Keeping to the word count: Tip #3

Set your goal before your eyes.

OK, it's really not that philosophical - but it's a great visual reminder if you start your document with a reminder of how long the text should be. A simple: "500-700 words" on the first line of your document is enough to remind you where you're headed.

This comes in especially handy when you're working on a batch of articles on the same day. As you research or get inspiration for each article, you can start your outline. Then go back and do the actual writing... without having to remember was this one 500? or 900?

Just be sure to delete your reminder before you turn your article in!