A Writer KNOWS

The KNOWS system for working is one that I adapted. I had a notebook system in progress already that helped somewhat. (It was Julie Hood's The Organized Writer.) I needed something that was focused to one project at a time.

KNOWS (K eep a N otebook O rganization W orking S ystem) came about after examining the setup of The Organized Writer . I pared it down only to what I need to complete a project. Before using this system, I had various incomplete manuscripts and projects on my computer. Since beginning the system, I have completed three full manuscripts. I have another one halfway done and yet another in planning stages. My productivity has definitely increased by using KNOWS.

Setting Up Your KNOWS

You need at least a 1 1/2" three-ring binder and notebook dividers.

Here is how I have set up my KNOWS for writing.  You can adapt it as needed for other forms of creativity.

For Fiction
On your divider labels, use:
Notes
Research sources (optional)
Markets
Feedback (including good rejection letters)
Submissions log
Manuscript
Blank paper

The section on Notes can be further divided to include character sketches and maps.  It has worked for me to have them just in the notes section, although I can see how it would be useful to have it further divided if your project is highly detailed.

For Nonfiction
On your divider labels, use:
Notes
Research Sources/Articles
Markets
Feedback (including good rejection letters)
Articles/Presentations (that you have written/presented)
Submissions log
Manuscript
Blank paper

Using the KNOWS

How you arrange your sections is up to you as long as it works for you.

Notes: Preliminary notes about your project go here and notes as you progress.
Research Sources: This is most helpful if you are working on nonfiction or a historical novel requiring a lot of research.
Markets: Where do you plan to send your manuscript/proposal? Include information on agents and publishers along with notes about them.
Articles/Presentations: These are articles you have written or presenations you have done on the subject of your book to help establish your platform. This is usually for nonfiction, although it is becoming more common for fiction as well.
Feedback: If you present any of your project to a critique group, what kind of feedback do you get?  When you get rejections back (inevitable as they are), if you get good ones with suggestions, include them here as well.
Submissions Log: Where have you sent it? What is the status (pending, rejected, accepted)?
Manuscript: Include your synopsis/proposal and the actual manuscript.
Blank paper: Give yourself a place to make notes that you will move to the Notes or Markets section.