Outcome-Based Management: 7 Secrets to Writing Success

“Good writing is clear thinking made visible.” — Bill Wheeler

Work smarter, not harder. But how do you do that when you’re writing your first book?

As a new indie author, writing your first book can feel overwhelming. From completing the manuscript to navigating the publishing process, getting lost in the details is easy. However, a structured approach like Outcome-Based Management (OBM) can help you stay focused on what matters most: achieving tangible, measurable progress toward becoming a published author.

OBM isn’t just for businesses or non-profits. You can apply its principles to your writing journey to set clear goals, track your progress, and ultimately produce a book you’re proud to share with the world. In this first part of our writer’s guide series on OBM, we’ll cover how to use OBM to guide your first book from concept to completion.

1. Define Clear Outcomes for Your Book

Start by identifying what success looks like for you. What are the specific results you want to achieve with your book? Your outcomes might be related to writing, publishing, or building an audience.

For example, you might aim to:

• Complete the first draft within six months.
• Secure 100 pre-orders by your launch date.
• Reach 1,000 readers within the first year of publication.

Clearly defining these outcomes gives you a tangible goal to work toward. Whether it’s finishing your manuscript or reaching your target audience, having specific outcomes helps you focus on what’s important.

2. Set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Measure Your Progress

Once you’ve defined your outcomes, establish measurable targets, known as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), to track your progress. KPIs break down your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps.

Examples of KPIs for writing your book could include:

• Writing 2,000 words per week.
• Completing each chapter by a certain deadline.
• Gathering feedback from beta readers by a specific date.
• Securing a certain number of pre-orders or followers on social media.

KPIs provide measurable ways to monitor your progress, helping you stay on track and adjust when needed. You can avoid getting overwhelmed by focusing on specific tasks that contribute to your larger goal.

3. Allocate Resources and Time Effectively

To succeed, it’s important to identify the resources you’ll need and plan your time efficiently. Resources can include anything from writing tools and time management strategies to professional services like editing or cover design.

For example:

• Set aside a dedicated writing schedule, like 10 hours per week.
• Plan to invest in a professional editor or book cover designer at key points.
• Consider budget-friendly marketing tools to start building your audience early on.

Allocating resources ahead of time ensures that you’re prepared to handle the challenges of both writing and publishing. Planning for professional help when needed can also improve the quality of your final product.

4. Implement a Writing and Marketing Plan

With your outcomes, KPIs, and resources in place, the next step is to implement a detailed plan that guides your book’s writing and marketing.

For the writing phase:

• Set deadlines for completing key milestones, such as finishing each chapter or revising specific sections.
• Commit to a regular writing routine that helps you stay productive without burning out.

For the marketing phase:

• Start building an audience early by posting updates, excerpts, or teasers on social media.
• Use pre-launch campaigns to generate interest and gather pre-orders.

A well-thought-out plan keeps you moving forward and ensures that you’re making progress on both the writing and promotional fronts. (More on marketing in another part of this writer’s guide series).

5. Monitor Your Progress Regularly

Regularly reviewing your KPIs is key to staying on track. For example, you can use writing apps to track daily word counts, keep a spreadsheet of chapter completions, or set reminders for marketing tasks.

Examples of how to monitor progress:

• Check your word count against your weekly writing goals.
• Review feedback from beta readers and adjust your manuscript accordingly.
• Track pre-orders and social media engagement as part of your book marketing efforts.

Tracking progress not only helps you stay motivated but also allows you to spot potential issues early. If you find yourself falling behind, it’s easier to make adjustments and get back on course.

6. Adjust Strategies When Necessary

Flexibility is crucial when using OBM. If your current strategy isn’t delivering the desired outcomes, don’t hesitate to make changes. For instance, if you’re not meeting your weekly word count, you might need to allocate more time to writing or break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

Examples of adjustments:

• If you’re struggling to finish your draft, set shorter, more achievable daily writing goals.
• If your pre-orders are lagging, try experimenting with different marketing tactics, such as offering a limited-time promotion or collaborating with other indie authors.

Being adaptable ensures that you continue making progress toward your goals, even when unexpected challenges arise.

7. Evaluate Your Success Post-Publication

Once your book is published, take time to assess whether you’ve achieved the outcomes you originally set. Did you complete your first draft within six months? How did your marketing efforts pay off? Have you reached your target number of readers?

Examples of success metrics post-publication:

• Sales numbers and reader reviews.
• Social media engagement and follow-up marketing opportunities.
• Feedback from your audience and professional connections.

Reflecting on your successes—and any areas where you fell short—will help you refine your process for your next book. Every project offers valuable lessons, and OBM gives you a framework for improving with each new title.

Applying Outcome-Based Management

By applying Outcome-Based Management principles to your writing journey, you can maintain focus, stay accountable, and work toward measurable goals. From completing your manuscript to marketing your book, OBM offers a practical, results-driven approach to writing your first book—and every book after that.

We hope you’ve found the strategies useful and motivating. We hope they’ll equip you with the insights and tools needed to help you succeed as a new author.

For more help, read Top 10 SEO Strategies for New Indie Authors and Top 10 SEO Strategies for New Indie Authors.

Writing is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go it alone. We’re excited to continue the journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Our goal is to provide basic insights and practical advice to help you navigate the writing world with increased confidence.

For more tips on writing, publishing, and marketing your indie books, be sure to explore the resources available on our website. If you have a draft you want to publish, and wonder how AI can help, read, Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish? Lastly, for help writing a non-fiction book, read Write Your First Non-Fiction eBook: a 30-Day Workbook for Getting It Done.

Don’t wait. Start today!

How can we help? To let us know, please fill out our contact form. Happy writing!

FAQs

How do I set realistic outcomes for my first book if I’ve never written one before?

When setting outcomes for your first book, start with manageable goals. For example, rather than aiming to write a full novel in one month, set a smaller goal like completing a certain number of chapters. Research how long it typically takes other authors to write a book, then adjust based on your personal schedule. You can also break larger goals into smaller, more achievable milestones to stay motivated.

What should I do if I fall behind on my writing or marketing KPIs?

If you fall behind, it’s important to assess why. Are your goals too ambitious, or do you need to adjust your schedule? Once you identify the reason, make the necessary changes—either by adjusting your daily or weekly writing targets or reallocating time to marketing tasks. It’s also helpful to focus on consistency rather than perfection. Even small steps forward are better than none.

How can I track my progress effectively when writing my book?

There are various tools you can use to track your writing progress:

• Writing apps like Scrivener or Word Counter track word counts and allow you to set targets.
• Spreadsheets can help you track chapter completions, editing stages, or marketing milestones.
• Project management tools like Trello or Notion are great for organizing and visualizing your progress across all stages, including writing, editing, and marketing.

How can I apply OBM principles to the editing and revision process of my book?

OBM can be applied to editing by setting clear outcomes for the revision phase, such as completing a round of developmental edits by a certain date or addressing specific feedback from beta readers. KPIs could include tracking how many chapters you revise per week or how many changes you incorporate based on editor feedback. Keeping the revision process organized and measurable will help you stay on track for a timely publication.

What role does feedback play in Outcome-Based Management for indie authors?

Feedback is essential in OBM, as it serves as data that helps you adjust your approach. During the writing process, you can gather feedback from beta readers, critique partners, or editors to evaluate if your manuscript is heading in the right direction. For marketing, reader reviews and engagement on platforms like social media provide valuable insight into how your audience is responding, which can help shape future strategies for your book and subsequent projects.