RW Makeover: A system for tracking queries
Jen asked for ideas for a query tracking system. “It doesn’t have to be too fancy,” she says. “Just something that helps me keep track of what I’m doing and when to follow up.”
Okay. Let’s keep in mind that there’s no one right way to do this, except what is right for you. That said, here are some ideas to get you thinking.
When you send out the query, write in your calendar when you want to follow up. You can do this in a paper calendar or use an electronic reminder such as Task Manager in Outlook. Another option is to use a spreadsheet to keep track of queries sent. Headings would include date sent, editor, publication, mailing address, phone number, email address, and status. Status would include notes about your follow up efforts; e.g. “12/11/06 Sent email to follow up†or “12/11/06 Proposal accepted.†Each day, you could check your spreadsheet to see what requires your attention that day.
Anyone else have some ideas for Jennifer? [Donna Smallin, unclutter.com]
If you liked that post, you might also like:
Dec 11, 2006 RW Makeover
http://www.spacejock.com has a freeware program called Sonar that aids in tracking queries/manuscripts. It is easy to use. I’ve used it (off and on, admittedly) for over a year.
Why not make it really simple? If using folders for different projects, write on the outside of the folder when and to whom the query/article was sent. When to follow up and the date of rejection(ugh) or acceptance (yea). You can list their email, name, etc. and everything is in one place and can’t get lost in either file 13 or cyberspace.
Ellen, you’re right. Simple is good! I like your idea for keeping track of queries. I’d still want to add a date into my Outlook Tasks to remind me to follow up. Of course, you can also make a note in your calendar. I always say, “Whatever system works for you is the perfect system.”
I find the fewer new programs I need to learn, the fewer hours wasted having to learn it – and for me that means I work from an excel spreadsheet and use my paper planner for follow up notes. I can get so concerned learning the BEST way to keep my info – just getting ready to send out a query – compiling the address/name info, etc. that I run out of time & energy before I can actually SEND anything OUT!!! And since I am doing this in the evening hours and on my lunch hour, I need to protect myself from my very own self and keep it simple: Excel. I think it’s been said rather recently, that for a system to work it has to be IMPLEMENTED by the user… THAT is challenge enough!
I am loving that you are all sharing your thoughts and ideas. Chrystine is right. The perfect system results in the job getting done. Or, as I like to say, “Done is perfect.”