Writing a newsletter can be difficult. You sit down with a great idea and begin to write, but what happens on the next issue? You may have a few great ideas, but you will finally come to the issue where you are not sure what to do. Staring at a blank page is a writer’s worst enemy. Having an editorial calendar can help you map out key items to cover and help you see where you need additional topics. If you decide to have regular writing topics within your Ezine, you can use your editorial calendar with them as well.

An editorial calendar is like planning a project. Most calendars go for an entire year, but how far you take it is up to you. Most writers use a calendar to help visualize an entire years worth of topics. The topics are usual holiday or season related but could be a combination of both. What are some of the popular dates within your business or niche? If you have a gardening business, then you probably won’t be talking about mulching during the winter time. Plan what makes sense for your business. It will make sense to your readers as well.

Once you have all of the main topics outlined within your editorial calendar, its time to start filling in the gaps. Depending on how often you publish, you will need that many topics at least. This task is much easier when you have a plan.

Deadlines

Set up deadlines within your editorial calendar to help you make your absolute deadlines. If you plan to send out your Ezine on Monday, then set your editorial calendar deadline several days before that to give you time to write. Use upcoming dates to give teasers to your subscriber base. You can also plan interviews with experts around your calendar dates.

Great Tool

Once you have your editorial calendar complete, you will always know what you should be writing about. You can identify writing topics from your overall topic for the month. This is a great eliminator of writer’s block. You can plan ahead and organize your year. Keep folders on your computer or hardcopy of ideas that match your calendar. Make sure that your editorial calendar is within your view each day. It will help jog your mind and can help you come up with creative ideas that will help you. You will be amazed at how much easier it will be to begin writing.