Issue 48: The two-hour weekly publishing routine
How to fit research, writing, editing and sending into two focused hours, and what to do when a week goes wrong.
Hello again. This week: the routine we use to publish in about two hours a week, plus a new checklist in the library.
The routine
A weekly newsletter is easier when each step has its own slot.
- Monday, 20 minutes: pick the main piece from your ideas list and write a three-line outline.
- Wednesday, 60 minutes: write the draft, without editing.
- Thursday, 25 minutes: edit, add links, choose a subject line.
- Friday, 15 minutes: run the pre-send checklist and schedule.
Splitting the work across days means you edit with fresh eyes, and a bad Wednesday does not sink the whole issue.
When a week goes wrong
Keep one evergreen issue drafted and ready. If the week falls apart, send that instead and say so honestly. Readers forgive a lighter issue far more readily than silence.
New in the library
The newsletter launch checklist collects everything we wish we had set up before our first issue.
One question
How long does your issue take each week? Reply and tell us. We read every reply.