Words spill out on your computer about magical lands, secret staircases, and a princess's magic wand that grants wishes. If only that princess could magically appear and organize your writing life. Sometimes, I feel as though organization is a fairytale. After all, who has time to get organized when there are stories to write, manuscripts to mail, market research to conduct, and family time to squeeze in?

If you're a writer, it's essential to set aside time for organizational tasks. Why? You need to be able to find your source for that one piece of information your editor is doubtful about. You need to be able to track your deadlines, so you'll get that article in on time. You need to track your submissions, so when time has elapsed with one publisher, you won't waste any time sending it to another. However, having your stuff exactly where you want it is not an easy task.

Writers are inundated with paper, and lots of it. Even if you're like me and have attempted to keep everything on your computer, you'll still have paper whether you like it or not. The first step in organization is to use a system to manage paper. It doesn't matter what you use as a filing cabinet--it can simply be a cardboard box, but having a place to file your paper is important. Keep blank file folders and a label marker at your desk. When you have a need for a file, you'll be ready. Give each article/ story its own folder, so you can file the manuscript, research, correspondence, and rejections and acceptances in one place. When you're finished with that folder, be sure to return it to its proper drawer. Having an idea folder is also a great resource. This will be your place to hold notes, magazine clips, etc..., so when you're strapped for an idea, all you have to do is consult your folder to spark your imagina! tion.

If you've limited your amount of paper and have turned to computer files, organization is still vital. Back-up computer files regularly and keep as few files in My Documents as possible. Just as with paper, give each story/ article its own folder on your computer, so you have everything in one place.

De-clutter your desk. The things on your desk should be items that you need at the ready within easy reach. Anything you don't want to throw away, should be placed in your file cabinet. Avoid piles and use stackable letter trays to prioritize your current projects. Keep reference books on a shelf near your work area, so they're easily accessible.

Although they make your computer colorful, banish post-it notes (or at least, limit their use). Instead, use a simple list-making system. Keep a 3 subject notebook divided into 'next actions,' 'someday,' and 'waiting for.' 'Next actions' is your to-do list with specific dates and times for work that is in progress. For example, mail manuscript, study a magazine or editorial guidelines, call experts for an interview, outline article for Appleseeds, finish short story for Stories for Children Magazine, etc... 'Someday' is your to-do list without specific dates and times. Perhaps, it's an article that you'd eventually like to tackle, a website you'd like to visit, or a magazine you want to read as a potential market. 'Waiting for' are things that need input from other people before you proceed. Perhaps, you're waiting to hear back from an interview subject, or waiting to hear back about a research question.

All writers have deadlines to meet. It's a good idea to keep a schedule on a calendar. Monitor deadlines and query due dates. You, also, might consider designating certain tasks to certain days. For example, set Monday aside for querying; Tuesday for accounting; Wednesday for reading and market research; Thursday for administration and filing; and Friday for idea harvesting. You may only need to spend an hour or two on each task which means you can spend more time writing.

Another important part of organizing your writing life is tracking the state of writing projects from idea to publication. Keep submission tracking tables on a computer file, notebook, index card file, or with each article/ story folder. This should consist of columns for the name of the manuscript, the publisher and editor you sent it to, the date sent, whether it was a query or full manuscript, the date of response, whether it was accepted or rejected, the date of issue, the payment, and the rights bought. When a publisher sends a story back, update your table and you'll be ready to send it to the next publisher on your list, or even better, you'll be able to write down that acceptance and paycheck.

Just as with any business, writers network which means business cards, phone numbers, and addresses. Keep a contact-manager system, so you don't lose business cards or misplace numbers on crumpled napkins. Be sure to transfer contact info from business cards or voice mail to your system as soon as you can.

When you're on-the-go, carry a little spiral bound memo book. If you're out and about and get an idea, write it down. We all know how easy it is to forget that great idea that pops into your head. You never know, it might be that one that publishers are looking for. When you get home, transfer the item to the appropriate list.

Organizing your writing life will increase your productivity and, hopefully, lead to more sales. Sometimes you won't get to everything you planned, but having a list and details about what tasks are at hand will forward your writing project. Just remember, there's a fine line between being productive and procrastinating, so don't spend too much time at the office store and organizing your work space. With the right amount of effort, organization should give you more time to make your fairytale come true. After all, we all love a happy ending.