Which Writing Goals Actually Help You Progress
Setting writing goals is something most writers do, whether they realise it or not. Sometimes it’s a plan to finish a chapter over the weekend. Other times, it's pushing for a daily word count or starting a completely new project on the first of the month. But just having goals doesn’t mean they’re working for you. Some goals give structure. Others create pressure that can quietly take the fun out of writing.
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling stuck, pushing through burnout, or chasing goals that leave you wondering what the point is, you’re not alone. The key isn’t just having writing goals, but setting the right ones. Ones that actually move you forward, build your confidence, and help you grow. Let’s take a look at a few that tend to do just that.
Setting Realistic Word Count Goals
Word count can be helpful, but it can also become a mental trap. Many writers start with big targets, thinking that will push them to finish faster. But goals that are too high too early often end up causing delays instead. It takes time to build the habit of writing regularly. A writing goal that counts only big numbers might look good on paper, but it won’t always fit your schedule or energy.
A better approach is to break bigger writing tasks into manageable steps. Here’s what that could look like:
1. Aim for a small, consistent word count each day, like 300 to 500 words.
2. Break a chapter into parts and tackle one part per session.
3. Keep a record of your current pace to spot patterns in your energy or focus.
Instead of chasing high numbers just to say you hit them, let your goals match your daily life. Got ten minutes in the evening? That’s enough for a paragraph or two. Over time, those paragraphs add up, and the pressure feels lighter.
One writer we worked with found their rhythm by setting a 20-minute timer each afternoon while their child napped. No pressure to produce pages of copy, just write what you can in those 20 minutes. In a month, they had nearly three chapters more than the same month last year, when the goal had been a full chapter per week. Lowering the number helped them stick with it, and they were even writing on days they hadn’t planned to.
Consistency wins here, not volume. Once you build some rhythm into your routine, reaching higher numbers becomes easier.\
Focusing On Quality Over Quantity
Finishing a draft can feel great, but it’s not the finish line. Rushing through a word count might fill pages, but if the words don’t feel right, you’ll only end up rewriting them later. That’s why quality-focused goals often lead to better progress over time than chasing word totals.
Shifting your goals from how much to how well can change your entire writing experience. Instead of asking how many pages you need to finish, try asking:
1. Did that chapter say what I meant it to say?
2. Does this scene move the story or topic forward?
3. Are the characters clear and consistent?
One helpful method for gauging quality is to re-read your own draft with one specific goal in mind each time. Focus just on dialogue for one pass. Then look for pacing on another. You can even set micro-goals like improving transitions or trimming filler words from the pages.
That kind of goal helps you review your own writing not with harsh judgment, but curiosity. What could be stronger? What already works well? Over time, this helps sharpen your structure, phrasing, and message.
The aim should always be a better book, not just a longer one. If your writing time is spent on small edits, trimming words, or polishing one tricky paragraph, that’s still progress. There’s no rule that says progress only happens with new words. Some of the most important steps come after the first draft is complete.
Developing A Routine That Works For You
A good writing routine doesn't have to be strict. What matters most is that it's consistent and fits into your actual day. Some writers work best early in the morning. Others hit their stride late at night. Trying to copy someone else’s routine usually leads to frustration instead of real progress.
The best approach is to identify when your mind feels most focused and build your writing time around that. You don’t need long blocks of quiet. What you do need is a plan that suits your lifestyle.
Here are a few ideas to help shape your routine:
1. Write at the same time every day, even if it's just ten minutes.
2. Link your writing time to another habit, like your morning tea.
3. Keep tools and notebooks ready in one place so you’re not wasting setup time.
4. Allow for some flexibility. A quick session is better than none.
One of our authors found success by writing during their lunch break in the car. It wasn’t perfect, but it was quiet, uninterrupted, and reliable. That unusual spot became their best writing space despite a very busy schedule.
The idea isn’t to force a perfect schedule. It’s to carve out and protect even small bits of time where writing becomes second nature. That’s where momentum starts.
Prioritising Feedback And Revision
Getting a book or article right often doesn’t happen on the first pass. Setting goals to seek feedback and improve drafts is just as helpful as getting new words on the page. Revisions polish your writing and help it connect better with readers.
Instead of seeing rewrites as a chore, build them into your usual writing process. Make the editing phase another part of your plan:
1. Ask a writing buddy to review one chapter per week.
2. Focus on one editing aspect per session, like tone, grammar, or pacing.
3. Keep a list of your usual edits to spot habits as you go.
At first, feedback can be surprising. You might think something’s working when readers feel otherwise. Try to use that input constructively. Take in the comments, rest a day, then return with a clear head. Setting milestones also helps. Every time you finish editing a chapter, it’s like crossing a finish line.
This isn’t about reaching perfection. It’s about step-by-step progress. You might revise one part and realise it changes the tone of the next chapter. That connection is progressing too. The better your editing habits, the smoother your process will become with each new draft.
Achieving Milestones: Celebrating Small Wins
Goals don’t have to be massive to matter. Small moments bring a powerful sense of momentum. Recognising these wins builds long-term confidence and keeps you moving.
Celebrate the things that show you’re progressing:
1. Finishing your first full outline
2. Writing every day for a week
3. Getting useful feedback from a trusted reader
4. Polishing an older piece and making it stronger
We’ve seen writers give themselves a mental break for getting through one tough page. One person finally completed a scene they’d put off for months and treated themselves to a takeaway and a guilt-free film night. That small reward made the next week easier to start.
Rewards don’t need to cost anything or be big. Whether it's sharing progress in your writing group or spending the afternoon offline, they serve the same purpose. Notice your effort. Give yourself credit. It makes a difference.
Keeping The Momentum Going
Staying motivated after the excitement fades is part of the challenge. Goals that once felt right might start feeling heavy. That’s the moment to adjust.
It’s fine to change your targets mid-way. Writing doesn’t follow one path. You might need to shift the pace, change your routine, or break a big goal into smaller pieces. Big progress is made by making small changes that work for where you are.
Check in with yourself every couple of weeks. See what’s working and what isn’t. If a word count goal feels impossible right now, cut it in half. If your routine keeps getting interrupted, try moving your writing time. Keep goals flexible enough to grow with you.
Progress looks different for everyone. This month's win might be finishing the first chapter. Next month, it might be turning that draft into a clean revision. Even just sitting down for five days in a row can boost your focus. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to finishing something meaningful. Keep showing up. Keep adjusting. Keep writing.
If you’re ready to turn your written goals into a tangible success, consider how Spine Book Printing can bring your creative work to life with quality printing services. As you focus on enhancing your writing routine and hitting those milestones, let us handle the details of self-published book printing to ensure your masterpiece is ready for readers. Embrace the journey from draft to publication with our tailored options to suit your individual needs.
