How to Not SUCK at Writing Your First Book: A Book on Writing for People who Hate Writing

by Chandler Bolt

Have you always been a terrible writer? Have you spent months or years trying to write a book, with continued failure?

Are you stuck in the vicious cycle of sucking at writing?

Or maybe you've been thinking of writing a book for quite some time now, and you just don't know how to get started. The whole process seems overwhelming.

This conversational and action-oriented audiobook is for people who want to write a book (or are thinking about it), but for their whole life, have never been good at writing.

There are tons of myths, misconceptions, and flat-out lies out there about how difficult it is to write your first book.

How to Not SUCK at Writing Your First Book busts those myths and challenges everything you've been told about writing.

This audiobook is filled with proven solutions, options, and problem-solving methods that every first-time author needs to know - no matter what writing challenges you face.

How to Not SUCK at Writing Your First Book gives you the foundation for your first book

Four tried-and-true writing methods that make the writing process simple, easy & fast A writing method that involves zero actual writing (your book can be done in as little as seven hours) Simple strategies for preventing & defeating writer's block Uncovering the #1 way to actually finish and publish your book ( it has nothing to do with writing) Shows you how simple and fast writing a book can actually be (by holding your hand every step of the way). Follow the advice given in this audiobook and by the end, after putting what I have to say into action, you will have easily written a high-quality book.

Best of all, the rest of your life doesn't have to be put on hold to do it either!

I have one last question for

What's stopping you from turning your daily conversations and knowledge into a high-quality book faster than you ever thought possible?

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

First published May 27, 2015

About the author

Chandler Bolt is an investor, the CEO of SelfPublishing.com, Forbes 30 Under 30, and the author of 6 bestselling books including his most recent book titled “Published.”. selfpublishing.com is an INC 5000 company the last 3 years in a row as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the US.

Chandler is also the host of the 7 Figure Principles Podcast and the Self Publishing School Podcast.

Reviews

[Cecily]

I don't want to read this. I just want to bookmark it.
And now I notice that this is the 666th book I've added.


It was the subtitle that leaped off the screen: "A Book On Writing For People Who Hate Writing". That, and, in the GR summary, the apparently random mix of CAPITALS for shouting, bold for emphasis, plus some italics for good measure.

So I went to "Look Inside" on Amazon, and it continues in the same excitable, baffling vein.

There may be some useful advice buried here - I openly admit I have merely skimmed the free portion - but I just don't get it. From those snippets, it’s more like a self-help, get-rich-quick book, than something about writing.

Who and Why?

The opening sentence is, "You picked up this book because you want to write one yourself, but you HATE writing and suck at it." How many people are in all three categories?

The hyperbole is staggering: "There are TONS of benefits you will continue to reap forever after writing your first book... You name it, and a book will open that door for you." Forever?! From your very first book? And any door? What about the several excellent authors I know who make no money at all, even after several books?

The good news is that once you've written your book and put it on Amazon, "you will be making passive income" (who wouldn't want that?) and "the people you love will look up to you". I hope those I love already do.

The Need to Learn

It makes the valid point that spoken language is almost instinctive, whereas reading and writing are modern accomplishments in evolutionary terms, and need explicit tuition. It then claims that "90% of your communication throughout the day is done verbally, by speaking." I doubt that is true for many people, and certainly not those under 30.

He then extrapolates that "no one, I repeat no one, is a natural writer." That's true in the sense we need to be taught the basic skills, but I think real creativity needs a spark of natural talent. However, this book seems to be more about writing non-fiction, so maybe creativity isn't as relevant. Actually, I think this book is more about making money – primarily for Chandler Bolt.

Money, Money, Money

Bolt’s GR author profile mentions catching the entrepreneurial bug. It mentions it before, and far more often, than anything to do with writing, and his other books are about that, rather than writing.

From my cursory look, money seems to be the motive for writing - and reading - the book itself. There's a list of four purposes for writing a book: the first is authority/credibility (which will bring money), the second is money, the third is networking (which will bring money). Only the fourth is passion. He lauds money a bit more, then goes on to say that the typical financial motive is not enough, and you should strive to find another reason as well.

81%!
I was left pondering a New York Times study quoted, that found 81% of people want to write a book. That may be true, but is it a good idea to encourage all those people to do so, on the basis of exaggerated hopes?

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book on beginner writing. Covers all the basic points but more suited to nonfiction than a novel.

[A · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book feels rushed and incomplete. I feel If I would take on the advices of the author, I would end up with a book draft just the same quality as this one: not very good.
Thankfully this book was short so I didn't waste too much of my time.

[Malik Alimoekhamedov · Rating 1 out of 5]

What is this book?

This is a lead-magnet book. It's truffled with hooks for the writing coaching class. Chapter 16 is what it's all about—a free sales funnel entry.

Money checks will be waved before you, promising financial freedom from your writing while you sleep. It reeks of passive income nonsense. It's not a book. It's a publicity brochure. This "booklet" also has testimonials, like an actual pitch deck. Without content marketing camouflaged in "genuine" books, the world would be better.

Who is this for?

For "brain-dead reading sessions" when tired writers feel guilty watching cheap dramas instead of reading. I know I've yet to write a book, but you don't have to be a musician to identify lousy singing.

If this is your first book on writing, prepare to hear similar advice in future reading from the "Writer's Help" book category.

The book's written with shy newbies in mind who require a solid motivational speech to get started (preferably with Chandler's Bootcamp). So, the tone and info provided are appropriate. It feels like it was written by Gary Vaynerchuk or Tony Robbins' motivational mumbo-jumbo in writing. God help us all.

Sure, you can begin with the advice given, but you need to graduate to something legit as soon as possible. The world doesn't need more remixes of other promotional booklets written as the author speaks.

I was about to burn this copy but decided to wait to see if there's a hidden gem (at least one), as it's sometimes the case in weirdly edited books. There were none.

How was it written?

This book results from opportunistic marketing research on Amazon more than a genuine, spontaneous idea. I could feel the book was wrapped up way too quickly. Done is better than perfect, but still. Sixteen days times two hours for the book, C'mon... As described, it was a race against the timer. As a future author, do you want to produce this kind of output and litter where you eat?

This book's research phase lasted one hour in one day (based on the author's bragging)! References are just four items that aren't all books or serious sources. Some are just one web page.

It's a Frankenstein creature amassed from automatic transcripts of old videos and other scrap material, such as PDF brochures of his writing school. I have nothing against repurposing, but I shouldn't feel like it's a glued-together bunch of separate flyers, either.

So, saying that the book was written with the techniques described is inaccurate. All chunks were repurposed. It's not an issue, but it's not true to the claim.

The author

Chandler Bolt proudly announces he's always been a straight C's student. In his defence, he constantly provides a disclaimer in which he doesn't pretend to be a good writer. Best-SELLING is not best-WRITING, he says. Still, announcing a fart doesn't make it less smelly.

Advice given

Some of the brilliant advice you'll get from this book includes sleeping less, buying Post-its, reading your writing through the "lens of a stranger" (as if you knew nothing about the topic), writing as you speak, recording your voice and outsourcing transcription, not doing too much research and pressuring yourself by publicly committing to writing a book. People who couldn't stick to their promises claim that Chandler's coaching class unlocked them.

Tell everybody you're writing a book.
I'm against bold public announcements one isn't certain to honour. However, I can see how some people could require external pressure to get things done. I've worked with a few. They never deliver anything decent towards the deadline, if at all.

Take notes of ideas.
A few tried-and-true techniques, such as working with atomic notes, did work for many people, such as Niklas Luhmann, Robert Greene, and Ryan Holiday. But how many writers don't have a notebook to jot thoughts into? The water is, indeed, wet.

Write as you speak.
I don't think we should write like we speak and speak as we write. Again, I've worked with those who believe this myth, and they never convinced anyone of being mature and trustworthy. It's not about being a language snob. It's about projecting the sentiment of knowing how to write and picking the right word for the point you're trying to get across. One needs to understand the rules to be allowed to transgress them.

It's probably not even what he does despite what he says. How many "like" or "d'you know what I mean" were in the dictated text? Were there any "uhm" in the audio recordings he transcribed? The "vomit draft" was unquestionably massaged into sounding like a written word somewhat. It's one of those maxims people believe without ever questioning.

Should you read it?

The amount of highlighting I do in every book I read indicates its quality. I've highlighted close to nothing in this one. See my highlights here.

If you're a total writing virgin, go for it. If you're past that stage, either don't or speed-read it. It can be read as fast as the research this book was based on anyway.

Overall, this is one of the most unfortunate combinations of a book title and its content I've encountered in a long time.

[Krisz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely put together, though meant for non-fiction writers.
I felt a lack of explanation on how to find your themes, how to collect what you know about. It's a no-brainer: sit down and think of things you like: in your job, in your free time or at home. What topic you like talking about. And check out any catalogue for books, for example on Smashwords.
The chapter for writers' block was weak too, even if we're talking about non-fiction. Though I wonder if we can actually talk about WB when writing NF, but that's an other story :)
It's probably good motivational stuff for first writers, but I felt it lacking at the points above, and in general, at practical tips. Book Launch was far more informative for its target audience.

[Danielle Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible

This book was glamorous lies. It makes it sound like you can write barely anything, make a fortune and live like a rock star. Avoid this!

[Ali Akbar Zaidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I am in the process of writing a book, this book is decent help. The writer has made things oversimplified but still the points are valid. In a nutshell,

1- Writing a good book is amazing because it grows your network, gives you credibility, gets you money and your friends and family look upto you

2- 81% people think about writing a book, 1% actually do. A published book is way better than an amazing manuscript.

3- Write as you speak. Start small. What sparks your interest. Find your favorite topic, what and why you want to write a book.

4- Make a Mind map. What you want to say. Make and list down all the related points around a central idea then sift through the Mental map to come up with an outline for a book.

5- Strike down the outline to chapters and then fill the chapter with valid arguments and points. You dont have to perfect, the first draft should be written straight up and 1 hour a day of writing is more than enough.

6- Edit your work. Organize and set reasonable targets. Have an accountability buddy and talk to a publisher to have review meetings.

7- Writers block can be dealt with by going to the original mental map and working up from there.

Writing a book is easy and if you want to, you should and then put it up on amazon with a proud look. In todays time, there are alot of softwares that can help you write better, you can even have a software to write everything you speak. In todays age, we are all writers as we text, email and write letters more than any generation before us. Happy writing and not sucking at your first book!! thanks chandler Bolt!!

[Clément Moissard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is biased because I read "Published", the author's next book. And they are basically the same book, which is vaguely annoying.

If you had to choose between both though, take the other one.

This one is quite precise (to the point where you end up thinking : "Chandler, do you think I'm that stupid ?") about the possibilities you have to write a book.

"How To Not SUCK ..." is quite encouraging, it makes writing sounds possible?
It doesn't talk much about how to publish, etc. Which was not the point of the book anyway.

[Scott Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHANDLER BOLT HAS DRILLED DOWN THE WRITING PROCESS TO A SCIENCE THAT IS FUN AND ENGAGING!

In this new book on how to write a book by Chandler Bolt, Self-Publishing Wizard and founder of the SPS [Self-Publishing School] comes a book that instructs want-to-be-published-writers who struggle with there writing process on how to find the WHY and the PURPOSE to writing their first book. Writing is hard work, but it doesn't have to be as hard as most people make it out to be. In "How To Not Suck At Writing Your First Book", Chandler walks you through every step that is needed to taking the book from an idea to polished manuscript. Regardless if you suck at or just plain hate writing.

In this book the chapters are broken down into real action steps. Written in a style that doesn't lecture but guides and instructs, writers are taken through a simple process that encourages people to step out of their fear and take charge. The author Chandler clearly understands what it is like when you have a dream to write a book, but you fail to act on it out of FEAR.

Here is one of my favorite passages right out of the book:
"The most influential people of the past never let fear of failure hold them back. You might be scared of failure, but you can't let that be the reason for holding you back."

The Book Breakdown [and WHY You need this book to write your book!]
Chapter 1-3: In the first 3 chapters you are just getting into it as Chandler dives into the purpose driven writing and writing myths. The book starts with explaining the 4 Purposes For Writing a Book”

Chapter 4:The importance of planning, time and environment: whether you are a slow writer, fast writer, or a terrible writer, this chapter has something for everyone that covers the essentials for gearing up to write. Here you can learn that by writing 500-1000 words a day [less than one hour] you WILL craft a novel within 30 days.

The book also features 4 writing methods that are at the core of getting your book done. By committing to 1-2 of these methods, you can craft a move. The methods are found in Chapters 5-8. Here is a brief breakdown:

Chapter 5: Writing Method I: THE PLANNER — In this chapter Chandler Bolt walks us through the simple strategy for planning to write your book by creating an outline first. He covers the various mindmaps you can use as well as clear examples [with pics] of what the finished sample could look like. Simple and to the point, this chapter is essential to getting the book started.

Chapter 6: Writing Method 2: THE CREATIVE — Another version of the Mindmap, this technique is used with STICKY NOTES. In this chapter the authors walk you through the easy-to-implement steps of creating your outline with coloured stickies that function as the actual outline. A great method that works for many people who “hate doing outlines” because this one puts the enjoyment back into crafting an outline. This chapter shows you how to create a complete outline using coloured stickies organized into assorted colours to represent different parts of the book structure. As you will see in the book, you can’t go wrong with this system, especially if you enjoy being creative.

Chapter 7: Writing Method 3: THE SPEAKER — This writing/outlining method focuses on a different approach by recording you voice and then submitting it to transcription services for typing up. Check out the book to see how its done!

Chapter 8: Writing Method 4: THE INNOVATOR — In this method readers are given another great option for getting their books written fast and painlessly; you transcribe the book yourself by speaking it and then listening while writing it down yourself. Guaranteed to get you at least 1000 — 1500 words per hour!

Chapter 9: WRITE FASTER — 12 suggestions for getting your book done in record time. Here are some examples: Write to discover; Limit Research; don’t over plan; Know your reader; Finding your niche; and deadlines.

Chapter 10: HELPFUL HABITS — One of the most important chapters in this book that focuses on the habits required to build strong writing skills, even if you lack confidence or suck at it. In this chapter Chandler walks you through the importance of habit forming when it comes to writing.

Chapter 11: ACCOUNTABILIBUDDIES — The importance of an accountabilibuddy is the difference between finishing a book…and not. By being accountable and sharing a common goal and deadline with someone else, in this chapter you see where the real magic lies in getting a book to the publishing stage.

Chapter 12&13: WRITER’S BLOCK? — Something that happens to everyone, and in the two chapters, Chandler clearly details the strategies you can implement to get over writers block when it happens.

This book “How To Not Suck At Writing” is the only book on writing that writers need. I have read dozens of books on the subject over the years and can honestly say that, this is to date the best one out there, and goes together well with his previous book “Book Launch.” The process is easy to follow, and really should be called “Simple Writing for Dummies” because if you follow this process, there is no excuse or reason why a book cannot be written within a few months. Grab the book and give it a try; It’ll be the best few dollars you have spent all year.

[Lyle E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise Writing Advise

Great introduction to Mind Mapping and creative techniques to move beyond the blank page to a growing word count. Energetic and motivational in its delivery and implementation.

[Kakuto kishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book worth all the money I spent on it

Great book enjoyed it very much a must read for aspiring authors I would highly recommend I am a Christian comic book author and this book helped me a lot

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't honestly remember much about this one. He does provide some templates but nothing as in-depth as Save The Cat or the Snowflake Method or Sterling & Stone's 40 story beats.

[Elruin Elmsroot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good...

[Nirupama P.R.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful! Handy, practical and useful- changed my ideas of how to write a book!

[Pamela Fernandes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free when I signed up for Kindlepreneur.
This book is mainly for non fiction writers. Its short and has a few nuggets of wisdom, that you will have to sift through. I liked the four chapters on creative, innovator, speaker and outline/ mind mapping. That was the only useful thing about the book. It can be inspirational if you're stuck in a rut, because the book gives you the idea repeatedly to get on with it.
What the book really is? Its an attempt to build a mailing list. And or a way to sign up for one of the courses or gigs provided by Chandler.
The biggest red flags for me is the chapter on purpose where he says you write because you want to 1. Build authority or popularity 2. Money 3. Network 4. Passion.
I think writing and good writing's purpose is to flip this around. First, you have to be passionate about writing. If you're passionate about a subject but hate writing, hire a writer. You cannot expect to write and be seeing million bucks immediately, but that's the message the book gives you. Write now, right now riches.
The worst advice here is- what you read has nothing to do with what you write, when in fact that's the biggest lie of all. And the last one- write in your own voice, no need to read or understand other voices. If you never read other voices, you'll never be able to develop your own. This book is alright when you start out as a writer (like absolute basic) and are on unsteady feet, but don't take it as gospel. Read and sift through.

[Fred Fanning · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Not Suck at Writing is a good book with basic information on writing a book. There are some good ideas in this book that I think are helpful.

[Amber Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mainly for non fiction writers who already know their topic quite well, because that was me - I found it rather useful. If you're writing fiction, this book might come across as a bit of a get rich quick scheme (its not, but it will easily alienate those who write for the love of it but are just struggling). If you're struggling to just get your thoughts organised and the words on paper there are some real gems here for you, hence the three stars.

However, this book just feels unpolished, it can be repetitive and whilst I love being able to hear an authors voice in a book, this sounds like unscripted advice from someone you happened to meet down the pub. As I said though, good and helpful advice it is so make sure you highlight the parts you find useful as you go so that you don't have to sift for it twice.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a vastly impressive resource after I was forced to take a study skills class for high school, but it is a little inspiration and able to talk about multiple methods of starting to write a book, fact or fiction. The book primarily uses examples that are non-fiction, so you have to have a little imagination if you wanted to apply the same methods to fiction, and I feel that if you read a book like this, the more examples the better, after all you a reading a book to help you write a book because you feel you can't do it alone.

[Kirby Ingles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, Effective and to the Point

Most books I read over complicate this process and Chandler is a great example of not being the stereotypical author. His fun and energy come out in his book and he says what no one else is. How simple this is and a few ways to hack technology. Great leaders can speak things clearly in few words. Great leaders are great teachers too. Chandler gives you the basic footprint and motivation to take it to the next level and do what you've been dreaming of all your life.

[Richard Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A+- Another great practical book from the author (Chandler Bolt) who believes that anyone and everyone that wants to write a book should and can write a book. Bolt leaves you with no excuses from proceeding with your dream. Myth after stupid myth are knocked down and pulverized by Bolt. Don't read this book if you are a couch potato as you will be challenged to get off your ass and get writing.

[King Kimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I really enjoyed how the writing process was broken down. I love to read and did well with papers, but wanted to read this book for tips to simplify the process. I'm glad I read this book.

[David King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for those new to writing, or who want to write but are not sure how to get started. I love writing, but thought this was worth reading anyway to get a few tips on how to write more and better.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It worked for me! Easy to read, has really helped me write my first book.

[Winter Bayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic. I think he has a blog...get the info there for free.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable and inspiring read

I really enjoyed this book. It is written in very simple language. No BS, no fluff, just great advice. Highly recommend.

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably won't finish my book in 30 days, however there still is some great practical advice in this book.