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on January 27, 2017
Save yourself hundreds of dollars buying other books looking for the secret sauce to good writing. "Everybody Writes" by Anne Handley is the one book I would keep if forced to give up all but one of the twenty five to thirty books I own on the topic of writing. "Everybody Writes" sits on my desk next to William Strunk's "The Elements of Style" within an arm's reach of my keyboard.
Looking through the praise pages of "Everybody Writes" I was awed by the content creators that heap gushing praise for the book and author. It's a Who's Who of the best content creators of the day, David Meerman Scott author of "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" and Brian Clark who sits atop the Copyblogger empire and Jay Baer President of Convince and Convert are just three of the heavy hitters who love this book.
I am not a heavy hitter, I struggle to find my voice and distill a story down to its essence. During my reading of "Everybody Writes" I found myself putting it down and sitting at my keyboard testing Handley's suggestions. I've tested some (to early to have adopted all of them) and they work if you are willing to put the time in. There is no shortcut for putting your fingers to the keyboard or pen to paper. You just have to do it.
I encourage anyone who writes for pleasure or profit (or hopes to write for profit) to buy this book, turn off the T.V., radio, computer, etc. and just read "Everybody Writes" from beginning to end. Then go back and read it again extracting the strategies and tips that resonate to you. The responsibility to be a good writer then lies with you. The tools have been given to you, sharpen them daily and see how your writing improves.
This is the most practical, readable, and enjoyable book on writing I've read.
Looking through the praise pages of "Everybody Writes" I was awed by the content creators that heap gushing praise for the book and author. It's a Who's Who of the best content creators of the day, David Meerman Scott author of "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" and Brian Clark who sits atop the Copyblogger empire and Jay Baer President of Convince and Convert are just three of the heavy hitters who love this book.
I am not a heavy hitter, I struggle to find my voice and distill a story down to its essence. During my reading of "Everybody Writes" I found myself putting it down and sitting at my keyboard testing Handley's suggestions. I've tested some (to early to have adopted all of them) and they work if you are willing to put the time in. There is no shortcut for putting your fingers to the keyboard or pen to paper. You just have to do it.
I encourage anyone who writes for pleasure or profit (or hopes to write for profit) to buy this book, turn off the T.V., radio, computer, etc. and just read "Everybody Writes" from beginning to end. Then go back and read it again extracting the strategies and tips that resonate to you. The responsibility to be a good writer then lies with you. The tools have been given to you, sharpen them daily and see how your writing improves.
This is the most practical, readable, and enjoyable book on writing I've read.
on October 13, 2014
You might ask yourself why you need another book on writing - particularly if you're already comfortable with writing mechanics and processes. I asked myself that same question. But I bought this book because I enjoy Ann Handley's writing and figured I'd learn something.
Here are a few of the reasons I found the book valuable:
It offers well-articulated rules for the next time I have to explain my edits to others.
Some grammar rules I know by intuition rather than by rote. Ann offers pithy explanations of those. She’s also gathered data on the ideal length for website text lines and paragraphs. You may find this helpful when justifying your ruthless edits.
I learned fun new words and facts
I did not know the terms mondegreen or eggcorn (misheard terms that gain a life of their own). My life is richer for the existence of these two words.
New tools and resources!
Ann has done a great job of curating a collection of tools for writers. I have only started exploring these resources. For example, did you know about the site 750words.com to help you write at least 750 words each day?
Validation and support
The final take-away for the professional writer is this: people do care. When writing for industry, it’s easy to get sucked into jargon and industry-speak. Swimming against the tide can become difficult after a while. Throughout Everybody Writes, the unifying message is that it does matter – because everybody is also a reader.
I’d recommend this book to writers at all phases of their careers and capabilities. Because while everybody writes, we all can find ways to do it better.
Here are a few of the reasons I found the book valuable:
It offers well-articulated rules for the next time I have to explain my edits to others.
Some grammar rules I know by intuition rather than by rote. Ann offers pithy explanations of those. She’s also gathered data on the ideal length for website text lines and paragraphs. You may find this helpful when justifying your ruthless edits.
I learned fun new words and facts
I did not know the terms mondegreen or eggcorn (misheard terms that gain a life of their own). My life is richer for the existence of these two words.
New tools and resources!
Ann has done a great job of curating a collection of tools for writers. I have only started exploring these resources. For example, did you know about the site 750words.com to help you write at least 750 words each day?
Validation and support
The final take-away for the professional writer is this: people do care. When writing for industry, it’s easy to get sucked into jargon and industry-speak. Swimming against the tide can become difficult after a while. Throughout Everybody Writes, the unifying message is that it does matter – because everybody is also a reader.
I’d recommend this book to writers at all phases of their careers and capabilities. Because while everybody writes, we all can find ways to do it better.
on February 25, 2016
One of my top go-to books I recommend to anyone who writes, or who should write, which is pretty much everybody. I've written over 200 articles for publications like Forbes, Mashable, TechCrunch, Time, etc., have my first book coming out this year, and I found everything in Ann's book to be spot-on based on my experience. If you're into content marketing like I am read it alongside On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft,Epic Content Marketing: How to Tell a Different Story, Break through the Clutter, and Win More Customers by Marketing Less, and Content Chemistry: An Illustrated Handbook for Content Marketing.
on November 4, 2014
In 2011, I was attending the Exact Target Connections conference when I really noticed the term "content marketing" being used as a full direction and discipline. There were a few standout sessions at that show, but one that I just happened to pick really sunk in. I hadn't heard of Ann Handley or C.C. Chapman yet, or their book Content Rules, but I was blown away by their presentation. I bought their book quickly upon returning home.
Now, Ann Handley has a new book that builds on the idea of content creation by focusing on one of the areas that can be the most rewarding, intimidating, frustrating, you name it. You've been there. We all have. Staring at a blank page. Whether you're writing for school, your job, just for fun or whatever it is, that blank page can haunt you. Just when you thought there was no help to be found, Handley comes out with "Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content" to save us all! This book shot to the top of my "must read" list.
There have been plenty of books on writing, even some good ones ("On Writing" by Stephen King is one of the best). This is not your run-of-the-mill boring text book on writing. Not at all! the tone of the book and her stories are not only interesting, they're entertaining! If you've heard her speak, and I'm assuming the majority of you reading this have, then you know her quirky sense of humor. It comes across loud and clear here (for example, she compares writing to birthing a Volkswagon).
"Everybody Writes" is part writing strategy guide, part grammar and style manual and part guide for writing tools and processes. This book is a reference for all writers regardless of how much or what you write. Handley believes that writing is a habit, not an art. The more you do it, the better you get at it. Her tips are meant as guidelines and not hard rules, because as she explains "there's no right way to write".
There are a couple of tips that really stand out for me. The first is to follow a writing GPS so you can get to where you need to be. It keeps you on the right track. I've implemented this and it truly is helpful in keeping my thoughts in line with my topic. The second is The Ugly First Draft. For most writers, the first draft doesn't come out perfect, it's the editing that makes most writing great. So, get your thoughts on paper without worrying about grammar, spelling, structure, etc. All of that will be fixed during editing.
Not only is this book great for those of us already in our careers, but I would issue this to high school and college writing courses. The writing style will keep them engaged in the book and the tips help them in their writing from the start. I'll be referring back to this book often and will re-read it regularly as well. Not only is this a must read, it's a must own!
I'll leave you with my favorite rule: "Writing well is part habit, part knowledge of some fundamental rules, and part giving a damn." Damn right!
Now, Ann Handley has a new book that builds on the idea of content creation by focusing on one of the areas that can be the most rewarding, intimidating, frustrating, you name it. You've been there. We all have. Staring at a blank page. Whether you're writing for school, your job, just for fun or whatever it is, that blank page can haunt you. Just when you thought there was no help to be found, Handley comes out with "Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content" to save us all! This book shot to the top of my "must read" list.
There have been plenty of books on writing, even some good ones ("On Writing" by Stephen King is one of the best). This is not your run-of-the-mill boring text book on writing. Not at all! the tone of the book and her stories are not only interesting, they're entertaining! If you've heard her speak, and I'm assuming the majority of you reading this have, then you know her quirky sense of humor. It comes across loud and clear here (for example, she compares writing to birthing a Volkswagon).
"Everybody Writes" is part writing strategy guide, part grammar and style manual and part guide for writing tools and processes. This book is a reference for all writers regardless of how much or what you write. Handley believes that writing is a habit, not an art. The more you do it, the better you get at it. Her tips are meant as guidelines and not hard rules, because as she explains "there's no right way to write".
There are a couple of tips that really stand out for me. The first is to follow a writing GPS so you can get to where you need to be. It keeps you on the right track. I've implemented this and it truly is helpful in keeping my thoughts in line with my topic. The second is The Ugly First Draft. For most writers, the first draft doesn't come out perfect, it's the editing that makes most writing great. So, get your thoughts on paper without worrying about grammar, spelling, structure, etc. All of that will be fixed during editing.
Not only is this book great for those of us already in our careers, but I would issue this to high school and college writing courses. The writing style will keep them engaged in the book and the tips help them in their writing from the start. I'll be referring back to this book often and will re-read it regularly as well. Not only is this a must read, it's a must own!
I'll leave you with my favorite rule: "Writing well is part habit, part knowledge of some fundamental rules, and part giving a damn." Damn right!
on March 9, 2017
How wonderful to find a book about writing content that is filled with great content!! Tips, insights, wisdom - no matter what you call it, this book is packed with helpful information. I also love how the author writes in such an engaging and entertaining way.
Great resources are included as well. A book I'm certain I will be referring back to often.
Valuable information, writing clearly and in a way that is highly readable and enjoyable. So happy I found this wonderful book.
Great resources are included as well. A book I'm certain I will be referring back to often.
Valuable information, writing clearly and in a way that is highly readable and enjoyable. So happy I found this wonderful book.
on May 23, 2016
I'm not going to lie. I have been thinking and rethinking how best to write this review. I know Ann will see this. Did I do a good job?
Everybody Writes is a brilliant guide to writing better. I cringed at bits when I was reminded of mistakes I make. I laughed at loud when Ann used hilarious examples. Not only will this book teach you how to write better, it will remind you how to write.
I love her take on storytelling, "What matters now isn't storytelling; what matters is telling a true story well."
Read Everybody Writes and tell better stories.
Everybody Writes is a brilliant guide to writing better. I cringed at bits when I was reminded of mistakes I make. I laughed at loud when Ann used hilarious examples. Not only will this book teach you how to write better, it will remind you how to write.
I love her take on storytelling, "What matters now isn't storytelling; what matters is telling a true story well."
Read Everybody Writes and tell better stories.
on January 3, 2016
There's lots of advice for how to write more deliberate, polished content in this book. I refer to it constantly just to tighten up my writing style. It's definitely a better place to start than her other book, Content Rules, if you're looking to start a blog/podcast/website. Cleaning up your writing style seems like it would be more likely to pay dividends than curating average or even above average content.
on February 2, 2015
If you’ve read Content Rules, Ann Handley’s first book (co-authored with C.C. Chapman), you’ll know how to take a single idea and turn it into an entire whiteboard full of purposeful content ideas that attract the right customers. From there, you’ll create a killer editorial calendar for that content, spreading it far and wide across the Internet in ways such that, no matter where someone turns, there you are, giving them exactly what they need.
Feels good, right? All those ideas coming together into a cohesive strategy? You bet it does!
But you might find yourself struggling with the excitement of all that great content, and maintaining a focus on your readers’ needs. That’s where Handley’s newest book, Everybody Writes, steps in to save the day, with writing techniques that will help you keep that focus.
In addition to this ah-ha moment, Everybody Writes was full of easy-to-understand examples of grammar, publishing, best practices for writing all types of content, and so much more. I highly recommend it to anyone in charge of writing content for their organization, especially if that organization has a hefty publishing schedule, or is looking at increasing the amount of content (so you can maintain your brand voice and focus on the readers).
Feels good, right? All those ideas coming together into a cohesive strategy? You bet it does!
But you might find yourself struggling with the excitement of all that great content, and maintaining a focus on your readers’ needs. That’s where Handley’s newest book, Everybody Writes, steps in to save the day, with writing techniques that will help you keep that focus.
In addition to this ah-ha moment, Everybody Writes was full of easy-to-understand examples of grammar, publishing, best practices for writing all types of content, and so much more. I highly recommend it to anyone in charge of writing content for their organization, especially if that organization has a hefty publishing schedule, or is looking at increasing the amount of content (so you can maintain your brand voice and focus on the readers).
on January 6, 2015
Everybody Writes is a wonderful book.
First, a disclaimer: I'm new to content marketing. I worked ten years producing broadcast news before pivoting to communications in higher ed. And while I made a career out of writing short, punchy sentences, I want to grow and improve.
It's with this mindset I bought Everybody Writes. The book is fantastic--Ann Handley has created an easy to understand guide to becoming a better writer. The book is broken into short chapters loaded with actionable advice and ideas covering tone, grammar, word use, and more.
We may not all be content marketers by trade. But--plot twist!--we all write: emails, blog posts, text messages, etc. And all of us need to be understood. And in that case, Everybody Writes is also book for, well, everybody.
First, a disclaimer: I'm new to content marketing. I worked ten years producing broadcast news before pivoting to communications in higher ed. And while I made a career out of writing short, punchy sentences, I want to grow and improve.
It's with this mindset I bought Everybody Writes. The book is fantastic--Ann Handley has created an easy to understand guide to becoming a better writer. The book is broken into short chapters loaded with actionable advice and ideas covering tone, grammar, word use, and more.
We may not all be content marketers by trade. But--plot twist!--we all write: emails, blog posts, text messages, etc. And all of us need to be understood. And in that case, Everybody Writes is also book for, well, everybody.
