on dedicated spots.
Try a 50 min focus session. Then take a 10 min break. Without your breaks your accuracy level can drop. You may need to build up for 50 min sessions.
Put your phone on silent. Maybe set up a ring tone to identify important people to who you can respond to.
Block social media, email, and phone access. Do chores or social media on 10 min break. Maybe set a timer so you do not go over break time.

Getting organized:

Create a week-long schedule. Exercise, reading, writing, social. If something is bumped then rearrange what is bumped. Build in some buffer time. Maybe set up calendar by 30 min increments. Knowing what needs to be done so we can decrease stress.
Make a to-do list of what you need to accomplish that day or work session. Prioritize the most important first. Schedule important things at your most productive time. Some like checking something off to give a sense of accomplishment.
Try phone apps, an online calendar and excel spreadsheet, a paper calendar etc. See what strategy works best for you.
Use a spreadsheet to keep track of a project due dates, details. or access links to important sources. Spreadsheet can help with management of multiple projects. Maybe even backup relevant info in an important email.

Avoiding procrastination

Overcome the fear of imperfection or hot knowing how to start. Often occurs with new projects. If edit a book for author get a synopsis of the book.
Skim the document to get an idea of the topic. \Conduct a little research on the topic. Wikipedia can be a source.
Edit the first several pages lightly; making comments about anything, you’re unsure of. Return to those pages later. Some will put a name or initials to do a global search later if needed. Can bring it up and fix.
Set a time limit for the first sessions.
If you are feeling a reluctant, try to find out why

What is slowing you down\fixing typos, graphics, formatting

Try find and replace. Macros. Memorize hot keys that can save you time. Create a short cut key if there is not one.
You need to determine when a task is done. You can’t be perfect. Macros resources: google macros. Book: macros for editors by Paul Beverley. You tube. http://www.archivespub.co.uk/macros.html
YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6J6ZPMJQ0T5eMIcX3tKh2g
Micro list website