How To Quickly Slash Your Writing-Time-Per-Article By 50%

It's simple. If you write articles for a living -
whether for others or yourself - the faster you finish
one, the more money you can make. Or the more free time
you'll have. Your choice.

When you've done something a lot, you start to figure out
what works - and what doesn't.

I've been able to cut my time per article down to 15
minutes on a consistent basis. And I'd like to help you do
the same.

I can't give it a complete treatment due to the space
restriction of a forum post, but here's some big things to
get you started. Let's dive in.

Batch Outlines

If you are writing a large volume per day - this tip is
for you. The mind has a start-up time associated with
doing each task. You take a certain amount of time to get
"in the zone" for writing. So, avoid this mistake.

Don't research->write the article->research->write the
article. Setup an outline for every article in advance. By
doing so, once you go to write, you will knock them out
one after the other - never having to break yourself
from "writing mode." Here's how.

Here's a link to an OpenOffice document to use. ( no
opt-in ) This is a more basic version of the one I use.
And it'll get you started fast.

It gives you a framework that puts the pedal down on your
writing speed. Fill it out in the following manner for
each article you'll soon write.

Put the keyword at the top - Answer each of the
questions - then follow the instructions top-to-bottom
under "writing passes." But stop before actually beginning
the writing process.

Set it aside and begin the next outline. Don't write a
single one until your batch of outlines for the day is
done. But don't stop there.

Use A Formulaic Model

Write in passes. After your initial brain dump ( see the
worksheet to see what I mean by that ), Rewrite it
top-to-bottom focusing on just one thing.

Then start again at the beginning focusing again on just
one thing. ( theworksheet I linked to above lays this out
for you )

Each layer can be anything you want. I give a few in the
worksheet as an example. But here's another example.

When I write my newsletters for HiddenConstraints.com
there are three branding layers. These are 3 sentences
that I want "whispered" throughout every newsletter.
Because I need to deliver a consistent experience.

Doing a rewrite with each layer in mind assures that
happens. Once you grasp the power of this, you'll be very
pleased with the results. You can up quality and speed at
the same time. No need for sacrifices. But always.

Set A Short Deadline

Use E.gg Timer - simple online countdown timer. Set a very short deadline for
finishing the article. This pressure will keep you focused
on RESULTS instead of minor corrections that don't
matter.


Well, there you have it. Just get all of the research and
bleh done up front. Then follow the worksheet. The steps
in it automate much of the process. Ya know - one more
thing.

Sometimes writing stuff like this is like asking the
pianist how he plays. He could say "I hit the keys" but
would that help?

Similarly, I may not have described this clearly. It's hard
to decode what is second nature into step-by-step instructions
at times.

If any of this was not clear, please ask questions below
and I'll update the post or reply.

When I started writing it took me 1.5 hours an article.
Formulaic models and templates have that down to
15 minutes - or less. You can too.