How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead: Your Words in Print and Your Name in Lights

by Ariel Gore

This may come as a shock, but brilliant writing and clever wordplay do not a published author make. True, you’ll actually have to write if you want to be a writer, but ultimately literary success is about much more than putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys). Before you snap your pencil in half with frustration, please consider the advice writer, teacher, and self-made lit star Ariel Gore offers in this useful guide to realizing your literary dreams. If you find yourself writing when you should be sleeping and scribbling notes on odd pieces of paper at every stoplight, you might as well enjoy the fruits of your labor. How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead is an irreverent yet practical guide that combines solid writing advice with guerrilla marketing and promotion techniques guaranteed to launch you into print—and into the limelight. You’ll learn how to: • Reimagine yourself as a buzz-worthy artist and entrepreneur• Get your work and your name out in the world where other people can read it• Be an anthology slut and a brazen self-promoter• Apply real-world advice and experience from lit stars like Dave Barry, Susie Bright, and Dave Eggers to your own careerCheaper than an M.F.A. but just as informative, How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead is your catapult to lit stardom. Just don’t forget to thank Ariel Gore for her inspiring, hands-on plan in the acknowledgments page of your first novel!

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Self Help, Humor, Business, How To

265 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

ARIEL GORE is the author of We Were Witches (The Feminist Press, 2017), The End of Eve (Hawthorne Books, 2014), and numerous other books on parenting, the novel The Traveling Death and Resurrection Show, the memoir Atlas of the Human Heart, and the writer’s guide How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead. Farrar, Straus and Giroux will publish Bluebird: Women and the New Psychology of Happiness in January 2010.

Reviews

[Jenny Fosket · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ariel Gore has been unknowingly stalking me since we were both at Mills College over 15 years ago. When I was pregnant with my first daughter her Hipmama book, zine and website (and now defunct but once awesome discussion board on the website) hurtled me into a world where mothering, politics, creativity, activism, and intellectual musings were all inextricably combined. Now, her latest book has come out just in time to feed my novel writing dreams and fantasies. It’s filled with inspiration, humor, practical advice and fascinating interviews with great writers. Thanks Ariel! I'll be looking out for your menopause book in another decade or so.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's sort of embarrassing to be caught reading this book, because of the title. Or I felt that way, anyhow. But I'm owning up to it here. It filled me with a kind of firey energy for both producing writing and getting it out into the world. In that sense, it was very useful. It's pragmatic and doesn't really romanticize "the writing life." I liked that. I also liked that it discussed both how to get published and also self-publishing of various forms.

[Sara Habein · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about this book is that while it has certain indie-hippie undertones, it doesn’t make any judgements one way or another about what the ‘best’ way to publish is. Self-publish, find an agent, make your own zines, start a blog, go for the big publishing house deal — do whatever works for you. “Be as crazy as you are,” she says.

Though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book to people just beginning the writing process — better to get books that concentrate more on craft for that — but for anyone who has waded in a little or anyone who feels they might be stuck in a success-rut, it can’t hurt to give some of this advice a try.

(Full review can be found at Glorified Love Letters)

[Julene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I certainly enjoyed this book, especially the interviews with cutting edge self-promoted writers. Mostly geared towards fiction or memoir writing, she talks about book proposals and how to set up tours. As much as I enjoyed this book, I kept wanting to get more out of it than I did. It's a good fast read that at some level inspires, but for me it had a level of discouragement because I can't put on a pink tutu to get readers into my readings, I just can't. She can and did. It's a different generation than I am and I don't think I have that kind of energy, which saddens me.

I was hoping for information on how to set up blog tours for poets, something many are doing now. If anyone has a clue, I'm trying to figure this out. The book talks about writing blogs and other ways of using them. I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the blogs out there, any good reference books on this? Or are there just too many for anyone to track them all? That's my guess.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

a truly inspiring, pleasurable read, even for a writer who's been at it a while. ariel gore is not only hilarious and brilliant, she's encouraging in a non-sappy, un-condescending way. plus, she's brazen as anything in her determination to get her work out there. by the end of this book, you will be too. i think this book would be helpful for artists/photogs/etc too, just like anne lamott's bird by bird is. also, i thought the dave barry interview alone was worth the price of admission.

[Coleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful and compelling kick in the pants.

[Letitia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the more entertaining how-to writing books, but it's difficult to rate because it's just...a lot. Like, way more than necessary. Feels spastic and unfocused, despite being divided into easily digestible numbered snippets.

There are some true gems in here, I have to say, and this will be useful to SOMEone, although I'm not sure who since portions of it read like a "How to Write For Dummies" (in the best way) and others are assuming that you have a publishing contract and you're hitting the road to promote the Great American Novel. So I guess if you've literally never gone to a writing conference or writer's group, and don't have a mountain of advice on writing and publishing, sure, this could be a catch-all for every stage of that process.

But do you NEED to read it? I didn't but I've done the aforementioned conferences/groups/mountains of advice, and really the only part I took something significant from was the interview with Bertice Berry, from which I plucked this new life mantra: "When you walk in purpose, you collide with destiny."

Other than that, Gore's main thesis is the same as everyone else's when you ask them for advice, techniques, hints, leg-ups...write. Just effing write. Also, remember that publishing is subjective and all your favorite writers, all the WORLD's favorite writers, have been rejected. This is the life of writing. I think we've all observed that, and maybe just have to be reminded of it by someone who gets paid to write. I've certainly read sub-mediocre writers and thought "Good God if she can get published then I'm basically Faulkner" but I've also definitely read amazingly brilliant writers who made me want to throw my laptop away and never try to be excellent at anything ever again. If I couple those two sensations, I figure I'm a somewhat good writer, and dammit somebody out there wants to publish somewhat good writing.

So that, in a nutshell, is the book. Write. Write. Don't give up on publishing. Oh, and write.

[Unwisely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure how I stumbled on this - I had vague memories of reading The Hip Mama Survival Guide: Advice from the Trenches on Pregnancy, Childbirth, Cool Names, Clueless Doctors, Potty Training, and Toddler Avengers at some point in the past, probably because Ariel Gore wrote for Bitch or Bust or one of those magazines I used to get. It was before I did logging, so I only have vague memories (although I think that book was the reason I own a Bikini Kill album).

That said, this book - which has personal advice as well as interviews with people I mostly hadn't heard of but have now looked up - really got me motivated to actually submit some writing somewhere. Or, at least, think about doing so. I have flagged some of the exercises and will type them up to send to my writing partner before I send it back to the library. And I actually wrote an outline of something I've been fiddling with for a couple years now. So - it didn't just make me think I should write more, I actually did a couple things. And it got me thinking about promotion.

Useful and inspirational for a dabbler like me!

[Laini · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my bag.

I was optimistic when I picked it up, but it wasn't what I expected. Gore seems to be of the opinion that it's more important to be famous than to be good. She is more into the "starting a blog and getting it noticed" viewpoint.

If I blogged, I'd never have time to study my craft, read good books, and write the books I'm hoping will find a home in the nearest publishing house or bookstore. There's also that taking care of a home and family and holding down a regular job thing that can be prohibitive, time-wise.

Save your money and buy something by James Scott Bell instead. His advice is actually helpful.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a total girl-crush on Ariel Gore in the I Want To Be A Writer Like She Is When I Grow Up sense. All of her books are amazing, and this one is one I consider a must-read for any writer working on building their platform.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read... not sure if I would add this to my permanent collection, but I know I can get it from the library if I need to look something up. She is very encouraging and supportive of getting your writing out there. Her approach is authentic and friendly.

[Jedediah Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silly but mostly harmless. Except she doesn't know what adverbs are.

[shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical advice about the writing/publishing process. Humorous. Includes writing prompts from several established writers.

[Danny Aldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading ‘How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead’ by Ariel Gore. It was a book I picked up off the shelf while wandering through the 808 section of the North Vancouver City library. The title is light and funny and a little outrageous. The book follows in that impression.
Reading this book I felt like I had happened across an interesting stranger in a coffee shop or brew pub, struck up a conversation, and had then found myself held captive by the stories, language, attitude and enthusiasm. Quite simply, this book is fun.
Ariel Gore has a sharp mind, and her wit and intellect come through on every page. She has a ‘can do’ attitude that creates an infectious energy in the reader. Sure it will be hard work to become a famous writer before you’re dead but here is how to get started. Come on, let’s go.
I saw some parallels to  A. L. Kennedy’s ‘On Writing’ essays. Both women have done stand up comedy work and that busy, active mind comes through in spades. 
Funny, quirky even, the book is a bit of a thrill ride. Wait, slow down I think, I need to write this down. But then I realize it is a book, not a conversation, and I can go back at my leisure. 
She finds she cannot get the reclusive Haruki Murakami to sit down for an interview. No problem, she will just imagine the conversation, thereby ‘Showing rather than Telling’ that imagination can overcome so many obstacles.
Short chapters keep it moving, and the real or imagined exercises give the reader great take aways. 
Like most writers, I am a little shy and introverted. Whether I can put these directions into real action might be a stretch. But I think the plan and directions are solid.  
Highly recommended.

[Filip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit I really enjoyed this one. It was funny, informative and surprisingly comprehensive. The style in which was written makes me want to try other books by the author, even though the genre isn't really my cup of tea.

This comprehensiveness is also a bit of downside, as the book doesn't only focus on writing and publishing fiction, but thanks to it, anyone would be able to find hints and advice that can be useful for him.

The only problem I had with the book, and it is not the fault of the book itself, is that the advice presented here is clearly aimed at the US publishing markets and some information and suggestions - like about publishing zeens and organizing tours, don't necessarily correspond well to other countries.

I liked it though and I just hope it would give me the courage to try.

[Herb · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the members of our nascent local writers' group describes herself as a "Post-It Writer." She writes things that are a few words at a time. She hates to read.

She'd love this book.

Bloggy. Fizzy. Nothing that demands your attention for more than thirty seconds at a time. Three pages per chapter, on average.

But I'm giving it four stars despite its effervescence, because it's the clearest thing I've ever read regarding the fact that every writer is responsible for doing everything she can to make her own way. No waiting around to be discovered, no moping because the muse took a vacation. Just go. Just GO, already! She makes self-promotion sound plausible (and even secretly a little enjoyable) to committed introverts like me.

I've done some different kind of promotional work this weekend because I read this book, and I think she'd call that a win.

[Rui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though some parts sound cliche, this book is very helpful for putting future writers on track. I have read several books doing the same thing, mostly written by men, but none of them sounds so accessible and inspirational like this one. It is a must-read for anyone who harbors unrealistic expectations for this writing career or feels thwarted by the impossible mission of lit stardom. What I like most about the book is the interviews with other published writers that talk so frankly about writing. Ariel's inside knowledge and fascinating quotations (I am glad that she quoted Wei Hui, a rare quotation coming from a western author) sound humbly honest. I have really learned a lot from this book. Thank you.

[Laura K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for writers on how to publicize your book (and yourself). She dedicates it to an aspiring author who died very young before Gore got a chance to mentor her.

She writes in a lighthearted way with short chapters and interviews with successful authors giving advice on what worked for them, what to avoid, tips and tricks.

Inevitably, the book is a little outdated and needs to be revised for the current technological climate. However, lots of great encouragement here for aspiring and fledgling authors.

[Sassafras Patterdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so clearly I've been living under a rock (for 10 years?!) this book is fantastic. I wish I'd read it when I was just starting to build my little literary career out of my zinester foundation - would have made me much less nervous I was doing everything wrong. People always ask me "how do i become a author" and now instead of trying to summarize my ideas on the topic I can just send them to this book! woohoo!!!

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the time you finish this book you’ll have no excuse for not becoming a famous writer. Some of the publicity advice may seem more relevant when the book was published (what with the social media/web2.0/smartphone paradigm shift of the last decade) but not so fast: on-the-ground punk rock engagement still has the ability to wow an audience, perhaps now moreso.

But the bulk of advice is big-sister encouragement and rock solid advice I wish I would have read earlier.

[Ashley Maden · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer, this book felt like a giant hug from a fellow writer who has been through the hardest parts of the craft, and learned some things along the way.

This book represents why I love books and reading so much, the ability to communicate with another person about anything throughout space and time, and it dives into that concept so eloquently.

I will definitely keep this book around and read it when I need some fresh perspective or inspiration for writing.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this work has become a bit outdated, I still found it interesting and useful. While I think that Gore focuses a bit too much on zines (which is not that surprising considering she created one), the advice from her and the insight she uncovers and includes from other writers is intriguing and useful. I can see myself returning to this piece to try the various writing exercises, look up a tip, or just generally reread in the future.

[Ery Caswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

its a fun read ((or partial-read)). scan the list really and pick up & move on at parts that seem pertinent to you. I like Gore's voice throughout. and a helpful distinction made b/w writing for the self vs writing to be a writer and to publish and who to write to.

"But eventually, journaling to become a writer started to feel like playing with buckets of salt water to become a surfer."

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book's hilarious title drew me to it. Since then I've read it and referred to it again and again. Ariel interviews successful writers and they provide advice for aspiring writers. I found it helpful and great fun to read. One of the most useful and practical "so you wanna be an author kind of books.

[Rolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both very practical and easy to read. The author is known for having a comic sensibility and writing style, and that made this an easy read. She also interviewed a lot of prominent writers who shared their own experiences, which was very helpful.

[Kate A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so sad that she didn't get to share this information with her friend before she passed away. I'm glad she shared her advice with the rest of us.

[Susan Howson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this to inspire a friend and decided to read it first, and I figured out what I suspected after We Were Witches... I love Ariel Gore and I’m going to read all of her books.

[Brad Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a bit dated by today's standards, this book was chock full of ideas, motivation, advice, and support with a good helping of wit on the side.

4 stars

[Jennifer Bourgault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariel, you are a GENIUS! I hope you'll find all success you deserve!
Thank you for sharing all those tips!