Comments on: How Freelance Writers Track Article Pitches and Submissions

By: CE Patrick

CE Patrick — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:49:41 +0000

I utilize a physical system for my manuscript tracking. This may seem inefficient, and possibly environmentally unfriendly. However, I’ve found it make sense.

My tracking system literally involves moving a submission page from a manuscript’s main physical file, to a physical file called ‘ready’ when I’m ready to send it out. When its sent out or published, the submission page is marked, signed, and added permanently to the manuscript file.

Some might think ‘why?’. Most of my manuscripts are sent in via snail-mail, as I write to alot of literary magazines, and only 50% of them have email submission. Thus the manuscript has to be kept and organized. Secondly, all of my notes pages and editing pages go in the same file (which are all physical, because I might be anywhere and want to jot a note, etc).

Without this massive infrastructure investment for tracking my manuscripts and notes, I might loose a vital note-page or the like. Which would require me to reproduce it, which seems inefficient. I keep electronic backups, and re-use my manuscripts. Lastly, I use recycled paper about 90% of the time.

By: Jean-Sébastien Marier

Jean-Sébastien Marier — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:20:23 +0000

Hi Laurie,

I am an Ottawa-based journalist and found this article while searching on Google for a “story pitch tracker.” Thank you so much for posting this, I am going to use your template for my own work.

Jean-Sébastien

By: Writing Roundup, April 24 « Uncategorized « Jen's Writing Journey

Writing Roundup, April 24 « Uncategorized « Jen's Writing Journey — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:41:51 +0000

[...] Tracking Your Articles and Pitches Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen shares her tracking system. Tracking is a biggie. [...]

By: 6 Tips for Building a Successful Writing Career » The Write Network

6 Tips for Building a Successful Writing Career » The Write Network — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:15:00 +0000

[...] track of everything I do! This includes recording when I pitch book query letters or article ideas (Tracking Your Article Pitches and Submissions), when I invoice editors (A Freelance Writer’s Invoice for Magazines, Plus Invoicing Tips), [...]

By: Laurie PK

Laurie PK — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:53:28 +0000

Lisa, that’s a great idea to have a second spreadsheet to track your articles and their history! I tried that, but couldn’t keep up….I find it challenging enough to keep my article pitches and submissions spreadsheet updates. So much paperwork, so little time!

As Peter DeVries quipped, “I love being a writer. What I can’t stand is the paperwork.”

The beauty of having an article spreadsheet is that you can see when copyright is reverted back to you, and perhaps sell that article or story as a reprint. Gotta love that.

Thanks for your tip, Lisa!

Laurie
.-= Laurie PK´s last blog ..5 Tips for Increasing Your Blog Readership =-.

By: Lisa Romeo

Lisa Romeo — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:26:39 +0000

I use the same type of system.

The other great thing about it is that you can make it a point to look at the spreadsheet once every week or so, and then you really do get a very clear picture of how active you’ve been — or NOT been. Otherwise, it’s easy to THINK you’ve been sending things out regularly, but in fact you may be way behind your goals.

I keep a second spreadsheet page organized by articles and cross reference where I’ve sent each idea or personal essay so I can see the piece’s history at a glance.

Then I have a third spreadsheet page I call “old and sold” where I list each item that’s completed/paid. It’s gratifying to see that page fill up.
.-= Lisa Romeo´s last blog ..Writing in Text =-.

By: Words on a page » A few links for the end of the week

Words on a page » A few links for the end of the week — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:02:22 +0000

[...] Another look at how to track queries and submissions [...]

By: TheBeerLady

TheBeerLady — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:57:14 +0000

Great idea! I'm afraid a great deal of my personal tracking system still consists of post-its and notes scribbled on bits of paper stuck into relatively the same place. Oddly enough, it works so far, but even I can figure out that it's not a long-term answer LOL. TheBeerLady’s last blog post..The best Margarita recipe

By: Tumblemoose

Tumblemoose — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:43:41 +0000

Laurie, Some folks do respond well to a visual representation of their work. This is a great idea to help keep things together. It also helps to keep things from falling through the cracks, because once you get going and have a lot of balls in the air the juggling gets a bit tough. Cheers! Tumblemoose’s last blog post..Vanity Plate E-Book

By: Laurie PK

Laurie PK — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:28:03 +0000

I didn’t mention how I track my invoicing, payments, etc. I’ll blog about that soon — it’s a whole different spreadsheet, tailored to make tax time easier!

Laurie PK’s last blog post..Tracking Your Article Pitches and Submissions