Not just another copywriting book, but one that I'll keep at my bedside!
935985
I've been running a small content marketing studio/agency since 2011 and still struggle sometimes with explaining the many elements that need to be applied to make content marketing a success. Starting with a clear message on a client's website. Easier said than done! Specifically I struggle with training clients and subject matter experts 'just enough' so as to keep them motivated with copywriting whilst not putting them off with too much complication. Henneke succeeds at exactly that! Both this book and her later book about blogging manage to communicate, teach and demonstrate how to write great copy that converts. I am slightly jealous and delighted to have found her precious resource and advice. To be recommended to both seasoned copywriters, entrepreneurs and talented subject matter experts in large corporations, as well as digital marketing gurus.
2030636
This book is one of the things that stays on my bedside table, travels along with me everywhere I go and has been, since I first opened it, a consistent go-to when I need reminding.  The basic premise IS the title, which of course drew me in.  From as far back as i can remember, I've wanted to change the world.  And to be able to be Me, and that does it?  Holy - sign me up.

And then I started reading it.

On every other page, in every other sentence, I saw myself.  Where I'd made myself wrong and then where I was actually right - brilliant - amazing.  And then I was given a tool to use in my every day life that would start changing things for me even more.

I've never read a more inspirational, practical book on how to be more me - and how THAT, changes everything.

Thank you so much Dain for being you - and for putting out there tools that actually work.
4685312
Patricia Fry's book on writing is quite simply one of the most practical  books on the subject I've ever read.  What makes it so unique is that Ms.  Fry packs into 66 pages what many books on the subject fail to shed light  on in several times as many pages!  Ms. Fry gives hands-on, approachable  advice on a number of pertinent matters that freelance and wannabe  freelance writers take to heart:  finding article ideas, self-promotion,  selling rights, and handling rejection.  Clearly the tips she shares with  readers have worked for her, as she has made her living as a freelance  writer for years.
3971454
There are many "how to write fiction" books out there, but this is the only one I need for writing and editing my fiction. I feel everything I need to know to make my writing tight and compelling, I've found in this nice, compact, repository of great advice. Some of the tips I've read before in other books, but many for the first time in Renner's Style that Sizzles & Pacing for Power. Maybe it's because she's an actual editor rather than another writer who has learned through the pitfalls of writing?

Either way, this book is staying close by for when I begin edits on my first novel, but I will begin using the tips/techniques and tools provided right away. The examples are clear and the writing is precise. It's exactly the kind of information I needed in a "how to" book, and the confidence I have in the knowledge this author edits for a living, makes this purchase well worth it to me.
3374816
I love this book! So far I have published three non-fiction books-- I needed a "boost" in terms of motivation to continue writing and publishing non-fiction (and I am also writing my first sci-fi novel). This book is geared more for the fiction writer, however the advice about fear is spot on and can be applied to anyone pursuing a creative endeavor.

I appreciated that I could relate to the author -- I also have a Ph. D. in engineering. I am similarly testing writing/publishing while raising my family. It's clear S.K. Quinn will not have to return to typical engineering work due to her success! (Her thought process about goals and success, as explained in her book, was very insightful!)

This book not only gives you the ins and outs of self-publishing, but it is helpful for both the newbie author or someone who is experienced yet seeking another perspective. She has wise advise and is very transparent about her goals, approach, etc. Highly recommend.
1341655
My favorite screenwriting/storytelling book... and that's saying something because I own a bunch of them!
4047097
I purchased this Nook book after seeing it advertised by Writer's Digest, have read it twice, and refer to it regularly as I piece together my own memoir. Along with coveted professional pointers on everything from "Should you write your memoir?" to "How to do it," Ms. Balzer takes you through dialogue, structure, the "hook", and so much more. As each element is explained, the author recommends specific already-published memoirs as concrete examples for the reader to refer to in order to better grasp the concepts she teaches. Not only will the reader get first-rate advice from someone with the credentials to do so, but will come away with a substantial list of good reading as well.

For those who aspire to, or like me are already in the process of trying to write a part of my life story, this is a useful book that I refer to over and over to steer me in the right direction. The book is my "mentor," and was well worth the tiny investment I made.
4577981
I thought I knew a bit about copywriting, but after reading this book, I was reminded of just how much I don't know. The author gives some great insights into editing and he also provides formulas. Yes, it is a good read. However, more important than that, is the actionable steps it contains that anybody can apply today to improve their output. Highly recommended.
1668074
I have a collection of books on writing, and this is the one I refer to most often. I love the personal style--makes me feel I am attending a creative writing class.  Maureen has a way of making the reader want to try all her techniques to get the words flowing. But it's much more than writing prompts, and more than a how-to book. She weaves throughout this book many of her own poems and student writing that came from her methods. She encourages creativity and practicality. This writing guide is all-encompassing.  I wish I could give it more than five stars!
1286452
This is a book I would love to get (if I didn't have it already) as one of my retirement gifts. Not only does it have very useful information about writing and the process of getting a book into the hands of readers, but it has lists of resources to other helpful books and to websites helpful to a new writer. I have read many books about writing over the years, and The Writer Within You includes most of the information I've read in others, but it is more up-to-date in discussing e-publishing. The text is easy-to-understand.

Half-way through reading this book, I decided to buy a copy for my father for Christmas. He has done a little writing, and has tried to sell his books online. This book will give him a more realistic and helpful understanding of what needs to go into marketing his books.
1723070
"The Sleep Book, a bedside companion" is aptly named.  From the cover and inside design, to the gentle color choice of the first page, to the easy flow of topics, this book is a comfort to have next to my bedside. The author is honest, humorous and compassionate, and peppers her own writing with a spectrum of quotes from all kinds of sources.  Arranged in alphabetical order by topic (...imagination, pain, passion, ritual, try, yawn, zzzzz...), I haven't read it straight through.  I open it up to a page and start reading, one thing leads to another and I find myself more relaxed.  This book is easier than a cup of chamomile tea.  Treat yourself or someone you love.

Aunt Laya author of the self help book for young adults, "You Don't Have to Learn Everything the Hard Way"
4103617
This book is jampacked with nuggets of wisdom for writers of any genre. As an aspiring copywriter, I have been motivated to improve my writing and pursue my goals. This book is not just a list of things to do, rather it delves into heart issues that writers face. What I loved most were the beautiful, thoughtful quotes and phrases littered across the book - they made me feel like, "Ah, I want to write like that too!"
3863592
Having enjoyed and found helpful Jessica Bell's "In A Nutshell" series of writing guides, I was looking forward to reading this one, not least because I am at the polishing stages of a book of my own which is due out on 21st June (a collection of flash fiction called "Quick Change"). I've spent most of my working life needing to edit written copy, whether for business reports, PR materials or journalism, yet this book offered plenty of new advice that I'm sure I'll find useful.

The biggest surprise for me was her advice to pick off one aspect of your writing at a time, e.g. dialogue tags ("He said", "She murmured" etc) or chapter endings, and perfect them. This means going through your work multiple times to effect a single edit - but it sounds like a very effective approach.

It's also a great book for the 21st century writer, because it harnesses tricks from Word to help you fine-tune your prose, e.g. search and replace, rather than relying on your own eye.

As a career editor, she's not afraid to debunk commonly held myths about writing, e.g. the old saying "murder your darlings". With her characteristic incisive Australian wit, she advises "If everyone killed all their darlings, they'd have no family left".

The format is a really practical working guide, full of checklists to help you put into practice the author's top tips. Having bought the Kindle edition of this book, I'm now going to order the paperback, because it's going to have a permanent place on my writing desk whenever I'm at the editing stage. Enough said.

Disclosure: I do know the author personally as we both belong to the Alliance of Independent Authors (I'm quoted in the back, in the heartening section in which authors confess their biggest editing errors), but I bought my copy direct from Amazon and Jessica Bell didn't solicit this review, nor does she know I'm writing it!
4382253
I bought this book on pre-order, that's how excited I was to get my clammy little paws on it! I admit that I am a big fan of Chris' fiction and had also read his other writing books. As someone who thoroughly intends to make fists full of dollars as a writer (hey, I can dream), this book hit the spot. The other reviewers summed it up very well, so I'll just say, if you are a writer (or intend to be) buy this book now! And if you think writing to market is heresy, practice this phrase- "Do you want fries with that?"
3899630
It should come as no surprise from long-time readers and students of Christina Katz that with this latest book she delivers another volume of practical, down-to-earth writing advice that's also a joy to read. I've read many wonderful writing books, but what differentiates this one is how Christina takes into consideration the entire writer experience as we try to balance writing with the day-to-day demands of living life. From addressing our work environment and organization processes to platform development and the ups and downs of the writing experience as we pursue our goals, the wealth of information in this book may make it one of her best yet.

Over the years, I've come to trust Christina not only for her intuitive wisdom, voice of reason and experience as a writer, but also for her integrity as a teacher and a coach. In an age where it's easy to get overwhelmed with advice, tips and information, it's reassuring to find someone who has her students'/readers' best interests at heart and her unique approach comes through in "The Writer's Workout."

When I first got the book, I assumed I'd get through it in no-time with the way it is broken down into 366 one-page lessons/tips/advice. This book has so much information, however, I found it served me better to slowly work my way through it. Now, the book is filled with dog-ears and flags reminding myself to re-read the valuable nuggets of advice and information. I found the last chapters especially inspiring, meaningful and encouraging.

I highly recommend this book to any writer looking for sound advice and techniques while understanding that success doesn't usually happen overnight (as much as we wish it did!). As any good athlete knows, there's just no getting around the fact that quiet determination, hard work, self-care, dedication and keeping it all in perspective is key to a long, healthy career....and it's no different for the writer.
1577037
I was given this book as a gift, and what a gift!  I was just on the verge of jumping into self publishing when I read it.

_Go Write Now_ is full of valuable advice about telling better stories, writing, formatting, publishing and sucessfully promoting your work through social media.

It opened my eyes to the difference between being a "published author" and a "publishing author."  Pretty subtle, but suddenly I'm in control and I know what to do.

Josh Kilen sees the work of writing as connecting to people through telling stories.  And guess what?  That's his underlying philosophy of marketing, too.  His advice in this area is not only helpful, it is moral.

I had to put this book down several times, because I got so inspired, I had to write!  It left me wth the feeling, "I can DO this."  But more than that, it confirmed my faith that writing is what I am meant to do, and that I am the hero of my own story.
4617294
I am using this book to rework my next book, which will be coming out in a year. I've published nearly 20 books and thought I knew exactly what I was doing.  My drafts are always clean and my editors seldom ask for many revisions. But this workbook has shown me how to go from merely good to what I hope will be great. My advice is to DO the exercises, not just look at them and think you already have that aspect covered.