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You're Probably Setting the Wrong Writing Deadlines
Most authors don't have a writing problem—they have a deadline problem.
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey joins us from the California coast while Troy holds down the fort in Idaho to talk about one of the biggest sources of stress, burnout, and frustration in an author's career: unrealistic deadlines.
From drafting and editing to cover design, formatting, publishing, and launch planning, we break down what realistic publishing timelines actually look like and why so many authors accidentally create "writer emergencies" that never needed to exist in the first place.
When you're preparing your first book or managing a growing backlist, understanding how deadlines affect every member of your publishing team can save you time, money, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.
Most importantly, we discuss why publishing isn't a race and why slowing down may actually help you create a better book.
In this episode:
• How to set realistic writing deadlines
• The difference between soft deadlines and hard deadlines
• Why preorders can create pressure you don't need
• What editors, designers, and formatters wish authors understood
• Common timeline mistakes that delay publication
• Why there are no publishing emergencies
• How to avoid author burnout during the publishing process
• Why celebrating milestones matters more than you think
If you've ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or pressured to publish faster, this conversation is for you.
RESOURCES & LINKS
Author AI Sentiment Survey
printtopro.com/Author-a-i-sentiment-survey/
Print to Pro Power Sessions
https://learning.printtopro.com/p2p-power-session-june-session/
Craft Lab with the Plot Dude
https://learning.printtopro.com/plotter-wanderer-hybrid-mosaic-sculptor/
Join the Author Business Harbor Community
https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
03:09 Writing Deadlines: The Good, The Bad, and The Self-Imposed
11:32 Why Authors Underestimate the Editing Timeline
22:10 Cover Design, Formatting & Publishing Reality
26:10 AI Covers, Artists, and Reader Expectations
32:23 Building a Publishing Timeline That Actually Works
35:12 Uploading, Distribution & Launch Day Myths
41:56 The Proof Copy Stage Most Authors Rush
49:24 Why Perfection Doesn't Exist in Publishing
53:20 Last-Minute Changes and Deadline Disasters
56:13 Celebrating Milestones Instead of Racing Through Them
01:01:24 Why Publishing Isn't a Race
01:07:20 Post-Launch Edits and Managing Expectations
01:12:35 Life Happens: Adjusting Deadlines Without Guilt
01:15:19 Final Thoughts on the Author Journey
#WritingCommunity #Authors #SelfPublishing #WritingLife #AuthorBusiness #PublishingTips #AmWriting #BookPublishing #IndieAuthor #AuthorLife
View all episodes
By Stacey SmekofskeMost authors don't have a writing problem—they have a deadline problem.
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey joins us from the California coast while Troy holds down the fort in Idaho to talk about one of the biggest sources of stress, burnout, and frustration in an author's career: unrealistic deadlines.
From drafting and editing to cover design, formatting, publishing, and launch planning, we break down what realistic publishing timelines actually look like and why so many authors accidentally create "writer emergencies" that never needed to exist in the first place.
When you're preparing your first book or managing a growing backlist, understanding how deadlines affect every member of your publishing team can save you time, money, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.
Most importantly, we discuss why publishing isn't a race and why slowing down may actually help you create a better book.
In this episode:
• How to set realistic writing deadlines
• The difference between soft deadlines and hard deadlines
• Why preorders can create pressure you don't need
• What editors, designers, and formatters wish authors understood
• Common timeline mistakes that delay publication
• Why there are no publishing emergencies
• How to avoid author burnout during the publishing process
• Why celebrating milestones matters more than you think
If you've ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or pressured to publish faster, this conversation is for you.
RESOURCES & LINKS
Author AI Sentiment Survey
printtopro.com/Author-a-i-sentiment-survey/
Print to Pro Power Sessions
https://learning.printtopro.com/p2p-power-session-june-session/
Craft Lab with the Plot Dude
https://learning.printtopro.com/plotter-wanderer-hybrid-mosaic-sculptor/
Join the Author Business Harbor Community
https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
03:09 Writing Deadlines: The Good, The Bad, and The Self-Imposed
11:32 Why Authors Underestimate the Editing Timeline
22:10 Cover Design, Formatting & Publishing Reality
26:10 AI Covers, Artists, and Reader Expectations
32:23 Building a Publishing Timeline That Actually Works
35:12 Uploading, Distribution & Launch Day Myths
41:56 The Proof Copy Stage Most Authors Rush
49:24 Why Perfection Doesn't Exist in Publishing
53:20 Last-Minute Changes and Deadline Disasters
56:13 Celebrating Milestones Instead of Racing Through Them
01:01:24 Why Publishing Isn't a Race
01:07:20 Post-Launch Edits and Managing Expectations
01:12:35 Life Happens: Adjusting Deadlines Without Guilt
01:15:19 Final Thoughts on the Author Journey
#WritingCommunity #Authors #SelfPublishing #WritingLife #AuthorBusiness #PublishingTips #AmWriting #BookPublishing #IndieAuthor #AuthorLife