Files, Files, Files
I tend to add the date to ghostwriting files, like this: wealthms 01-23-07. This works until the year changes as it did recently or I get too many. While I do want three or four of the most recent versions, I don’t need more than that, but they tend to build up.
I usually decide I have too many while I’m picking the right file to add as an attachment to an email to the client. Of course, I can’t do anything about it right then, but every now and again I go into to the client’s folder – yes, I have a folder for each client, with sub-folders called “Contract,” “Chapter Edits” and, sometimes, “Manuscript” – and delete a bunch of files I know I won’t need.
I have to be sure I’m in the right frame of mind. If I’m tired or distracted, I don’t delete because that can be disaster. But deleting files does make my life simpler and it’s worth doing.
Write well and often,
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Tags: authors, files, freelance-writers, freelance-writing, publish, writers, writingRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Business of Freelance Writing, Ghostwriting, Notes from a Writing Coach
6 opinions for Files, Files, Files
S
Jan 23, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Yes, we have to organize our writing life, just as we do our “normal people” lives.
Thanks for the reminder-
Living simply does have its benefits.
truly,
Sylvia C.
http://www.dream-imagine-soar.blogspot.com
Suzanne
Jan 24, 2007 at 10:16 am
Hi, Anne,
I think we all have our little tricks for organizing our writing projects. Like you, I keep a folder for each client and/or project. Still, staying organized is a constant challenge.
Thanks for sharing.
Suzanne Lieurance
The Working Writer’s Coach
http://www.workingwriterscoach.com
Devon Ellington
Jan 24, 2007 at 10:38 am
Do you delete them or store them on disk and put them away?
I’m leery of doing a final delete on anything.
Anne Wayman
Jan 24, 2007 at 11:55 am
I delete the old drafts… I’ll archive the final product on a cd, but I don’t want to ever see the chapters as they get edited… I keep the last two or three as I go, so if something happens I can recreate… but once it’s done, I don’t want the drafts.
Scott
Jan 24, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Anne,
This is an interesting post. It’s always good to see how others handle their files.
I’ve posted a blog entry on this subject here:
http://www.scottnesbitt.net/weblog/2007/01/dealing-with-your-files.html
Scott
Anne Wayman
Jan 25, 2007 at 10:32 am
thanks for the link scott
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