Karen Brown Tyson

Author: Karen

How to Build Your Author Brand: A Complete Guide + Free Template
Do you have an author brand? In this post, I’ll share what I learned about the importance of building an author brand.

As a writer, I know how easy it is to get wrapped up in the writing process daily. For months, I focused solely on writing my first book. Then, when I came up for air, not only did I have to start thinking about marketing my work, but I soon learned that I had to build an author brand.

Photo by Pocstock

And before you object, yes, you need an author brand.

Why? Because a brand is anything that separates one product from another. So, your brand as a writer lets people know who you are, what you like to write, what you stand for, and any other products you offer. Bottom line: The public should recognize your brand and distinguish you from other writers.

Before I finished writing my first book, I started introducing myself and my book to the world.

Below are seven strategies that you can use to build your author brand. A few things to remember:

1) There is no one way to build an author brand. What works for one writer may not work for another writer. So, focus on what works for you. Be authentic and stay true to yourself.

2) You DO NOT have to do EVERYTHING listed here to be successful. Instead, try one or two things and build as you go.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost, if you purchase using the links.

Start with a plan to build your author brand.

Planning has been an essential part of my journey. Start with a business plan before writing your book or launching your new writing project. This will help you get a clearer idea of your goals and how best to achieve them. The more detailed the plan, the better your chance of succeeding. Ask yourself questions like:
- What do I want to accomplish? What are my goals?
- Who is my ideal reader? Or target audience?
- When will I be ready to launch my writing project or book?
- How will my writing business grow? Will I write a series of books?
- How much will I charge for my work?
- How will I let reporters and the public know about me?
As you answer these questions, you can create a business plan. In addition to your business plan, here are seven additional tools and strategies you can use to help you build your author brand. As you move forward, I encourage you to try new things and not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

Also, check out 3 Great Ways to Promote Yourself as a Writer.

#1. Content marketing plan

Next, create a content marketing plan to launch your book. Content marketing is a powerful tool for any business, whether you’re an individual or a corporation. The critical factor in its success lies in the consistency with which content can be developed and distributed across various channels.

What is content marketing? Content marketing is creating and distributing relevant content to attract an audience and drive profitable customer action.

Content marketing is a way to provide solutions for your customers’ or readers’ pain points and challenges. It allows you to tap into what readers care about by focusing on value propositions. When done correctly, content marketing helps create a relationship with your audience, which leads them to trust you. When you build trust with your audience, they’re more willing to buy from you when it comes.

The content you create to promote your author brand should be engaging, informative, and entertaining. It’s also essential to engage your customers in ways that will help them promote your brand.

#2. Media kit

A media or press kit is an essential public relations promotional tool to help you present yourself to the media and potential sponsors. Media kits provide journalists with the information they need to write about you, generating coverage for your book and brand. A typical author media kit, which I recommend that you refresh and keep updated, includes:
- A 100 to 200-word biography
- Press release
- A tip sheet that offers the media various topics they can discuss with you for potential stories.
- Photographs
- An excerpt from your book’s first few pages or the opening chapter.
- Sell sheet which offers retailers and book bloggers details about your book (see an example of my sell sheet on the right)
- Contact information
To create my sell sheet (and all of my content), I used my favorite graphic design tool, Canva.

Please sign up for my newsletter below if you would like to grab a copy of the FREE media kit I created in Canva. You will need Canva to make changes to the kit.

#3. Launch a website

A website allows you to highlight several aspects of your writing — books, a blog, workshops, speaking engagement dates, and reviews. In addition, a website is excellent for sharing your work with potential literary agents and event planners looking for speakers for an event. I launched my website to coincide with my first book, Time to Refresh.

Before launching a new website, you will need a hosting provider that offers various hosting services, like Bluehost or Siteground. Once you have chosen your provider, you can build your website with WordPress. There are many easy-to-use themes to develop your website, and you can select the number of pages for your site.

You can promote your book and interact with fans and potential readers through your website. Build an email list by offering valuable tools and information to visitors to your site. You can use many email marketing tools to engage with your website subscribers. For example, I use ConvertKit to share information with my target audience, and MailChimp and Constant Contact are also available.

Be cautious about websites: Keep your website updated with new information. Create a plan for managing your website, including an editorial calendar if you plan to have a blog.

#4. Start a blog

Use your blog to position yourself as a thought leader with experience related to various topics. Before you start a blog, consider the following points:
1. Blog tagline and title—Your blog’s tagline should summarize the heart of who you are and what readers will find when they visit your site. The title is vital in attracting people to take a look, so it needs an attention-grabbing phrase or two that sums up its purpose for existence.
2. About page—People who visit your blog want to know more about you. Create a separate page that highlights your career and experience.
3. Blog post topics — Make a list of issues you plan to write about regularly. Create an editorial calendar outlining when to cover each topic and post consistently. I use CoSchedule to help me schedule blog and social media posts.
4. Comments—To get the most out of your blog, you should develop a policy for handling comments. Decide upfront whether every comment receives approval before going live or if every comment goes live without your review. Also, determine how you will deal with any harsh comments or spam that may get through.
I started my blog in 2019 to share my thoughts on topics near and dear to my heart—writing, communication, productivity, book reviews, change, and faith. I took Suzi Whitford’s Blog by Number course to hone my blogging skills. The course was AMAZING! Suzi offers so much valuable information on blogging and a FREE course that includes a FREE blog plan.

#5. Social media

Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, and LinkedIn offer a way to connect with your audience. Before you tweet, post, or like anything, determine the messages you will post and how often. Then, create a simple strategy for how you will use social media. Test different social media platforms and select two to get you started. Don’t worry about building your author brand on all platforms at first. Instead, focus on the social media platforms that work best for you.

To sign up on your social media platform of choice, take the following steps:
1. First, create an account name, profile URL, or user name.
2. Then, add a link to your website in your new social media profile.
3. Add your profile information.
4. Connect with other authors, creative entrepreneurs, or authorpreneurs you know; consider following or friending them.
5. Be prepared to add a post.
You can create banners for your social media platforms in Canva. Here is an example of my LinkedIn banner.

For more information, check out How Writers Can Post Stuff on Social Media Readers will Love

#6. Podcasts

Another great way to promote yourself as an author is through podcasts. With podcasts, you could either be a guest or start a podcast where you interview guests about topics important to you and your audience.

Whether you decide to be a guest or a host, you must create a plan. Here are a few steps to get you started.
1. Find podcasts that reach your target audience.
  Do a Google search on the best podcasts (fill in the blank with your niche or genre) to find your target audience.
  Go to iTunes and do a keyword search for podcasts that match your interests. For example, I would search for podcasts for Christian women, productivity, or writing.
2. Keep a running list of the podcasts that fit your niche.
  Draft a pitch email to the podcast host to learn how to be a guest. If you’re looking to host a podcast, note that the podcasts are similar to the kind of podcast you want to launch.
3. Consider an offer for the podcast audience.
  If you secure a spot on a podcast as a guest, consider giving away a free copy of your book or product. Offer the audience a discount using a code unique to that show. If you’re hosting your show, let listeners know where they can buy your book or if you’re offering a discount for a limited time.
Get a good microphone, whether you are a guest or a host. For my first podcast, I relied on the microphone on my MacBook. This was a big mistake. I realized the sound through my laptop speakers was not good. Since I was on a blog and podcast tour with my book, I purchased a new Shure microphone and boom arm for my workstation.

#7. Guest blog posts

Guest blogging is one of the most effective strategies for extending your content marketing reach. It gets fresh eyes on your writing, secures high-quality backlinks from authoritative domains in your niche, and increases social shares across platforms like Facebook or Twitter (now known as X).

The first step – before getting started with guest blog writing—is figuring out the following things:
- Which bloggers reach your target audience?
- What tags and categories does the blog use?
- Will the blog allow you to include your byline? If not, the site’s value to your brand may be insufficient without a byline.
- How often does the blog publish posts? They may not offer guest blog posts if the blog isn’t updated regularly.
Once you find blogs that meet your needs, review their guidelines, write original content for the audience, and submit. When possible, include links to your social media platforms and website.

Examples of author brands

If you want to see a few examples of excellent author branding, check out these sites:

Priscilla Shirer

Jerry Jenkins

Paula Rizzo

L. Penelope

Malcolm Gladwell

Create a 30-day action plan

Now, it’s time to take action. I find that it’s best to research an idea or work on an action plan over 30 days. While some projects may take 60 or 90 days, I like to work on things in 30-day increments.

In your 30-day author brand-building action plan, you’ll want to include these eight things:
- What are the goals you want to accomplish?
- What small wins would you like to achieve within these 30 days?
- What will be your success metrics?
- What is your learning goal? Will you learn how Instagram works? Will you learn how to write blog posts?
- What will be your daily activities?
- What will be your weekly activities?
- What do you want to attempt to do at least once within your 30-day period?
- How will you get your activities done? Schedule everything in a notebook or planner.
Are you ready to take action? First, answer the questions above to create your 30-day action plan. You can also add different questions to the list. Then, let me know if you have any questions or want to share big or small wins.

Finally, you can build your author brand in many ways beyond what’s listed here. I hope this post inspires you to either START or KEEP GOING.
October 31, 2024
How to release the hidden benefits of writing therapy
Starting my first official job at a public relations and advertising agency right after college was an exciting experience. Each day felt like a new story, filled with wins and challenges. Even though my days were filled with lots of writing—press releases, media pitches, and talking points—I needed another form of writing to get through the day. I needed writing therapy, and I found it through journaling.

Writing in my journal became a safe space to share my thoughts and feelings after tough days. Looking back on my experiences helped me make sense of my job and provided clarity that I sometimes missed. Through journaling, I recorded my journey and better understood my changing life.

I didn’t realize it then, but journaling would become my best form of writing therapy.

Writing therapy is healthy

Embracing the therapeutic power of journaling has been a transformative experience, especially when it comes to processing grief and loss. Putting pen to paper has created a safe space for my emotions and facilitated a deeper understanding of my feelings.

Harvard Medical School highlights how writing about grief and loss can boost the immune system and improve mood and well-being. Each stroke of the pen acts as a release, allowing my heart to unburden itself and ultimately pave the way for healing and resilience.

One thing to note is writing therapy is not a substitute for professional treatment. When dealing with sudden death or violence, you may need to talk to a therapist.

Benefits of journaling for writing therapy

Journaling is a powerful form of writing therapy, enabling you to articulate your emotions on paper. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of your journaling experience.
- Select a journal that transports easily and allows you to write in places outside your home.
- Designate your journal as a safe space where you are free to explore your feelings.
- Use reflective journaling to record events as they happen and to apply critical thinking and self-reflection.
- Through expressive journaling, reflect on changes affecting you or your workplace. Write about what you like and don’t like.
- Consider journaling to highlight your gratitude for the people and things you appreciate.
How to build a journaling writing practice

To fully enjoy journaling’s advantages, aim to write regularly. The consistency of your routine is more important than the length of each entry. Strive to incorporate writing into your daily habits, just like you would with bathing or enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. Set aside a dedicated time each day, whether in the quiet hours of dawn or the peaceful moments before bed, to let your thoughts flow onto the page. I usually write in the mornings. However, I may write at lunchtime or before bed on busy days when I have early morning meetings.

Once you create your writing routine, set up a space where you feel comfortable and inspired to write. Perhaps you have a cozy chair by the window or a guest bedroom—wherever it is, make it your special place for reflection and creativity. Also, fill your writing space with items that bring you joy, such as a favorite notebook, a collection of inspiring books, or a plant that breathes life into the room. Consider lighting a candle or playing soft music to set the mood, allowing your mind to wander and your thoughts to flow freely.
October 24, 2024
How to Make Meaningful Connections in the Hybrid Workplace

As the workforce evolves, so must our communication strategies for hybrid workers.

With the rise of the hybrid work model—where some employees work from an office and others from remote locations—there are new challenges to fostering effective and inclusive communication.

Gallup’s research indicates that employees in the U.S. felt more detached from their employers in 2023. As business professionals, HR managers, or team leaders, it is crucial to understand how employees are feeling and learn how to bridge the communication gaps that may emerge.

But what can be done?

Let’s explore the factors influencing this new dynamic and explore strategies to maintain a strong, connected, and productive team, regardless of physical location.

The Dynamic Shift: From Office-Centric to Hybrid Work Environments

In a traditional office environment, communication often happens organically. The opportunities for in-person collaboration abound, be it a quick catch-up in the break room or a spontaneous whiteboard brainstorming session.

However, the shift to a hybrid work model introduces a new level of complexity. Adapting to this new dynamic is more than deciding which software to use for virtual meetings; it’s about reimagining the entire communication ecosystem to cater to diverse work settings.

Assess the State of Your Communication Infrastructure

Before implementing new communication strategies, taking stock of what you already have in place is essential. Do your existing systems support remote work effectively? Look at tools, processes, and the organization’s communication culture. An assessment might reveal that certain team members are left out of the loop or that there’s an overreliance on in-person channels that remote workers can’t access. Understanding these gaps is the first step toward creating a more equitable system.

Establish a Culture of Hybrid-First Communication

To address the disparities between in-office and remote teams, establishing a “hybrid-first” communication approach is essential. Encourage using digital channels for meetings, sharing information, and keeping team members connected. This shift fosters an inclusive environment where distance isn’t a barrier to effective collaboration.

Adapt Communication Guidelines to Remote Work Realities

Traditional communication policies need to be re-evaluated in the context of remote work. For example, expectations around response times to emails and messages need to be more flexible to accommodate different working hours. Clear guidelines help set new standards and align expectations for remote and in-office employees. Regularly reviewing and updating these policies will ensure they remain relevant and supportive of a dynamic, hybrid workforce.

Leverage Technology for Inclusive Collaboration

Innovative communication technologies offer potent ways to bring remote and in-office employees together. Video conferencing, collaborative project management tools, and instant messaging platforms can bridge the gap between physical workspaces. Choosing the right mix of technology that fits the organization’s culture and workflow is critical. Moreover, providing training to ensure that all team members can use these tools effectively is a must. Democratizing access to these resources ensures everyone can participate equally in the digital workplace.

Build Interpersonal Connections in a Virtual Setting

Maintaining an environment of collaboration can be challenging when team members work in different locations. Social interactions in the office often create the “glue” that holds teams together, so new approaches are necessary to foster these relationships remotely. Incorporating virtual coffee breaks, online team-building activities, or even casual channels on messaging apps can simulate the serendipitous moments that strengthen team bonds.

Communication Tools are the Means, Not the End

While technology and tools are enablers for remote collaboration, they are not a substitute for intentional and effective communication. The human aspect of communication gives life to the tools we use. As leaders, it’s crucial to role model the desired behaviors and ensure that communication is empathetic, transparent, and inclusive.

Address and Overcome Communication Hurdles for Hybrid Workers

Miscommunication can happen even in the most co-located teams and can be exacerbated in a hybrid setting. Language barriers, technology glitches, and differences in communication styles are just a few hurdles to effective mixed communication. Recognizing these challenges and providing resources to overcome them, such as offering language training or regular tech support, is imperative for maintaining high communication effectiveness.

Celebrate Communication Wins

In building bridges, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the moments when communication is incredibly effective. Acknowledging the situations where team members have collaborated seamlessly across distances reinforces hybrid work’s value and possibilities. These stories can become powerful examples of the new communication standards you aim to achieve.

Final Thoughts on Fostering a Connected Hybrid Workforce

The hybrid work model will likely stay, and effective communication is more critical than ever. By understanding the shifts required in communication strategies, organizations can create an environment where all team members, regardless of physical location, can equally contribute and feel connected, not stressed or disconnected.

As we navigate this new normal, we must focus on building bridges that unite us and enable us to thrive, whether working in the office or remotely.

February 13, 2024
One of the Best Ways to Strengthen Your Faith Journey
Do you ever wonder how you can strengthen your faith walk? The answer comes from a guest post by Hannah Rowen Fry, the author of The Way of Gratitude, who explains how rest can be one of the best ways to strengthen your faith journey.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

“You were made for more.”

This phrase or some variation of it is shared often in creative circles. And it should be! You were made for more. Who you currently are and what you’ve currently done are not the end of you; there is more to your future. More dreaming. More growth. More becoming who God made you to be.

And more rest.

Rest is one of the most important parts of the Christian life when it comes to living according to your God-purpose and being all he has called you to be. However, Sabbath and Sabbatical are among the least practiced spiritual rhythms. What if embracing rest is what enables you to embrace the more? What if rest is part of the purpose God has called you to?

Why should we rest more?

Here’s a brief theology of rest:
- First, rest is woven throughout our faith. Beginning with the Creator’s rest in Genesis 2:2 and the land rest in Leviticus 25:4, rest is carried through the New Testament, where it’s described as a promise in Hebrews 4. There is a clear, consistent narrative throughout Scripture to prioritize rest.
- Second, resting is one way we bear the image of God. In the creation story, we learn that we are made in God’s image and that he rested. It’s no surprise that rest is rejuvenating! Rest makes us more of who we are, of who God made us, because it echoes him. It allows us to feel more like ourselves because it’s one way we bear the image of our Creator.
- Finally, rest rhythms are found in every part of nature. We see rest most prominently in the changing seasons. In the winter, everything slows down a bit; plants become dormant, and the night is longer. Our world no longer relies on sunlight to indicate when to work and when to stop, so it’s easy for us to ignore these natural triggers. But God has instructed us to resist temptation, not the natural rest rhythm he initiated.
How do we rest more?

It sounds like an oxymoron, but it takes work to rest. Whether it’s a weekly Sabbath, a yearly retreat, or a Sabbatical every seven years, our rest must be scheduled.

That’s step one – get it on the calendar! Book a Sabbath day this week or next and protect it like any other meeting, appointment, or vacation you’ve booked.

Next, design what your rest will look like. The spiritual rhythm of rest shouldn’t feel like a lazy day or a sick day. This is intentional rest with God; it’s a joyful time of worship and rejuvenation. A Sabbath day will look different for everyone because this kind of rest is about connecting with your purpose, and each person has a different God-given purpose.

For example, my Sabbath includes sleeping in, reading Scripture and other books, journaling, doing puzzles, going for walks in nature, and eating my favorite foods. I like to be alone or with my husband or close friends on these days. But my husband’s ideal Sabbath involves no one but him and God. He’ll even keep the curtains and blinds closed, turning our home into a cave! Each of us rests in ways aligned with who God made us – our personalities, temperaments, and passions.

Finally, remember that Jesus rested. When we read the gospels and examine the work of Jesus’ ministry, we see he actively pursued rest almost as often as he worked. He didn’t heal, teach, and save without withdrawing from the crowds. Jesus went to the mountain, the wilderness, the garden, and the boat to get away from people and his purpose so he could rest. I wonder if part of his purpose was to rest.

You were made for more. More achieving. More growth. And more rest. I pray your future will be full of holy rest as you become more of who God made you to be.

About the Author

Hannah Rowen Fry is a writer, speaker, and encourager. Her writing consists of observations of daily life and uses daily reflections to guide others to live out their God-given purpose. Hannah’s passion is to help others experience greater joy in the present moment. Hannah lives in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, with her husband Matt and spends most of her free time walking on the beach, frolicking around Disney World, and listening to Taylor Swift. Her latest book is The Way of Gratitude: 21 Devotions of Goodness, Gratitude, and Wonder.

Find her online at:

Her website: https://www.hannahrowenfry.com

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/hannahrowenfry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannah.rowen
January 27, 2024
How to Find the Best Productivity Planner
I totally believe that productivity isn’t just about staying busy all day or accomplishing endless tasks.

Being productive is all about maximizing my time and working efficiently to reach my goals.

So, I use a daily productivity planner to stay organized and be productive so I can accomplish my goals.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

With so many planners on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.

That’s why I compiled this list of the best productivity planners (with a handy buyer’s guide) to help you find the right planner for you (see Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly Planner Review).

So, whether you want support from beginning to end or to be a little more independent on your productivity journey, you’re sure to find the right planner for you.

The Freedom Journal

First on the list is the Freedom Journal.

This 100-day goal journal is beautiful inside and out, and if its stunning cover does not immediately draw you in, its contents will.

If you have a goal you want to achieve within the next 100 days, the Freedom Journal is an absolute must for you.

The Freedom Journal will help you get there by guiding you to set S.M.A.R.T. goals and offering a unique system to accomplish them.

If you’re wondering, S.M.A.R.T. stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

You’ll be held accountable for the full 100 days with a set of affirmations, inspiring quotes, quarterly reviews, nightly recaps, and 10-day sprints, which allow you to set micro-goals to achieve within a 10-day frame.

This helps you build up momentum and work towards the main goal.

There’s nothing that hasn’t been thought of, and it’s far more effective than just scribbling your goal on a sticky note and losing it in your bedside drawer.

It’s also an incredibly versatile tool that can be used for almost any business or personal goal.

The Freedom Journal even comes with a mobile app that gives you another tool to help you stay on track while getting motivation from others.

Even when you’re on the go and don’t have your journal, you can still benefit from all of its incredible features!

Pros
- Beautifully designed
- It can be used for all sorts of goals, whether they’re big or small, business or personal
- Mobile app to help you stay on track, even when you’re not near your journal
- Multiple sources of inspiration, including reminders, quotes, affirmations, and more
Cons
- There are ads at the bottom of the pages, which can be distracting and feel a little clumsy.
- Some markers are the same, just worded differently, such as “by the end of the day, I will have accomplished” and “action plan for the day.”
Passion Planner

Next on the list is the Passion Planner. This undated goal-setting journal is filled with motivational prompts and boasts a beautiful design to motivate you to keep coming back and staying on track.

The Passion Planner has some truly exceptional features such as the year to view goal setter, the next year and beyond feature (remember, this planner is undated, so you can set your goals for as far out as you like), extra pages for journaling space, a goal tracker to encourage a positive mindset and six more pages of blank lined pages for your notes.

Whether you’ve got a busy schedule or a goal you want to achieve, the Passion Planner is a great addition to your lifestyle.

However, the Passion Planner seems a little lacking compared to the Freedom Journal.

There are not as many resources or support to help you keep on track, so you may need an extra burst of motivation to stay on track.

However, the extra blank pages for your journaling are a great addition that encourages more independence and freedom than other journals.

There’s a good balance between support and independence, but we did feel that the Passion Planner could do with a few extra features, such as affirmations.

Pros
- Attractive design
- A mixture of blank pages for journaling and supportive features such as the goal view setter
- Undated planner, so you can set targets within your time frame
- Monthly goal progress sheets are an excellent way to monitor your progress and see what needs to change
Cons
- This journal is very independent and lacks more sophisticated additions like affirmations and quotes that many users love.
- The calendar section is quite small, and it’s hard to see your daily goals here.
JSTORY Large Weekly Planner

The JSTORY Large Weekly Planner is next on the list with its excellent reviews.

When you first pick up this planner, you can’t help but notice the large font on the front (we get the hint, JSTORY), but at least you’ll never have to worry about not knowing what your planner is for, right?

This planner is a little smaller (ironically) than some of the others we’ve reviewed, but it still contains 28 high-quality sheets of smooth paper that are beautifully organized and great to write in.

You’ll also know that you’re getting a great quality item because this planner is stitch-bound and extra durable, with a matte-covered front and back.

For each day in your JSTORY Large Weekly Planner, you’ll get a lot of space to write in. So, even on your busiest days, you’ll never run out of room to organize your life.

However, this planner is pretty minimalistic – each page is organized with ‘M,T,W,T,F,S,S’ and a corresponding space for each day.

This planner will do the job if you don’t mind not having all the added extras, such as affirmations and trackers!

This planner can be used for almost anything – from writing bullet notes, a daily to-do list, organizing homework, organizing your bills, a meal planner, or even a food diary. It’s simple and versatile; sometimes, that’s all you need.

Pros
- Simple design
- Stitch-bound and matte-coated for extra durability
- A variety of colors to choose from
- Versatile design; this planner can be used for almost anything!
Cons
- Lack of supportive features such as trackers
- Not many pages – this wouldn’t be good for long-term goals or planning
Clever Fox Planner Pro

Next on our list is the infamous Clever Fox Planner Pro.

The Clever Fox Planner Pro has been well received across the world, and thousands of people have jumped online to share their thoughts, so, of course, we had to try it for ourselves.

The Clever Fox Planner Pro is a sophisticated and attractive planner that’s great for weekly and monthly organizing.

Not only can you keep tabs on everything you need to do, but it’s also a great planner for setting long-term goals.

This planner has a minimalistic front cover but boasts a light and spacious interior with plenty of dark headers. Unlike most dated planners, you can also start using this planner at any time of the year!

Although this planner can be used for almost anything, we loved that it includes financial planning pages.

This even includes a monthly budgeting section with expense tracker pages and a complementary grid for extra note-taking.

So, if you’ve got some financial goals you want to keep on top of… this is a fantastic planner!

Moreover, the Clever Fox Planner Pro even includes a summary of the year section, which lets you assess your financial progress throughout the year.

It’s a fantastic feature that many Clever Fox Planner Pro users are taking advantage of, and it worked well for us, too!

And in case you’re wondering, this planner does have a few extra features, such as ‘mindfulness’ prompts to help you move through the week, which is an excellent addition.

Thanks, Clever Fox.

Pros
- Available in multiple colors, including lavender, forest green, amber yellow, and more.
- Includes financial planning pages, mindfulness quotes, and extra grid space at the back for your note-taking.
- Undated means you can start using this planner on any date of the year.
- Elegant layout with plenty of dark headers.
- Three bookmarks to navigate through the planner sections easily.
Cons
- Some users feel there are too many grid pages at the back of the journal, which may be better used as financial pages or affirmations.
Self Journal By BestSelf

Last on our list is the Self Journal by BestSelf.

Like the cleverfox planner pro, the Self Journal has received an abundance of positive feedback from its users, and it’s arguably one of the best productivity planners on the market… or so we’ve heard.

What better way to test the theory than to give it a go for ourselves?

On first thoughts, the Self Journal has an incredibly simple design; however, it’s available in a range of colors, including yellow, blue, black, and orange, to suit all tastes.

It’s sophisticated, stylish, and looks incredibly professional, making it great for business and personal use.

When we started using the Self Journal, we were surprised by how much support is offered to its users.

The Self Journal comes with a 13-week roadmap, a guidebook, and morning and evening gratitude pages, making it one of the more feature-packed journals on our roundup!

The 13-week roundup features a daily progress tracker to help you monitor and achieve your goals, and with the daily gratitude acknowledgment, you can foster the positivity within that’s needed to reach your targets.

This planner also boasts a weekly habit tracker, so if you’re trying to build new positive habits, this section can encourage you to get there!

Like the freedom journal, you can also set S.M.A.R.T. goals and keep on track with progress milestones and accountability sections, which encourage you to hold yourself accountable for your successes and failures.

The Self Journal was easy to use and packed with useful features.

If you want a more supportive productivity planner, this is a great one to use! It’s also so versatile that it can be used for almost any big or small goal.

Pros
- Simple and elegant design that’s great for both business and personal use
- Morning and evening gratitude sections are a charming touch
- The planner also comes with a roadmap and guidebook to give you even more support on your productivity journey
- The weekly habit tracker can help you build new habits, get rid of old ones, and see the benefits
Cons
- There’s limited space for ‘free journaling’ as most sections of this planner are rigorously structured.
Buyers Guide

Whether you’re a student, a worker, or a homemaker, life is busy. There’s always something that demands our attention, and using a productivity planner is a great way to keep on top of your life.

If you want to achieve goals or targets you want to set yourself, a productivity planner is also a great way to hold yourself accountable!

As you’ve probably noticed from our roundup, so many productivity planners are on the market.

Some are bursting with features and resources, and others are more minimalistic with less structure.

So, if you’re looking for a new productivity planner to organize your life, what should you be looking for?

Take a look through the buyer’s guide below to explore the things you should be considering.

Goal Setting Sections

In an ideal world, your productivity planner will have a goal-setting section that can help you prioritize your tasks.

Whatever you try to achieve, setting goals is the main way you will get there.

An effective goal-setting section can help you prioritize the most important tasks and help you make time in the day to achieve them.

A good goal-setting section will also help walk you through the process so you can envision your goal and help make it real. Your section should:
- Help you understand why the goal is important
- Establish what it will look and feel like to achieve it
- Outline a plan of action that’s condensed into bite-sized chunks so you can make progress in a manageable way
Time Blocking And Tracking

Time rules almost everything and will also significantly affect your productivity.

If you want to become more productive or achieve a goal, you’ll need to track your time so you can understand how you’re spending it and how to make changes.

Time blocking and tracking can also give you an idea of how long it’ll take to achieve your goals.

With time blocking, you should be planning out what goals you will achieve in a certain time frame (e.g., the day).

For example, how long can you stay focused, and how much time should you allocate to a specific task?

An effective time-blocking and tracking section can help you figure this out without overwhelming yourself!

Look for a productivity planner that offers this feature. Most planners will give you a weekly layout for time blocking and tracking, but some may offer you more.

Project Lists/ Brainstorming Space

Any good planner will give you the space you need to organize and manage projects and brainstorm any ideas that may come to mind.

If you’re struggling to focus, you might need a bit of extra free space to write it all out and organize it later.

Getting all of those racing thoughts out onto paper is one of the most important things you can do on your productivity journey.

Some planners may just have extra blank pages at the others, but others may also have project lists or task lists.

These are usually lined and can help you organize your thoughts more coherently.

We’d recommend looking for a lined or checklist version rather than gridded or free pages to make organizing your brain dumps a little easier.

Frequently Asked Question

Do Planners Increase Productivity?

If used correctly, planners have the power to increase productivity (see also ‘How To Use Preparation To Increase Productivity In Your Creative Life‘). Planning your day and condensing your tasks into smaller loads can make achieving your goals easier, making you feel fulfilled.

What Is A Productivity Planner?

Productivity planners are journals that can be used to track and manage your goals and help you work to a schedule.

Most productivity planners will include calendars, affirmations, trackers, and more to help you get there.

What’s In A Productivity Planner?

Productivity planners can include anything from financial planning sections to affirmations, habit trackers, calendars, and free space.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling to keep on top of your life, invest in a productivity planner! We hope you’ve found our list of the best productivity planners a source of inspiration for your next investment.

Remember: anything is achievable when you put your mind to it!
December 10, 2023
How to Write Your First Book with SMART Goals
Updated December 2023

A lot of people dream of writing a book. I used to be one of those people. Then, one day, I mapped out an action plan that included SMART goals. I went from an aspiring writer to a published author in six months.

Since then, I have written two more books.

Many people ask me how I do it, so below, I detail how I improved my productivity and mastered writing my books with SMART goals.

This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at no extra cost if you make a purchase using the links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Start with a clear objective.

An objective should serve as a guide for writing your book. My decision to write my first book came following my third job layoff. If you have been laid off, you know it can be challenging. Since this was my third layoff in my 25-year career, I decided to take a positive approach that relied on my faith. While writing in my journal about the experience, I decided to write a book. Here’s an example of my writing objective: Time to Refresh.

I want to write and publish a book encouraging and inspiring women to move forward after being laid off, fired, or pushed to the sideline.

I used the same approach in writing my third book. I used a similar objective but tailored it to the book’s theme: battling cancer.

What is your objective for writing a book? Finding your why is important because it will help you keep writing even when you want to give up. The objective for writing your book should be one sentence that includes your ideas and values. Post your objective where you can see it daily during the writing process.

Make SMART goals to support your objective.

The goals for writing your book are the steps you take to accomplish your objective. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. Here’s an example of my SMART goal for writing my book.

Specific – I will write one book in 2018 (2020 and 2023).

Measurable – I will spend at least two hours per day working on the book.

Achievable – I can achieve this if I cut back on my television time.

Relevant – I must write my book to inspire others and build my writing business.

Timely – I will finish writing my book in six months.

Can SMART goals make a difference?

Research suggests that you are more likely to succeed if you write down your goals. Whether you want to start a blog or publish your first book, I firmly believe writers need objectives and goals.

Because I had my objective and SMART goals for writing my books, I was able to accomplish the following milestones:
- produced the first draft of my first book in seven days;
- write a minimum of two hours per day and
- finish writing my first book in less than 90 days.
Today, I use the lessons I have learned to help others write their first book. You’re welcome to check out my 10-step guide on how to write a nonfiction book.

Don’t forget to add a money goal.

If you plan to make money with your writing, creating money goals for each product or service you plan to sell is a good idea. Here’s an example of the money goal for my first book.

Money goal: Make at least a 5 to 10 percent profit above the cost of writing and publishing the book.

While your money goal is essential, it should not overtake your other goals. Don’t forget what you love about writing or why you started your writing business. Instead, use your money goal as a motivator to help you reach your objective.

Pulling it all together into a plan.

Once you have your objective, SMART goals, and money goals, pull everything together into an action plan. Creating an action plan that fits your business and personality is essential. Tools like Trello and Asana are great for organizing writing projects. My plan included a checklist and dates to keep me on track. If you are more of a visual person, consider making a visible action plan that features pictures, dates, and stickers with motivational messages.

Why do writers need an action plan?

Every writer who dreams of being published needs SMART goals, especially writers trying to finish their first book. We have lives outside our writing. We have jobs, families, and many other things to do daily.

When you find time to write, you need to be able to focus on the right thing. It’s easy to lose track of time on Facebook and Instagram while researching your book. Before you know it, hours have passed by, leaving you with very little accomplished. Don’t let your precious time get taken up by social media. Do what you must do on Facebook, and then close that tab!

I finally finished my book and started my writing business only because I created a plan and mapped out my goals.

A plan with goals will ensure you focus on the right things – not everything.
December 9, 2023