How Do I Know When I'm Done?

You’ve done the work. You’ve rewritten your script, practiced your piece, memorized your lines. And every time you swear to yourself that this is the last time, it’s nearly good enough now… 

… and then you do one more pass and the cycle repeats. 

When is a project “done enough”? How do you know when it’s time to stop polishing and send it out into the world?

That’s the goal of How Do I Know When I’m Done? – a short, simple-to-use guide to walk you through finishing a project, putting it down, and moving on to the next one. How Do I Know When I’m Done? includes a simple framework for deciding when a project is finished and a short checklist you can use before calling it done. 

What you get:

A 4-page straight-to-the-point PDF you can use on any project — writing, performance, design, or anything else where “done” never seems clear.

What people have said about working with Toby: 

“Toby offered me insights regarding story, structure, and character development which were devoid of ego and keyed into the nature of my own voice… His instinct for narrative is coupled with a sharp sense of tone, and the importance of each writer’s unique perspective, a perspective which he honored by not imposing his own ideas about how I should tell my story; rather by posing questions that helped me to find my own way, encouraging me each step of the way.” 

–Jessica Kahler

“If you're looking for a script doctor, Toby certainly has those diagnostic chops, but more empowering to writers is the foundational approach he takes… through a series of questions he will open up your script for you so you can get in there and see for yourself. A session with Toby gives you access to your own play that you didn't realize you were locked out of!”

–Sharon Black

“Toby has an extraordinary ability to listen actively, communicate effectively, and integrate diverse perspectives… he fosters a positive and productive collaborative environment, demonstrating a commitment to collective success and a genuine respect.”

–Veronica Reyes-How

“I have been fortunate enough to receive constructive feedback from Toby on multiple screenplays. His positive and supportive nature is contagious, always considering each group member and asking, how can I help you. If you’re thinking of Toby for your script feedback process, I would say do it!”

–Adrian Prospero

–“Mr. Tieger's presentation was first-rate, and I would happily take future workshops with him because he is affable, accessible, and intelligent.

–“It was great and concise, and I loved it.” 

–“Wouldn't change a thing.”

–Workshop participants

FAQ

You said this guide is part of the Creatives Toolkit. What is that? 

Working as a Creative means that the work you do is subjective, but sometimes you need clear objective tools. Like a carpenter’s toolbox, this series gives you ready-to-use guides, templates, and checklists so you can work faster and with less second-guessing. 

So this will tell me exactly when to stop working on a project?

No person or tool can absolutely promise that. That said, this method has worked for me and the people I’ve coached, and it’s designed to make the decision much easier. 

You mentioned it’s 4 pages long. That seems short.

It's very short! That's the point – this is meant to be a simple tool for when you're feeling overwhelmed by drafts, so condensing it into something lean seemed important. 

This all sounds great. What does this cost? 

$5.

Haha. No, but seriously, what does it cost? 

Seriously, the How Do I Know When I’m Done? guide costs $5.

I’m trying to build out the guides and checklists of the Creatives Toolkit, and right now the absolute best payment would actually be your feedback – what’s working for you? Did this help you as a Creative to get your work done? Please let me know! 

Do you have other guides? 

Yes – more Creatives Toolkit guides are coming soon! If there are any topics in particular you struggle with as a Creative, please let me know. And if in the meantime you’d like to get any answers straight from the horse’s mouth (that’s me – in this scenario I’m the horse), you can set up an intake coaching session with me by filling out this Google Form. The initial session is free, and then future sessions are just $60/hr. Or you can sign up for my newsletter, which is also free.