You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One)

I purchased this in audio form. I've listened to it at least 6 or 7 times, all the way though. I've learned so much, not only about writing, but also how to market yourself and get noticed. Jeff Goins, the author, narrates it as well, and his voice is energetic...like he was doing a public speaking event. Jeff begins the book from long before his full-time writing career began. He talks about how he managed to get his name out there, how he networked, and how he became as popular as he is today. I've read (or listened to) many books along the same subject like, but this one is like no other. I can't really pinpoint the reason I love it so much. I love it more than Stephen King's book "On Writing." The way Jeff writes the book, the contents and how he read it, makes it a magnificent.

Jeff writes with a clarity that makes the pages turn. He understands the struggles that a writer faces and cuts through them with ease. Reading his book is like sitting down with a friend who knows how to get you back on track.

Reading this book has been an amazing experience. I think Jeff Goins is able to bring all writers' fears into light, challenging you to take the next step and accept you are already a writer even though you don't believe it yet.

All the necessary steps to publish anything you feel like creating are given in the book. Also, at goinswriter.com, the author's blog referenced in the book, you can find some extra motivation and tools, along with lots of comments of writers experimenting on Goins' teachings.

If, like me before, you have no idea of where to begin, this book is surely a great acquisition.

Jeff Goins does an outstanding job of presenting an uncommon view of a craft that, of late, has drawn the attention of the masses as a way to make a quick buck. Writing, specifically self-publication, has seen a boom in the last several years, and the market is saturated with obviously half-hearted attempts at writing. Jeff reignites the perspective that what matters is your passion for the craft, not the commercial benefits of putting writing out to the world. This is a book about writing for the correct audience: yourself. Jeff also provides helpful information about the importance of building relationships with others, as this is the key to building an audience who wants to read your work. This is definitely a must-read in this modern writing marketplace.

In the world of successful coaching, I find that a book like Jeff's is rare. The ability to inspire correct actions, encourage individual expression and empower others is compelling. The fact that Jeff is young and speaks to that generation is even more impressive. The fact that some one that young can also inspire a Grandma, like me, just makes him more remarkable. But, don't take my word for it. Get your own copy and start shifting your thinking and your universe.

Anyone in the writing and self-publishing world needs to read this book. Jeff explains exactly why you are a writer and why you need deliver your message to the world. I read the book two times and it has become a bible to me, so thank you Jeff. You really killed it!

Having been a writer, then having to leave and get a job to make a living, I can certainly resonate with Jeff's book, at least the first part... The second part is less resonating and more intimidating about the realistic challenges facing anyone trying to make a living at only writing. I appreciate Jeff's candor in presenting the challenges and requirements that any writer who has not yet made it must face. I've made a significant commitment to make it this time and although challenged more than I think I can afford, I'm finally making progress and look forward to the time when I can concentrate even more on the creative writing part and not on the making a living part. Thanks Jeff!

Very informative and encouraging. I have been writing all my life and until just recently started a blog to see where I could go with it. Just what I needed at this time in my life. I would recommend this to anyone who needs some direction and mentorship, especially if you don’t have any connections in the literary world.

This is a very encouraging read for anyone that writes, or would like to be a writer. Good advice from a published author on how anyone with enough grit can also become a writer.

Jeff takes his readers through the steps from start to finish, giving his own stories to show the aspiring writer what they can look forward to.

A very helpful guide for anyone that needs a little boost to fulfill their dream of writing.

This is a very encouraging read for anyone that writes, or would like to be a writer. Good advice from a published author on how anyone with enough grit can also become a writer.

Jeff takes his readers through the steps from start to finish, giving his own stories to show the aspiring writer what they can look forward to.

A very helpful guide for anyone that needs a little boost to fulfill their dream of writing.

I loved this book. It gives great ideas and tips. After implementing some of the concepts taught in this book, I am now within a few days of finishing my first book. Some of the advice might seem obvious but there are some tricks here that you might not have tried. Definitely worth it.

Jeff, thank you so much for writing this elegantly, simple yet rich book. It's like gobbling down a perfect apple pie. Sure, many exist, but the great ones stand out.

Your advice is heartfelt and encouraging. Then, you didn't just leave me standing in my own bliss of accepted writer-hood. You gave me guidance. Simple, pointed and pertinent guidance.

Thank you.

I'll be coming back to this one over and over.

I don’t have the words to properly describe awesomeness of this book. I don’t read much about writing. As a proper published author I think I’m perfect and nobody will tell me how should I write. Or do my business. It’s not their business to poke their noses into my business.

I’m so glad I decided to read “You Are a Writer” I was drawn straight into it from the Why Listen To Me? section at the beginning of the book. Once Jeff stopped covering theoretic pitiful creatures (wannabe writers) and started talking about himself, the book suddenly become deadly serious and deep.

"Writers don’t write for the money."
I’m past my own struggles with my writer’s identity. I have nine books published and six more in various stages of completion. I’ve been writing every day since 23rd of September 2013. I passed the 1.5 million words mark this year. But when Jeff took me to the beginnings of his career it was so raw and real I felt it in my bones. I thought: “Wow, I was in the same spot.” I was back in my own skin at the end of 2012 when I put my words ‘out there’ for the first time. I was back there when my short story was criticized on the big Science Fiction forum; I was once again rejected by a huge site in the last possible moment, literally a few days before publishing the article I had worked on for months.

"I put the time in and showed up—and I saw results."
I was also back on the path which took me out of that miserable start. I kept writing and everything had passed away. I was again surprised that my writing was praised, that my book sold thousands of copies, and that my readers were reaching out to me and telling that I’ve changed their lives for better.

It all materialized because I was consistently writing. Exactly as Jeff said in his book.

"Without patrons, you won’t reach your potential."
I’m even more grateful that I’ve read this book as one of the first on my new Kindle device. I could highlight. It’s hard to find a page of “You Are a Writer” on my Kindle without at least a single highlight or a note. The ’empty’ pages are compensated by those with multiple (2-4) highlights.

Jeff said that you should write your content in a manner making your readers willing to share it. This crazy number of highlights is another proof that he practices what he preaches.

"A brand will happen whether you like it or not."
If the first part was great and synchronized with my feelings, the second one was like the kick in my balls. I theoretically have known that an author needs a platform. My mentor hammered it into me a long time ago. But my platform is a mishmash of things I did or had been chasing. Jeff’s meticulous arguments detailing why I need a platform was like a knife in my guts—painfully obvious. His advice on how to build a platform was like twisting the knife in the wound—conveying the point without a grain of doubt.

I have some partly success in creating my online presence. I’m also past the initial struggle of starving indies. I cultivate relationships with bloggers, influencers and other authors. But I do it all in “by the way” manner. As a result my publishing is more of a job than a business. I have to constantly produce fresh content to stay afloat and when I don’t, I sink. I work hard, not smart.

"Content is not king. Relationship is."
And I found Jeff’s marketing advice right on the spot. It’s so far away from the common approach (sell, build funnels, draw them into your web) and so close to my heart. Be genuine. Connect. Serve. Reach out. Do favors. Follow up. Ask. Answer.

That kind of marketing I can do in my sleep. No sleaziness, no hard selling, no lies.

"Because freelance writing is (…) marketing."
I found especially worthwhile the part about creating the relationships with editors. I was playing with the thought of doing that for at least several months, but I have never felt it was urgent or important. Just one more avenue to probe. “You Are a Writer” convinced me that this is the right path and showed me how to do it in Jeff’s non-sleazy way.

I shouldn’t have written this review. Without going back to his book this lesson had a chance to be forgotten. “Unfortunately” I refreshed this knowledge going through the notes once again. Time to design a course of action and follow it.

"You will see things start to happen."

Hopefully so.

I highly recommend “You Are a Writer” to anyone overwhelmed by the thought of writing professionally.

I love the clear validating message Jeff gives: you are a writer. Believe it. Then be it and write. Great practical tips on writing, branding, pitching, traditional publishing. Encouraging and practical wisdom gleaned from his life and experiences in writing. Looking forward to reading more of his books.

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.

Good, basic principles by Jeff Goins, who has also created some other quality material to support writers like myself. I enjoyed his viewpoints both in what he recommended, as well as how he has applied his concepts to his own art.

This was a great starting out point for becoming a writer or for re-igniting your desire to write if the fizzle has faded. He doesn't get bogged down in details and mechanics - like which WordPress theme is best- but he started a thought process that I need to finish on my own. A very helpful book!

This is a great motivational book for wanna be writers.

Mr. Goins gives readers tips on why and how it's important to change your mindset if you really wish to be a writer.

Mr. Goins breaks down the process as he sees it. If you really wish to be a writer and don't know if you have what it takes then this is the book for you.

No "get rich quick" formula - just a practical "put the work in if you wanna succeed" blueprint on how to get your writing career off the ground. I'd expect nothing else from the author, as he's done it himself.

I found some useful practical tips in this book to help a beginning writer develop a platform and get published. Much of it is available in one form or another on various writing blogs, but it doesn't hurt to have it brought together in one place.

There's a lot of general motivational material that I didn't find very useful personally. But others may find it helpful, especially if motivation is their problem.

There were a few spots where I felt the writing could be tightened up a bit, but nothing seriously wrong. All in all, a useful book, worth what it cost.

Jeff Goins has provided an easily digestible guide with more than a dash of inspiration along the way. This book is great for beginners or those who have some blogging under their belt and are looking for guidance and encouragement to take the next step and get work published. Reads fun and snappy, enjoyed it.

This book is very timely and answered questions that I had about writing. I loves the tips and how the content is spelled out for someone who may not know how to navigate networking and selling yourself. There is so much more but I will just say read the book.

My name is not bargain_mom7 but I do approve this book :)

This came highly recommended, so I expected to really like it but can't give it more than three stars. It just wasn't as good as many other books on writing that I've read. The whole thing boils down to the idea that the only thing you have to do to be a writer is identify yourself as one and actually be writing things - anything, anywhere. Just didn't do much for me.

This book changed my life. It was after reading this book that I was actually able to truly call myself a writer and believe it. This book could be a game-changer for any aspiring/wannabe writer. The truth is as Jeff says "You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One)!"

After reading Jeff Goins "Manifesto" I downloaded "You Are A Writer." It offered encouragement and some straightforward common sense advice about breaking into the world of self-publishing. I am now a regular follower of his blog, have started my own writing blog and have many writing projects in the works. Because of this book I am writing and do not particularly care if I make any money at it or not, but I believe I have something worthwhile to say and now have the courage to say it.

Goins presents a simple message in this short fast read. You are a writer if you wish to be, so go for it. But remember that to be a writer you must write - everyday. It won't always be your best work or a best seller, but if you don't put it out for the world to see then you won't ever really be a write. This is a book that motivates you from every page. Read it and get writing.

Good book! I have read several such books on how I must write in order to be a writer. Still, writing to me has been tedious and difficult. I don't have trouble with the spelling or the grammar. I just don't seem to have to plots for novels, and no ideas for non-fiction. I guess I am a simpleton!

This book is a great, too the point, yet personal approach to getting started as a writer. I really appreciate the idea of thinking of yourself as a writer and going from there. Having struggled for quite some time this concept is essential for writers to grasp and it is well covered and encouraged in this book. It is also a great and concise outline of what it takes to be a writer in our culture today. He makes it quite clear that if you desire to be a writer it will take work. The honesty and straightforwardness is very refreshing. The style is easy to read and is like having a conversation with Jeff Goins. If you are a writer or think you want to be one, this book is a great resource and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from Story Cartel for review.

Jeff Goins knocked this topic out of the ballpark. I downloaded the book and read it in one sitting until I finished it. Since then I have shared his the store and web site link with many other folks. This is really powerful advice how to write well and how to put this in front of people. Grateful to him for making this very affordable too. Great job, Jeff. Ralf Weiser

This book honestly reminds you things that you may already know as a writer (like the fact it's uncomfortable sometimes and takes hard work) but it also breaks down some things you don't know (letters on pitches to editors). It's an easy read and the Audio version is a great listen.

Jeff Goins, You Are A Writer, is a wonderful little ebook that encourages everyone who wants to write to actually write. He has presented the subject of being a successful writer thoughtfully and realistically. His book has great, insightful, and positive advice that is practical.

This is more than just a "feel good" book. It contains tasks to complete to be successful.

A quick, easy read that I would call primarily motivational, with a few helpful tips. Jeff Goins is a good writer. He’s personable and easy to follow. He mixes good advice with personal stories. This is no in-depth treatment, just a quick pep talk. It served that purpose well for me.

Jeff Goins has written a solid and helpful book that pushes his readers to get real about writing. No sugar coated fluff piece, this volume is a nice blend of the pragmatic and philosophical. If you are a procrastinator, this will get you moving by supplying you with in a positive and productive framework and methodology.

This turned out to be quite a treasure. It exudes inspiring positivity and served to stoke the embers of my passion. Writing is not for the fickle. It is refreshing to see someone extending a hand to offer wisdom and encouragement for those of us out there who need a boost. A must-read if you write.

Jeff Goins understands the emotional baggage many writers carry along the often delayed journey toward publication. His advice is practical, not textbook-ish. Jeff, thank you for sharing your encouraging work with a tribe of writers who may need just an encouraging nudge or two to reach the finish line.