Are There Good File Systems for Writers?
I got in trouble having too many unfinished stories on my desk.
I understand that file cabinets are ancient and barbaric.
And, I know I could have as many half-finished stories as I wish in my medium stories area.
And one being hidden away in either of those two areas is not the same as one lying out in the open, and being a constant reminder that there is some work to be done here.
Still, from time to time, I wonder.
IS THERE A GOOD FILE SYSTEM FOR WRITERS?
A strong file system for writers can help you stay organized, keep track of drafts, and manage research more efficiently. Here are a couple of suggestions.
It would help me if you stay on the page for at least 30 seconds to help support my work as per Medium’s reading credit policies.
Folder Structures
Main Folder. Start with a main folder for each project (e.g., “Book Title” or “Blog Posts”).
Subfolders. Create subfolders within each project folder, such as “Drafts,” “Research,” “Outlines,” “Edits,” and “Final Versions.”
Date and Version Naming
Use file names with dates or version numbers (e.g., “Draft_01_2024–10–25.docx”). This will help you track the progression of each piece without needing extra folders.
Research
If your work requires a lot of research, keep a separate “Research” folder organized by topic or reference type. Tools like Evernote or Notion can also help organize notes, clippings, and URLs alongside written content.
Software-Specific Solutions
Scrivener. It’s great for long projects like books. It has a built-in file organization system with subfolders and note attachments. I found the initial learning curve to be a little cumbersome, but users love it.
Notion. It’s for combining research, outlines, and early drafts with an intuitive, database-style structure. I have not tried Notion yet. I’m too last year.
Google Drive. If you prefer cloud storage, create a structured folder system in Google Drive for easy access across devices. Yep. If it’s free, it’s for me. My go-to storage.
Regular Backups
It’s always best to, at least periodically, save everything to a cloud system (Google Drive, Dropbox) and keep a local backup zip drive or hard drive, especially for critical files.
Last Words
Whichever system you use can be customized based on your workflow. Let me know if you use any of these, and how they work for you, or if you have more ideas!
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