Every year, writers make the same resolution: write more. And by February of every year, most of those writing goals fade.
In 2026, I’m thinking differently about writing goals as part of a larger arc of moving from draft to publication.
Finishing a draft is only one stage of the journey. If we want to grow as authors, our goals should reflect the whole process. Below, I outline six ways I’m approaching my writing goals in 2026.
2026 Writing Goals for Authors
1. Finish What Matters
It’s tempting to start something new. A fresh idea always feels more exciting than revising a stubborn draft, but no one has ever published from half-finished manuscripts.
In 2026, one of my core writing goals is simple. Finish the projects that deserve to be finished.
The manuscripts that pull at me, the stories that still have life in them, deserve to be finished. Completing them creates momentum, opens doors, and allows for new possibilities.
2. Revise With Purpose
Revision is where the work truly deepens. Drafting is a process of discovery, but revision demands intention and decision-making.
In 2026, I plan to step back, identify structural weaknesses, and ask the hard questions about plot, stakes, and voice.
I will eliminate what no longer serves the story and polish what strengthens it.
Revision is a form of transformation, and treating it as a creative act is essential for growth.
3. Build Toward Publication
Writing for myself is important. But if I want my work to live in the world, I have to think beyond the page.
That means setting goals connected to submission and publication, i.e.
- Preparing polished manuscripts.
- Researching appropriate outlets.
- Creating submission timelines.
- Tracking responses.
Publication rarely happens by accident. Even when the answer is no, the act of submitting builds resilience, which may be the most important skill an author can develop.
4. Develop Professional Habits
Yes, talent matters, but discipline matters more. In 2026, I’m focusing on sustainable habits rather than dramatic bursts of productivity.
Consistent writing blocks, scheduled revision periods, and deliberate time for professional development will help maintain momentum without burning out.
Dramatic bursts of productivity may feel exciting, but only steady effort sustains a career over the long term.
5. Strengthen My Author Identity
Writing is solitary, but publishing is not. Part of moving from draft to publication means thinking about how I show up as an author. That includes:-
- Clarifying the themes that define my work.
- Refining how I describe my projects.
- Engaging thoughtfully with the broader writing community.
- Continue learning about the industry.
6. Redefine Success
Instead of word count, in 2026, I’m measuring success by progress across finalizing drafts, submitting work despite doubt, and a clearer sense of direction.
By focusing on craft, discipline, and steady forward motion, publication becomes a byproduct of sustained effort.
Writing goals in 2026 should help us move forward from idea to draft, draft to revision, revision to submission, and submission to publication.
It’s a long path, but it is navigable. The key is deliberate progression rather than dramatic reinvention.
What Are Your Writing Goals in 2026?
Where are you on that path, and what would it take to move one step further this year? Share in the comments.
Wunmi inherited every sarcastic bone in her parents’ bodies and channels the genetic feistiness through her fiction stories. She’s always eating chocolate and plans to never stop laughing while she can. Learn more about Wunmi here…