Is your desk a mess with notes? Do you have any idea what your next writing project is? What stage is your current work in progress? Are you searching for a simple way to keep track of your writing plans? Do you need to see where you are in a project’s stages? Trello could be the answer for you. With these 3 reasons Trello is for authors, you’ll be a convert.
What is Trello, and where can you find it?
Trello according to their site is “Trello is a web-based, Kanban-style, list-making application and is developed by Trello Enterprise, a subsidiary of Atlassian. Created in 2011 by Fog Creek Software.” Let’s break this down. Kanban-style, list-making application.
What is Kanban you might ask? Kanban is according to Wikipedia “Kanban (Japanese: 看板, meaning signboard or billboard) is a scheduling system for lean manufacturing (also called just-in-time manufacturing, abbreviated JIT). Taiichi Ohno, an industrial engineer at Toyota, developed kanban to improve manufacturing efficiency. The system takes its name from the cards that track production within a factory.”
Start with going to Trello’s website and creating an account.
Reason 1. It’s free!
The free option gives you limited boards but is completely workable if you make a plan on what you want to track. Everything starts with a blank board or a template (an already made board for your use). I’ll share my favorite templates for authors below.
Reason 2. It’s versatile.
You can use Trello to track different authors and personal needs. You can also personalize your boards and add logos, book covers, and more to tiles and cards.
So how do you use Trello? First, ask yourself what you want to track.
Ideas on how to use Trello for authors?
Your writing year plan
Books in a series and their production stages.
Outline method
Editorial tracker
These are just a few of my boards on Trello. Once you know what you are going to track, you can think about how you are going to set up your board.
Here is an example, using my series board.
1. title the board in this case (The Fire Series)
2. My first card is labeled (Brainstorm) This card is a placeholder for the books that aren’t in any stage except an idea. I know that my Fire Series is 9 books long. I’m publishing Book 2 this year so there are books in different stages.
3. 2nd card is labeled (Open) This card is for planning and outlining a manuscript.
4. 3rd card is labeled (Writing stage) This card is for manuscripts that are being drafted.
5. 4th card is labeled (Editing/revision) This card is for when a manuscript is going through the first revisions and edits.
6. 5th card is labeled (Readers) This card is for when a manuscript is being read by Alpha or Beta readers.
7. 6th card is labeled (Line Edits) This card is for when my manuscript is with my Editor.
8. 7th card is labeled (Last Edits/Proofs) For when a manuscript is in Proof stages.
9. 8th card is labeled (Format) Formatting stage.
10. 9th card is labeled (Upload) Uploading on sellers sites like Amazon
11. 10th card is labeled (ARC) Advanced Reader Copies before pre order ends.
12. 11th card is labeled (Launch) The book is live on sites and off to pre order customers.
13. 12th card is labeled (Closed) The book is out in the world and taken off the stages until a later version.
Of course, this is my series tracker board and you can change it up any way you like. The cards I listed above line the top of the page as title cards. Below those title cards, you can add more tiles. All cards and tiles move left to right, up and down a single stack.
here is a screen shot
Reason 3. You can use templates others have made for your use.
Most of these templates are free when you sign up for their newsletters. My favorite Trello author template maker is.
I started Thriving Scribes from my laptop in 2017 with nothing more than an itch to share my writing process with others and the desire to cultivate a community of authors who root for each other. I’ve spent the past 5+ years of my life cultivating tools, systems, and strategies to better organize my writing life, prioritize my goals, and create solid game-plans to make things happen. These Trello templates for authors are the exact templates I use to balance my own life and career and includes everything I’ve learned about using Trello for organization and productivity. No matter where you are on your writing journey, you can make the changes necessary to be a THRIVING SCRIBE!
Workshop coming soon
I’ll be doing a Writing Workshop Trello for Authors on the 2nd weekend in March. Sign up for my newsletter here or keep an eye on this blog to find out when to sign up for your seat.
What I’m working on
I’m caught up to my proofreader, so I can start the 2nd proof stage where I listen to The Fire Inside and make highlights on areas that need work. Our next stage is to format, upload, and order a proof copy.
I’m revising Home Fires Fire Series story 2.5 which will be available for free in my Newsletter after The Fire Inside goes live in March.
I’m finishing up with a student of my As the Crow Flies Writing Coaching. If you would like to get personalized writing coaching, check out the plans here.
Buy Me a Coffee
Upcoming Events
Tonight is Honey Badger Book Club meeting. We are discussing The Edge of Discontent and picking February’s book. Don’t miss it! We have a spinning wheel and fun.
Thursday I’m live on YouTube at 1:30 pm Central U.S. time
Friday we vote for February’s Raven’s Cookbook recipe on the Discord On the Wings for Writers
Author Chat Feb. 2nd The Unorganized Writer/Brandy will read a piece for us from her latest work in progress.
Feb. Writer’s Virtual Retreat 4-6th
We have 5 prizes for the winners.
Marvel movies in chronological order according to Disney plus
Check out this
Link to Fundraiser page on Feeding America if you would like to do more than buy the cookbook.
Become a Wings Member and get an ARC of The Fire Inside in February.
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