PDF Summary:You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One), by Jeff Goins

For aspiring writers, You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One) by Jeff Goins provides the key elements to kickstarting a writing career. The first part outlines the importance of embracing the writer's mindset—adopting the confidence and identity of an author. It discusses confronting insecurities about failure and rejection, as well as proven strategies for writing habitually and honing your unique voice.

The second part delves into building a writer's platform and preparing for publication in today's digital landscape. Goins explores creating an online brand presence, nurturing meaningful connections, and diversifying publishing outlets. He also emphasizes embracing the business side of writing with topics like determining appropriate fees, balancing creative and commercial responsibilities, and leaving a lasting impact with your work.

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Other Perspectives

• While consistent effort is important, some writers may find that taking breaks and not forcing a routine can lead to more creativity and less burnout.
• Strong self-control in writing can be beneficial, but flexibility in one's routine can also accommodate life's unpredictability and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Treating writing as a professional career is ideal for some, but others may find that keeping it as a passionate hobby enriches their enjoyment and creativity without the pressures of professional demands.
• Regular writing is helpful, but it's also important to recognize when a break is needed to prevent creative fatigue and to allow for subconscious problem-solving.
• While revision and editing are key, overemphasis on perfection in editing can stifle creativity and lead to a never-ending cycle of revisions.
• Feedback is valuable, but too much external input can dilute a writer's unique voice and vision; it's important to balance advice with one's own creative instincts.
• The concept of a unique voice is important, but it can also put pressure on writers to differentiate themselves, potentially leading to forced or inauthentic writing.
• Exploring personal interests is crucial, yet sometimes writing outside one's comfort zone can lead to growth and unexpected insights.
• Experimenting with different styles is beneficial, but it can also be valuable to master one style deeply before moving on to others.
• Authentic engagement with the audience is important, but there is also a place for writing that serves the writer's needs or explores fictional personas without direct audience engagement.

Creating a strong foundation for a writer's visibility.

In today's literary market, Goins emphasizes that simply producing an outstanding book frequently falls short of sufficiency. He emphasizes the necessity for writers to build a platform that allows them to grow their audience, market their creations, and interact with their supporters.

Create an engaging presence on the internet.

The section underscores the necessity of creating a strong internet presence to interact with a wider audience and forge relationships. Goins emphasizes the significance of creating and maintaining a platform that is under your personal control and ownership.

Create a blog or a professional website to act as your main hub.

Goins recommends setting up an online hub, such as a personal website, that acts as your main digital location. He recommends using WordPress on a self-hosted platform to maintain complete autonomy and adaptability with the content you publish. He seeks to communicate that your website acts as a digital display, showcasing your work and personality traits, and establishes a means for potential readers, publishers, or collaborators to contact you.

Building rapport with readers through the use of social media channels.

Goins underscores the power of social media in creating an online network that encourages interaction among readers. He recommends focusing your energy on a select few channels that your target audience commonly uses. This could require distributing snippets from your creations, participating in dialogues, or providing meaningful perspectives. Goins underscores the significance of leveraging social media as a tool for cultivating relationships instead of merely broadcasting your message to an apathetic audience.

Curating a consistent and recognizable brand identity

Goins emphasizes the importance of intentionally crafting a distinct personal identity, arguing that everyone has a brand, either by intentional design or through passive default. He encourages you to thoughtfully contemplate the persona you wish to convey. He outlines the development of a unique personal or professional identity as comprising three essential elements: a consistent identifier, which could be your real name or a pseudonym, a striking visual element like pictures, an emblem, or a distinctive design, and a singular way of communicating marked by the style and approach of your interactions. He underscores the necessity of consistency across different mediums to fortify your individual identity, thus increasing your visibility and recall.

Developing Meaningful Connections

Creating a network of support is essential and relies on nurturing authentic relationships with those who value your work. He recommends fostering authentic relationships by engaging in networking that is rooted in a spirit of giving and assistance, instead of concentrating on self-promotion.

Cultivating connections with enthusiasts, peers in the writing community, and key figures in the publishing industry.

Goins suggests starting conversations by responding to comments, participating in digital forums, and creating opportunities to engage with your readers. He recommends participating in writing workshops, becoming a member of literary circles, and being present at sector gatherings. Engaging with experienced writers not only offers valuable knowledge but also helps in establishing relationships with those who might consider presenting your creations to the public. He underscores the significance of respecting others' time, interacting with genuine motives, and avoiding the perception of networking as simply a succession of exchanges.

Offering value and generosity to cultivate trust and reciprocity

Goins recommends that authors produce content that holds value for their audience, thus gaining their attention and time. Connecting with your audience might involve providing free resources, sharing insightful information, or offering exclusive content to subscribers. He recommends building relationships by focusing on delivering value to others before considering your own goals, demonstrating a genuine dedication to the needs and interests of your audience rather than simply pursuing their attention for your own advantage.

Leveraging networking opportunities to expand one's reach

Goins underscores the significance of establishing connections with key influencers in your industry. He advises seeking guidance from seasoned authors who can offer counsel, support, and open doors to fresh opportunities. He recommends initiating contact with individuals or entities that could potentially offer financial backing or promote your work through their connections.

Diversifying Publishing Channels

Goins emphasizes the necessity of broadening your publication outlets to guarantee interaction across multiple platforms with your audience. This section focuses on gaining experience, building a portfolio, and positioning yourself for future publishing opportunities.

Investigating different avenues in the publishing sector, such as online journals and periodicals

Goins recommends that writers explore different channels to distribute their work, which can improve their skills and broaden their audience. He advises broadening your influence beyond the confines of your own blog. Goins recommends seeking out chances to write guest posts for prominent blogs, offering articles to magazines, and exploring different channels for publishing, including digital mediums and podcasts.

Building expertise and creating a portfolio through the submission of articles and participation in personal projects.

Goins views freelance writing as not merely a method of generating income but also an important approach for marketing. He underscores the necessity of obtaining bylines and making contributions to different publications to enrich your portfolio, increase your visibility in the industry, and expand your professional connections. He advises showcasing your most impressive works on your personal site or in your collection, thereby showcasing your literary skills and background to potential clients or publishers.

Prepare yourself to transition into the world of publishing books.

Goins views the use of various publishing platforms as a strategic step in getting ready for a book launch. He argues that the skills and experience gained through writing articles, blog posts, and other shorter pieces directly translate to book-length projects. He suggests establishing credibility by composing guest pieces and adding to blog discussions, showcasing your knowledge while simultaneously sparking curiosity and building an audience, making you more appealing to book publishers.

Other Perspectives

• Building a platform may not guarantee success if the content doesn't resonate with the intended audience.
• Focusing too much on internet presence can lead to neglecting the craft of writing itself.
• Social media can be a double-edged sword, potentially leading to negative exposure or distractions.
• A consistent brand identity might limit a writer's ability to evolve and explore different genres or styles.
• Authentic networking is time-consuming and may not always lead to tangible benefits for a writer's career.
• Offering too much value for free can devalue a writer's work and lead to burnout.
• Networking with influencers and industry figures doesn't always result in opportunities; it can sometimes be perceived as opportunistic.
• Diversifying publishing channels might dilute a writer's brand and confuse their audience.
• Freelance writing and personal projects can distract from focusing on a major work, like a book.
• Transitioning into book publishing is a complex process that may not be directly aided by experience in shorter pieces, as the skills for marketing and writing books can be quite different.

Starting a career in writing

Goins recognizes that numerous authors have a strong inclination to concentrate exclusively on their craft's artistic aspects, yet he emphasizes the commercial nature of writing as well. This part emphasizes the importance of embracing a professional approach to writing, understanding the complexities of the publishing world, and managing the financial aspects related to the life of an author.

Navigating the Publishing Landscape

Goins elucidates how the advent of the digital era has transformed the balance of influence between authors and the conventional authorities in publishing. The book offers tactics for adeptly maneuvering through a changing marketplace.

Exploring the intricate relationship between authors and those who control access to publication.

Goins emphasizes that the internet has revolutionized publishing by granting writers unprecedented control. He suggests that the traditional gatekeepers in the publishing industry, such as literary agents and major publishing houses, no longer have exclusive control over determining which authors get published. He underscores the influence writers wield in establishing rapport with their audience through mediums like blogs, podcasts, and self-publishing outlets.

Cultivating an attitude that embraces persistence and durability when faced with rejection.

Goins emphasizes that rejection is an inherent part of the writer's path and should not act as an obstacle. He advises viewing rejection as a sign of your active participation in seeking opportunities and taking risks. He emphasizes the necessity of developing tenacity, preserving a strong will, and cherishing constructive feedback as essential components for attaining success.

In the ever-changing digital era, one must navigate a plethora of opportunities and obstacles.

In the digital age, writers encounter a distinctive combination of benefits and challenges. He advises taking advantage of the platforms offered by digital media and self-publishing, while also recognizing the significance of intentional marketing and self-promotion. He seeks to emphasize that although the internet offers unique chances for engaging with prospective followers, it simultaneously amplifies the rivalry. Adapting involves staying informed about new technologies and trends, being flexible in your approach, and continuously developing new skills.

Managing the administrative tasks linked to the art of writing.

Goins wants you to understand that writing is a profession, and like any profession, it involves managing the practical aspects of business. This section provides insights on evaluating the value of your written work, diversifying income streams, and balancing the creative and commercial sides of your writing pursuits.

Determining appropriate fees for one's services and output.

Jeff Goins recommends setting your fees in alignment with the value and skill you provide to your clientele. He advises you to research the standard charges for writing independently, considering factors like the scope and complexity of the project, deadlines, and the client's budget.

Diversifying revenue sources to support a career in writing.

Goins emphasizes the risk involved in depending solely on income from book royalties or traditional publishing avenues. He recommends investigating various methods to earn money through writing, such as freelance work, developing web-based courses, providing mentorship or consultancy, or marketing products associated with your literary work. Goins emphasizes the significance of diversity, pointing out that this strategy not only strengthens your economic foundation but also expands the reach of your creations by engaging with different segments of the audience.

Balancing the creative aspects with the commercial responsibilities that come with the writing profession.

Goins acknowledges the difficulty in finding equilibrium between the creative and pragmatic aspects of writing. He advises setting aside designated times to write in order to protect your creative energy from depletion. He also acknowledges the need to develop business skills, including marketing, networking, and financial management.

Leaving a Lasting Impact

Goins emphasizes that a thriving writing career extends beyond just publishing works or achieving fame; it involves creating a significant impact. The book's concluding part motivates authors to concentrate on their work's enduring influence, dedication to enhancing themselves, and their aspiration to produce material of genuine importance.

Continuously improving your skills as a writer.

Goins emphasizes that writers should be dedicated to perpetually improving and meticulously polishing their writing abilities. He recommends that to enhance your abilities, you should read extensively, enroll in writing classes or workshops, and find mentors who will push your development.

Maintaining a long-term perspective while fostering a dedication to growth.

Goins advocates for viewing the writer's path as akin to a marathon rather than a sprint, recognizing that consistent dedication and gradual effort culminate in success. He recommends establishing long-term objectives and crafting a deliberate roadmap for your writing career, while also accepting the unavoidable ups and downs, irrespective of the speed of progress or the appearance of obstacles.

Creating content that truly resonates with and inspires the audience.

Ultimately, Goins wants you to create work of lasting value, work that resonates with readers and inspires change. This involves not only refining your ability to express ideas but also having a firm understanding of the concept you intend to convey and the impact you seek to create. He advises creating authentic material, fostering deep relationships with your readers, and leveraging your influence to bring about positive transformations around the world.

Other Perspectives

• While embracing a professional approach is important, some authors may find success through a more organic, less structured approach to their writing and career.
• The digital era's opportunities also come with the risk of information overload and the potential for writers to spread themselves too thin across too many platforms.
• Viewing rejection as a stepping stone is a positive mindset, but it's also important to acknowledge that constant rejection can be disheartening and may require support and resilience beyond what is suggested.
• The advice to utilize digital platforms assumes a level of technological proficiency and access that not all writers may have.
• Setting fees based on value and skill can be subjective and may not always align with market rates or client expectations.
• Diversifying income sources is sound advice, but it may not be feasible for all writers, especially those who are starting out or have limited time and resources.
• Balancing creativity with commercial responsibilities assumes that all writers have the same goals or definitions of success, which may not be the case.
• Continuous improvement through classes and mentorship can be beneficial, but it may not be accessible or affordable for everyone.
• A long-term perspective is valuable, but some writers may find success with short-term projects or may need to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
• The idea of creating content that resonates and inspires assumes that all writing must have a profound impact, which may not be the goal for all writers or all types of writing.