How can you balance thoroughness with deadlines when writing long-form pieces?

1 Choose your topic wisely

The first step to writing a long-form piece is to choose a topic that is relevant, interesting, and feasible. You want to avoid topics that are too broad, too narrow, or too complex, as they will either overwhelm you with information or limit your scope and depth. You also want to avoid topics that are too common, too controversial, or too outdated, as they will either bore your readers or alienate them. Instead, look for topics that are timely, original, and engaging, and that allow you to explore different angles, perspectives, and sources.

2 Do your research thoroughly

The second step to writing a long-form piece is to do your research thoroughly. You want to gather as much data, evidence, and background information as possible, from credible and diverse sources. You also want to verify the accuracy, reliability, and relevance of your sources, and cite them properly. You can use tools like Google Scholar, ProQuest, or LexisNexis to find academic articles, books, reports, or legal documents. You can also use tools like HARO, Twitter, or LinkedIn to find experts, influencers, or eyewitnesses who can provide quotes, insights, or testimonials.

3 Organize your material logically

The third step to writing a long-form piece is to organize your material logically. You want to structure your article in a way that makes sense for your topic, audience, and purpose. You can use different formats, such as narrative, explanatory, investigative, or persuasive, depending on the type of story you want to tell. You can also use different elements, such as headlines, subheadings, introductions, conclusions, transitions, summaries, or call-to-actions, depending on the type of message you want to convey. You can use tools like Evernote, Trello, or Scrivener to outline your article, create sections, and arrange your content.

4 Write your draft clearly

The fourth step to writing a long-form piece is to write your draft clearly. You want to use simple, concise, and active language that communicates your main points, arguments, and opinions. You also want to use appropriate tone, style, and voice that matches your topic, audience, and purpose. You can use tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, or ProWritingAid to check your grammar, spelling, punctuation, readability, or plagiarism. You can also use tools like CoSchedule Headline Analyzer, Sharethrough Headline Optimizer, or Portent Title Maker to craft catchy and SEO-friendly headlines.

5 Edit your work carefully

The fifth step to writing a long-form piece is to edit your work carefully. You want to revise your content for clarity, coherence, and consistency, and eliminate any errors, gaps, or redundancies. You also want to refine your content for impact, relevance, and originality, and enhance any strengths, opportunities, or improvements. You can use tools like Google Docs, Word, or Pages to track your changes, add comments, or make suggestions. You can also use tools like Peergrade, Scribbr, or Scribendi to get feedback, suggestions, or corrections from peers, experts, or professionals.

6 Manage your time wisely

The sixth and final step to writing a long-form piece is to manage your time wisely. You want to set realistic and specific goals, deadlines, and milestones for each stage of your writing process, and stick to them. You also want to prioritize your tasks, delegate your responsibilities, and avoid distractions. You can use tools like Google Calendar, Asana, or Todoist to schedule your time, assign your tasks, or track your progress. You can also use tools like Pomodoro, Forest, or Focusmate to boost your productivity, motivation, or concentration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?