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You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One) Paperback – September 2, 2014

by Jeff Goins (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,062 ratings
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Becoming a writer begins with a simple but important belief: You are a writer; you just need to write.

In You Are a Writer, Jeff Goins shares his own story of self-doubt and what it took for him to become a professional writer. He gives you practical steps to improve your writing, get published in magazines, and build a platform that puts you in charge.

This book is about what it takes to be a writer in the 21st Century. You will learn the importance of passion and discipline and how to show up every day to do the work.

Here's what else you will learn:

-How to transition from wanting to be a writer to actually being one
-What “good” writing is (and isn’t)
-How to stop waiting to be picked and finally choose yourself
-What it takes to build a platform
-Why authors need to brand themselves (and how to do it)
-Tips for freelancing, guest blogging, and getting published in magazines
-Different ways to network with other writers, artists, and influencers
-The importance of blogging and social media and how to use it well to find more readers and fans of your writing

You Are a Writer will help you fall back in love with writing and build an audience who shares your love. It’s about living the dream of a life dedicated to words.

AND IT ALL BEGINS WITH YOU.


Table of Contents

Introduction

Part 1: Writing

You ARE a Writer: Claiming the Title
Writers Write
The Myth of Good
It Gets Tough

Part 2: Getting Read

Three Tools Every Writer Needs
You Need a Platform
Your Brand is You
Channels of Connection

Part 3: Taking Action

Getting Started
Before Your First Book
When the Pitching Ends
What Next?

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  1. Print length
    134 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 2, 2014
  4. Dimensions
    5 x 0.34 x 8 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0990378500
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0990378501
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"In You Are a Writer, Jeff Goins shares the truth about writing. He provides the tools and insights you need to build your platform, develop an audience, and make meaningful connections. No writer should embark on his or her writing journey without reading this first!"
-Michael Hyatt // Author, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World

"Writers! Read this by Jeff Goins. Seriously. Go."
-Carrie Wilkerson // Author, The Barefoot Executive

"As an academic who doesn't have a marketing bone in my body, Jeff Goins helped me understand branding for my blog in a new way."
-Elizabeth Chapin

"Writers now have the option of building an audience, a brand, and affecting thousands -- maybe millions -- of people with their words. Jeff is showing you the door. The question is, will you open it and put your foot forward?"
-Paul Jun

From the Author

Hi, my name's Jeff. And I'm a writer. But I didn't always think of myself that way. In fact, for years, I dreamed of one day becoming a writer. But secretly, I was afraid of the risk. It took a gentle but firm rebuke from a friend to realize the dead-end course I was on, to finally understand who I was. After that, I was never the same.

One day, a friend asked me about my dream. I said I didn't know. "Really?" he said. "That's too bad -- because I would've thought it was to be a writer."

That hit me hard. I told him that was true. I did hope to be a writer. Maybe. Some day. If I was lucky.

He shook his head and smiled: "Jeff, you don't have to want to be a writer. You are a writer. You just need to write." So that's what I did, and it changed everything.

This is a book about a journey of becoming a writer. It's a guide to writing and publishing, including how to navigate the world of platform-building and getting your work noticed. Mostly, it's about believing in yourself. About the process of self-doubt we all go through and the declarations we make to do what were made to do.

Whether you realize it or not, you are a writer. You just need to write.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tribe Press (September 2, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 134 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0990378500
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0990378501
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.34 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,062 ratings

About the author

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Jeff Goins

Jeff Goins

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Jeff Goins is a writer, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur with a reputation for challenging the status quo. He is the best-selling author of five books including The Art of Work and Real Artists Don’t Starve. His award-winning blog Goinswriter.com is visited by millions of people every year, and his work has been featured in the Washington Post, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Psychology Today, Business Insider, Time, and many others. Through his online courses, events, and coaching programs, he helps thousands of creatives succeed every year. A father of two and a guacamole aficionado, Jeff lives just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
2,062 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the books useful guides, encouraging, and practical. They also describe the writing style as friendly, encouraging and simple. Customers also say the author does an outstanding job presenting an uncommon view of the craft. They find the book truthful.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ContentWriting styleLengthAuthenticityReading pace
266 customers mention "Content"262 positive4 negative

Customers find the book useful, full of motivating advice, and practical suggestions for launching a writing career. They also say it has excellent ideas for turning a hobby into a career, and fairly detailed information for new writers. Readers say it will definitely help, inform, inspire, and encourage them.

"...This book has inspired to be more efficient and deliberate in my writing." Read more

"...It has great tips about the nuts and bolts of what you need to establish yourself, things like platform and how to be useful to your audience...." Read more

"...Here are three ways to building a fan base:1. Create amazing stuff. Find out what people need and deliver it to them.2. Be generous...." Read more

"This book would be helpful for beginner writers, especially those who want to publish articles...." Read more

160 customers mention "Writing style"150 positive10 negative

Customers find the writing style friendly, encouraging, and easy to read and understand. They also say the book provides concrete examples of query letters and is inventive in its simplicity. Readers also appreciate the practical suggestions for launching a writing career. They say the author does an outstanding job of presenting an uncommon view of the craft.

"Jeff Owens is an amazing and enthusiastic writer. This book has inspired to be more efficient and deliberate in my writing." Read more

"...I was unprepared for, but pleased with how completely simple and honest Jeff told his own story as a writer...." Read more

"...I was able to read, comprehend, and apply information within minutes. Author Jeff Goins adamantly believes that to be a writer you need to write...." Read more

"Easy to read and helpful. It was very encouraging and I feel better about my own writing. Thank you Jeff Goins!" Read more

16 customers mention "Length"13 positive3 negative

Customers find the book pretty short, slimmer, and smaller than expected. They also say that the length is crucial in a how-to book like this one, and that it's quite fitting.

"...It's a reasonably short read, but I found it full of valuable advice...." Read more

"...Brevity is especially crucial in a how-to book like this one. It makes for a larger "take-away" from such a book...." Read more

"...This book is relatively short but not lacking in any way. It is concise and to the point...." Read more

"...I've been through it twice. I appreciate that its short enough for me to review it several times and long enough for me to get measurable steps..." Read more

15 customers mention "Authenticity"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book truthful and realistic.

"...I was unprepared for, but pleased with how completely simple and honest Jeff told his own story as a writer...." Read more

"...Please, it's not depressing at all. These are blessed winds of truth blowing away delusion...." Read more

"...The honesty and straightforwardness is very refreshing. The style is easy to read and is like having a conversation with Jeff Goins...." Read more

"...After reading your beautifully honest reality slap, I realized a novel would probably be a big waist of my time!!..." Read more

10 customers mention "Reading pace"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fast and easy to read.

"...Overall, a very good read. It's quick, very digestible and practical." Read more

"...This book is a fast and easy read, one that will change your life if you simply follow the advice. A must-read for any writer." Read more

"...The good news is the book is a fast read, so you can probably finish it in less than a week and still get something out of it." Read more

"Goins presents a simple message in this short fast read. You are a writer if you wish to be, so go for it...." Read more

Excellent advice
4 out of 5 stars
Excellent advice
In You Are a Writer, Jeff Goins gives practical advice on the many aspects of writing. While he provides good guidelines on the craft of writing, where he really shines is providing strategies to getting published and taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the Internet and social media. He lists three important tools: platform, brand, and channel, and elaborates on each. He speaks from experience, and is not afraid to talk about mistakes he has made. I am a fan of his blog, and this book expands upon it. I recommend this book for both aspiring and established writers.
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Top reviews from the United States

B. L. Lewis
5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful and Inspiring Book
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
Jeff Owens is an amazing and enthusiastic writer. This book has inspired to be more efficient and deliberate in my writing.
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Richard Charles
4.0 out of 5 stars "Aspiring" writers should read this
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2012
Verified Purchase
Jeff Goins gave away his book You Are A Writer (So Start Acting Like Once) for free for a weekend. I tend to be all over free books, especially by authors I like or on topics I think are relevant. Well, writing just so happens to be one of those topics. I had never heard of Jeff Goins before this, but I think he has some interesting things to say in this book.

It starts out with the following line. "Hi. My name's Jeff. And I'm a writer." And this is one of the key ideas to You Are A Writer. To be a writer, you must think of yourself as one. And yet, that simple distinction is enough to make you a writer. That, and writing. There is no secret society, no magic formula. To be a writer, you must write, and be a writer. But really, what makes a writer? Goins argues that it is being in love with your craft, being in love with writing.

A lot of this book is about the nuts and bolts of building a platform and pitching your work, the idea of how to get your work out there, how to get the gatekeepers to come to you. There is also the idea of practice. Not only does a writer have to write, but a writer has to write often, frequently, regularly. A writer needs to learn and grow as a craftsman, as an artist. Write for yourself, and write with passion. Be an artist. Writing is hard, and it isn't enough to be good. You have to be great.

There are three tools that everyone needs, says Goins. You need a platform to share your work, a brand to build trust with readers, and channels of connection to share your work. He goes into some tips on these.

One of the most interesting things about this book is that Jeff Goins invites feedback at the end of it He describes the book as an introduction to a conversation that he hopes will continue. He asks, what questions do you still have? What do you need help with? What did I miss? Here is what I wrote to Jeff.

Dear Jeff,

I found a lot of what You Are A Writer said to have reinforced what I was doing to build my career as a writer. There were no radical ideas in this book. Nothing blew me away or came out of left field. But that doesn't mean that the ideas in this book weren't really, really important. I am told that the best way to become something you want is to act like someone who is that thing. You form a habit and begin to think differently, and then, suddenly, you are. If you are someone whose dream it is to write, then your best bet is to tell yourself that you're a writer and start acting like one. And then, you will be one.

That was a transition I made before I read You Are A Writer, but not long before. And thinking of myself as a writer was the easy part. Acting like it, and being consistent, is another thing. But this book reminded me of the importance of that. What is a writer who doesn't write? Building a platform and a brand and channels are all really important if you want to make writing your career, and these things are their own challenges. But acting like a writer, writing, is the part where I struggled. Perhaps its because I got too caught up in building a platform and a brand and channels. Yes, I was writing, but I forgot why I was doing. I forgot why I wanted to be a writer.

I want to be a writer because I love writing. I am a writer because I want to tell the stories I have. This book reminded me of that. I don't feel like you missing anything in this book, and I don't think I have any questions after reading it, because it did something quite important for me when I needed it. I recognize that, after I slog through another dozen short stories, re-write my novel six times, craft another blog post, and send out endless tweets, I may forget this again. That's okay, if I do. I'll have this book to go back to. It may not entirely do the trick, all the time, but it is a place to start. Thank you.

Mark Richard Horejsi

I recommend You Are A Writer to anyone who is trying to make that step, from wanting to be a writer, to being a writer. It has great tips about the nuts and bolts of what you need to establish yourself, things like platform and how to be useful to your audience. And I recommend it for anyone who, like me, has become bogged down in these things and has perhaps forgotten why they wanted to be a writer in the first place.
One person found this helpful
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Jackie Paulson
5.0 out of 5 stars You are a Writer start today!
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2012
Verified Purchase
You are a Writer by Jeff Goins
Written by Jackie Paulson May 26, 2012

In this book, Jeff will inspire you to claim who you already are. He will teach you tips on perfecting your writing, expanding your platform, and getting your writing published.
This book is about falling in love with your own writing and how to focus on just writing. The selling and publishing is to be left alone and done by others.

You have to be yourself, to speak in a way that is true to you. This step is so important because your life as a writer, matters, so take yourself seriously.

Pros are always looking for a chance to get better and writers write every day. They find their passion, their voice, and it doesn't matter to them if others care, they do what they love.
The secret to successful writing as experts say is that if you are supposed to imagine a specific persona and write for them! Yes, that specific person! This is a trick marketers use to find their ideal customer. They choose someone, give them a name, and focus all communication efforts on reaching that specific person.

Jeff's secret is to write for HIMSELF: JEFF! So you are to write for YOU!
Jeff notes that if you stop multi-tasking and just focus on your writing and take all distractions away, then you will find your writing voice and be able to conquer all of your writing fears.

If you are going to fall out of love with the public approval, something interesting will happen: people will be attracted to your writing. They will not be able to help it. Passion is contagious. If you treat people like humans and write from a place that is deep and true to you, you will find an audience that loves you and your writing!
In the business of writing, you are going to have to be a marketer, an entrepreneur, and a talented salesperson. Learning this trick will help you start to change lives by the writing you put out into the universe.

Every successful writer needs three things:

A platform to share your writing.

YouTube Channel
Podcast
Blog
Newspaper Column
TV Show
Speaker

You need to have a reason for others to listen.

How do you build a platform?
Get Experience.
Demonstrate competence.
Generate Buzz.

The best way to build a platform and earn influence is to get noticed.
How do we do that?
We get rid of noise, distractions, and just help others.
Be a resource for others, to others. Give to others and always have their best interest in mind. This is contagious!

Elements of a Brand:
Name: Your name, a brand name, or a pseudonym.
Image: Logo, your face, or custom head photo.
Voice: Your style and tone of communication. It is how others will recognize you.

In essence your brand is your identity. It is what makes you, YOU!
Think of your brand as a promise, one you get to deliver on with every word you write and article you publish. Do this with every single book you sign, email you respond to and every fan you meet. Branding is promises delivered.

1. Choose a name.
2. Design your Look.
3. Find your voice.

You want your writing for others, to move others. Here are questions you need to ask yourself:
1. Describe yourself in a few adjectives.
2. Take note of your interests: favorite books, movies, music, what do they have in common?
3. Imagine your ideas reader. Describe them! Write a letter to this person.

A Brand will build trust with your readers.
Channels of connection to distribute your art (writing).
Build a reputation by being on social networks like facebook.
Where Do you Start?

* Start a blog and sharing it.
* Sign up for twitter
* Create a facebook page for your brand
* Build an email list with mailchimp.com
* Create great work day after day.

Reaching out builds;
* Fans
* Friends
* Patrons

Here are three ways to building a fan base:
1. Create amazing stuff. Find out what people need and deliver it to them.
2. Be generous. reward your readers by giving them free things. Serve them!
3. Ask permission. Never assume, always invite.

How to get patrons to notice you?

* Ask.
* Interview.
* Stay in touch.

To get published you need to ask yourself three things?

1. Am I serious?
2. Am I committed?
3. Am I prepared to be challenged?

What every Pitch needs:

* Personal salutation
* Introduction of yourself
* Samples of your work
* An abstract of each article
* Closing with your contact info, including a link to your website
*Jeff gives a template to use

Publishing is about having the right connections. Be persistent!
I have to say that is the most informative book I have read in 2012. If you are a writer and need motivation and inspiration then this book will give you that kick you need to start writing! Thank you Jeff for this opportunity to write a review on your book and to be able to share with the world what writing is all about. May all who read this be blessed!

© 2012 Jackie Paulson All rights reserved.
6 people found this helpful
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Kathryn Spurgeon
3.0 out of 5 stars Easy read
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book would be helpful for beginner writers, especially those who want to publish articles. Not so much for experienced writers or those who write books.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Laura Thies
5.0 out of 5 stars Fast read with great advice
Reviewed in Germany on July 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
Jeff writes very personal and passionate about getting your act together and starting to write.

Must read for anyone who is still doubting themselves.
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INSTINCT FINDER
5.0 out of 5 stars Scale up
Reviewed in India on July 11, 2021
Verified Purchase
It is really helping me to move to next level.
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Client Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read - Une lecture obligatoire
Reviewed in Canada on April 30, 2018
Verified Purchase
Easy reading, full of motivational truth. This applies to anything, not just writing. – Une belle lecture, pleine de vérité motivante. Ce propos bien que s’adressant aux écrivains de cœur, peut s’appliquer à tous les talents que la vie nous donne.
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Nichola Firth
5.0 out of 5 stars Providing Direction & Building Confidence
Reviewed in Australia on July 27, 2017
Verified Purchase
An excellent step by step guide on how to get started as a writer in the modern world while also helping to build self-confidence in the reader that they are already a writer, all they need to do is write.
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Miguel Angel Alonso Pulido
3.0 out of 5 stars Solo para escritores muy noveles
Reviewed in Spain on September 24, 2016
Verified Purchase
Un buen libro si estás iniciándote en el mundo de la escritura; incluso si tienes algo de experiencia, todavía podrás sacar algunas enseñanzas útiles. Si ya has publicado uno o dos títulos, hay otros libros que te serán de mucha más ayuda. Lo bueno es que te lo leerás en una tarde, ya que la tercera parte, además, es una pérdida de tiempo. Recomendable si estás empezando o estás planteándote empezar en este mundillo.
One person found this helpful
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