A new year has begun. Let’s talk writing goals…

My Writing Goals

I do the theme of “X goals in 20X”. In other words, “22 goals in 2022.” That probably sounds overwhelming, but most of the goals are small or very manageable. Of these goals, 6 are writing-related. So, for accountability, I’m sharing them here.

Goal 1: Post Monthly on My Erika Romero Writes Website

Yay! Month 1 is done! I didn’t write as much as I’d like on here last year, so I’ve added this goal to my list. I’ll try to balance the different types of posts I create (read, write, teach, learn), but I don’t have specific requirements for this goal. Keeping it simple.

Goal 2: Attend 1 Writer Conference

Not sure which one, but I loved SCBWI’s online conference last year. Definitely want to attend another conference this year. I learned so much, and want to learn more.

Goal 3: Have 5 Polished Picture Book Manuscripts

As I win PB manuscript critiques or pay for critiques from editors, I end up re-categorizing some of my PBs from polished to almost polished. Right now, I have 3 that I consider fully polished. Another 3 are on the cusp of gaining that label. Plenty of others are in rough draft form. So, I want to have 5 manuscripts that I consider fully polished. As in, query-ready.

Goal 4: Query 50 Agents (Unless I Sign Before I Reach 50)

I queried 25 agents in 2021. I plan on taking a break from querying to draft and polish additional PB manuscripts. Then, I’ll start the querying process again. This time, I’ll buy the subscription to Query Tracker, so I have all the features. I’ll likely query in batches of 5 agents. Once I get a response, the agent deadline passes, or 3 months pass, I sent out a new query to replace the one that has been closed.

Goal 5: Do 1 Direct Submission Cycle

I received 3 likes for 1 manuscript during various pitch parties last year. As that manuscript is fully polished (CPs literary said there’s nothing to change), I’ll be sending it out to a small batch (6) of editors. I’ve seen a few PB friends get agents by querying them with a book contract in hand. So, I’ll try this approach at the beginning of this year, then go back to regular querying during the second half, if I have no luck. For now, I’m waiting until the 3-month wait ends for two queries I have out. If there’s no interest from them, this batch will go out at the end of the month.

Goal 6: Draft 1 Non-PB Manuscript

Well, I drafted a board book today, but when creating this goal, I was thinking early reader, chapter book, or middle grade novel. So, I’m not counting this goal as done yet. I’ve been doing some early reader research, so I think that’s how I’ll complete this goal.

Final Thoughts

My word of the year is “Patience.” Patience in drafting and revising. Patience in hearing back from agents and editors. I’m excited to see what 2022 will bring.

Feel free to share your own goals in the comments!