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Be the Gateway: A Practical Guide to Sharing Your Creative Work and Engaging an Audience
Many people feel the drive to do creative work, but get overwhelmed by the process of connecting with an audience. They follow “best practices” in marketing that never seem to pan out, don’t produce results, and make them feel lost and oftentimes, frustrated. Be the Gateway offers a powerful way to have an impact.
If you want to share your voice and inspire people with your writing, art, craft, or creative idea, you have to be the gateway for them. Instead of throwing “products” out into the marketplace, you open them up to a new way of looking at the world, of knowing themselves, and connecting with others. You unlock new experiences for them -- not just through what you create, but through the unique way you share it with the world.
Too often we think about the creative process as separate from the marketing process. Instead, view them as the same. Replace the inclination to “promote” with the desire to share and engage. How and why you create is a story — and your best asset to truly engage people. Be the Gateway shows you how to use that gift with joy and with confidence.
If you want to share your voice and inspire people with your writing, art, craft, or creative idea, you have to be the gateway for them. Instead of throwing “products” out into the marketplace, you open them up to a new way of looking at the world, of knowing themselves, and connecting with others. You unlock new experiences for them -- not just through what you create, but through the unique way you share it with the world.
Too often we think about the creative process as separate from the marketing process. Instead, view them as the same. Replace the inclination to “promote” with the desire to share and engage. How and why you create is a story — and your best asset to truly engage people. Be the Gateway shows you how to use that gift with joy and with confidence.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2017
81 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Dan Blank
1 book139 followersDan Blank is the founder of WeGrowMedia, where he helps writers and creative professionals share their stories and grow their audience.
He has worked with hundreds of individuals and amazing organizations who support creative people, such as Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, Sesame Workshop, Workman Publishing, J. Walter Thompson, Abrams Books, Writers House, The Kenyon Review, Writer's Digest, Library Journal, and many others.
Dan's work has been featured by Poets & Writers magazine, the National Endowment for the Arts, Professional Artist magazine, and 99u. You can find Dan on his blog at http://wegrowmedia.com or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DanBlank and Instagram at http://instagram.com/danblank/ .
He has worked with hundreds of individuals and amazing organizations who support creative people, such as Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, Sesame Workshop, Workman Publishing, J. Walter Thompson, Abrams Books, Writers House, The Kenyon Review, Writer's Digest, Library Journal, and many others.
Dan's work has been featured by Poets & Writers magazine, the National Endowment for the Arts, Professional Artist magazine, and 99u. You can find Dan on his blog at http://wegrowmedia.com or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DanBlank and Instagram at http://instagram.com/danblank/ .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 27, 2019
It's no secret to most writers anymore that the publishing industry has been in a perpetual state of flux and disruption since 2008, mainly due to the Global Financial Crisis and the self-publishing revolution. As a result we live in a time when the money in publishing no longer resides solely in selling books but also in assisting debut authors to realise their dream of publication.
Which in turn means that writers who are starting out and who still find themselves part of 'the great unpublished' (as well as newly published authors) are left drowning in social media ads and countless other promotional initiatives which often promise them a magical technique or formula which will make them a bestseller overnight. The truth about building a readership - as most debut novelists eventually find out following the publication of their first novel - is quite different.
In his book Dan Blank reveals how building a trade in creative writing is just like any other business set up by a sole trader. It requires time, dedication and detailed analysis of constant setbacks and the odd 'success'. Some might argue that there is always the odd exception to the rule: or is there? Blank provides some interesting thoughts on this. More importantly, he also explains how all of the answers to how we go about building a readership don't lie in some passing Facebook ad but are often to be found deep within ourselves.
The author also provides countless examples and draws on his own years of experience as a creative professional to provide much needed perspective to debut novelists at a turbulent time in the history of the publishing industry. He adequately shows how wearing the rose-tinted glasses and pining for the pre-2008 era is also a mistake, because ours is in fact a time that is bursting with an infinite number of opportunities for talented, enterprising and resourceful creatives.
To my mind this book is a must read for budding, debut and established authors as well as every other creative out there.
Which in turn means that writers who are starting out and who still find themselves part of 'the great unpublished' (as well as newly published authors) are left drowning in social media ads and countless other promotional initiatives which often promise them a magical technique or formula which will make them a bestseller overnight. The truth about building a readership - as most debut novelists eventually find out following the publication of their first novel - is quite different.
In his book Dan Blank reveals how building a trade in creative writing is just like any other business set up by a sole trader. It requires time, dedication and detailed analysis of constant setbacks and the odd 'success'. Some might argue that there is always the odd exception to the rule: or is there? Blank provides some interesting thoughts on this. More importantly, he also explains how all of the answers to how we go about building a readership don't lie in some passing Facebook ad but are often to be found deep within ourselves.
The author also provides countless examples and draws on his own years of experience as a creative professional to provide much needed perspective to debut novelists at a turbulent time in the history of the publishing industry. He adequately shows how wearing the rose-tinted glasses and pining for the pre-2008 era is also a mistake, because ours is in fact a time that is bursting with an infinite number of opportunities for talented, enterprising and resourceful creatives.
To my mind this book is a must read for budding, debut and established authors as well as every other creative out there.
December 27, 2017
As you might guess from the fact this has been on my Currently Reading shelf for nine months, I have actually read this book twice: once the usual way, and then a second time to slowly work through it, making notes and doing exercises as I went. I found it really good and really useful. It's not that you come out the end of it with a detailed marketing plan in place. Instead, this book gives you - a creator of creative work - an approach to engaging with potential readers / viewers / listeners that draws on what engaged you in the work in the first place. Conducted on such terms, marketing comes to feel a lot less like selling and rather more like sharing and collaborating.
If you begin to notice me trying different things over coming months, you can blame Dan Blank - or at least my partial understanding of his work! I'll be interested, as ever, in your thoughts in response.
If you begin to notice me trying different things over coming months, you can blame Dan Blank - or at least my partial understanding of his work! I'll be interested, as ever, in your thoughts in response.
August 7, 2021
Most authors or artists or musicians care most about being authentic and about making art that expresses that deep longing. They also crave connection to an audience. They know the odds are stacked against them financially, but they would love to "break through" and beat those odds. Many artists find today's methods of finding an audience, especially through social media, completely daunting. Many others worry that marketing and art are antithetical to each other; that asking people to buy your product cheapens not only the product but cheapens the artist.
Dan Blank takes that fear and stands it on its head. Instead of advising artists to "play big" (using tricks to increase numbers of followers, vying for the attention of influencers, or copying "best practices" others prescribe), he focuses on going deep with few, giving before you ask, and being patient as you learn what your ideal audience wants and needs.
I have been participating in Dan' webinars and reading his newsletters for more than a decade. I've been intending to read his book for a long time, but now, with my own book going into production for a May publication date, I have finally read every word. Like other readers, I will want to re-read the book as I get to the final stages before the book launch. The principles are timeless. The book is destined to become a classic -- at least for the group of us who are deeply committed and deeply grateful to Dan for helping us learn how to be gateways, not just gargantuan egos.
Dan Blank takes that fear and stands it on its head. Instead of advising artists to "play big" (using tricks to increase numbers of followers, vying for the attention of influencers, or copying "best practices" others prescribe), he focuses on going deep with few, giving before you ask, and being patient as you learn what your ideal audience wants and needs.
I have been participating in Dan' webinars and reading his newsletters for more than a decade. I've been intending to read his book for a long time, but now, with my own book going into production for a May publication date, I have finally read every word. Like other readers, I will want to re-read the book as I get to the final stages before the book launch. The principles are timeless. The book is destined to become a classic -- at least for the group of us who are deeply committed and deeply grateful to Dan for helping us learn how to be gateways, not just gargantuan egos.
November 8, 2017
This unassuming book completely shifted the way I think about engaging with an audience, the way I engage with people. While self-promotion and marketing can, at time, feel smarmy, Dan Blank absolutely changed the way I think about engaging with people online.
Though this isn't a long book (170 pages), it is one that will encourage the reader to think, to practice, to prioritize, to engage. And if the reader will have the courage to be vulnerable, even in spurts, it becomes clear that this heartfelt book is written with a sincere desire to help and to change the role of social media, websites, and even bios to become something that encourages real engagement. I absolutely loved it and will be recommending to people for a long time.
Though this isn't a long book (170 pages), it is one that will encourage the reader to think, to practice, to prioritize, to engage. And if the reader will have the courage to be vulnerable, even in spurts, it becomes clear that this heartfelt book is written with a sincere desire to help and to change the role of social media, websites, and even bios to become something that encourages real engagement. I absolutely loved it and will be recommending to people for a long time.
October 8, 2017
Full of thought-provoking ideas to engage and support individuals, rather than focusing on an audience. A book I will go back to again and again to ensure I never lose sight of the importance of the individual, caring and building relationships that last, when sharing my creative work. Thank you, Dan Blank, for reminding us of the importance of people.
June 5, 2017
Dan answers one of those questions authors think about: How do I engage with my readers?
He also advises you not to focus on the numbers. Think about it. What's the point of having thousands of followers on social media if none of them are buying your books? Dan answers is to become a gateway and invite people into your world. Worth the read if you are an author with a growing email list.
He also advises you not to focus on the numbers. Think about it. What's the point of having thousands of followers on social media if none of them are buying your books? Dan answers is to become a gateway and invite people into your world. Worth the read if you are an author with a growing email list.
August 6, 2017
This Book Changed Me
When I first heard about this book I was immediately interested. I have always believed that promoting your books or artistic work should be more organic than I had seen others doing. And many of the ‘best practices’ in book promotion turned me off. It seemed too cold and distant to me. And counter intuitive to what we’re all trying to do, which is share our art with the world.
And yet this book is so hard to describe. It’s part philosophy, part advice, part brain stormer. The basic concept is that when you make connections with individuals, one on one, and one by one (rather than some nebulous generality known as audience) that you will bring people through the gateway of your artistic work. And that generosity, empathy, and real connections trump all.
Frankly, I agree.
Dan has many steps that he suggests you take in achieving this and frankly there were times in reading them, I was completely overwhelmed just wondering how I would do these things. But I kept reading feeling that if I got one or two things that I could do to get my work into the hands of those it was meant for, that it would be worth it. I’m glad I did.
Something wonderfully strange happened as I kept reading the book. New opportunities just magically appeared. New peers, colleagues, friendships – so many things. Very subtle in some ways and very big in others. It was almost like magic. Then it dawned on me that those opportunities were actually always there – but until I read Dan’s book I didn’t see them. And I realized that I had slowly shifted my view from what it was before to Dan’s gateway view, without even realizing it.
I honestly don’t know if I could possibly do everything that he suggests in the book but I do know that I understand more about myself, my artistic work, and those I want to share it with so much more than I did before the book.
I know there are bagillions of books telling us the best way to promote (and I think I’ve read about a million of them) our work – but I think you would be changed in a good way if you read this book. I highly recommend it, if only to find a deeper connection with yourself and your work.
When I first heard about this book I was immediately interested. I have always believed that promoting your books or artistic work should be more organic than I had seen others doing. And many of the ‘best practices’ in book promotion turned me off. It seemed too cold and distant to me. And counter intuitive to what we’re all trying to do, which is share our art with the world.
And yet this book is so hard to describe. It’s part philosophy, part advice, part brain stormer. The basic concept is that when you make connections with individuals, one on one, and one by one (rather than some nebulous generality known as audience) that you will bring people through the gateway of your artistic work. And that generosity, empathy, and real connections trump all.
Frankly, I agree.
Dan has many steps that he suggests you take in achieving this and frankly there were times in reading them, I was completely overwhelmed just wondering how I would do these things. But I kept reading feeling that if I got one or two things that I could do to get my work into the hands of those it was meant for, that it would be worth it. I’m glad I did.
Something wonderfully strange happened as I kept reading the book. New opportunities just magically appeared. New peers, colleagues, friendships – so many things. Very subtle in some ways and very big in others. It was almost like magic. Then it dawned on me that those opportunities were actually always there – but until I read Dan’s book I didn’t see them. And I realized that I had slowly shifted my view from what it was before to Dan’s gateway view, without even realizing it.
I honestly don’t know if I could possibly do everything that he suggests in the book but I do know that I understand more about myself, my artistic work, and those I want to share it with so much more than I did before the book.
I know there are bagillions of books telling us the best way to promote (and I think I’ve read about a million of them) our work – but I think you would be changed in a good way if you read this book. I highly recommend it, if only to find a deeper connection with yourself and your work.
July 25, 2019
This book is a must-read for any craftsperson, be it a writer, painter, musician, whoever is looking to build an authentic audience. Most creatives feel overwhelmed about how to start building an audience and how to connect with them. Most artists know that to sell art, you must also market it. However, like me, most creatives want to do so in a genuine way. One that is not sleazy or takes precious time away from the creative act.
In 'Be the Gateway, Dan Blank offers a simple yet powerful way to do so. His many years of experience in the publishing world makes his advice relevant. Instead of offering products only, you must also be the gateway. In that, you share everything about your product, your process of creation, your tools and environment. "Show, don't tell," he says, not only in your creations but also in your creative process.
Connection and engagement with your audience are critical. The whole point is that your audience must feel like they are co-creating with you, only then would they become true advocates of your brand. He says, "people don't buy things; they buy the feeling that things give them. They are investing in the building blocks of their own identity, and how this helps creates narratives they can show others on the world but their place within it." He goes on to explain how to open the gate and find 'your people,' by focusing on one individual at a time rather than trying to get thousands of followers
Blank also emphasises for the need to find colleagues who become collaborators rather than competitors. Embrace them, support them and be real with them. This, when done naturally and not contrived, brings many opportunities to connect with different audiences.
For me, his big message is that the act of creating and marketing need not be separate but rather something that can be done together. Forget about the quick fix of getting followers, email subscribers and fans fast as they will leave just as quickly. Stop focusing on numbers, instead focus on creating true advocates who will use the tried and tested method of word of mouth marketing. It is the advocates who buy, while the followers will only hit the 'like' button.
In 'Be the Gateway, Dan Blank offers a simple yet powerful way to do so. His many years of experience in the publishing world makes his advice relevant. Instead of offering products only, you must also be the gateway. In that, you share everything about your product, your process of creation, your tools and environment. "Show, don't tell," he says, not only in your creations but also in your creative process.
Connection and engagement with your audience are critical. The whole point is that your audience must feel like they are co-creating with you, only then would they become true advocates of your brand. He says, "people don't buy things; they buy the feeling that things give them. They are investing in the building blocks of their own identity, and how this helps creates narratives they can show others on the world but their place within it." He goes on to explain how to open the gate and find 'your people,' by focusing on one individual at a time rather than trying to get thousands of followers
Blank also emphasises for the need to find colleagues who become collaborators rather than competitors. Embrace them, support them and be real with them. This, when done naturally and not contrived, brings many opportunities to connect with different audiences.
For me, his big message is that the act of creating and marketing need not be separate but rather something that can be done together. Forget about the quick fix of getting followers, email subscribers and fans fast as they will leave just as quickly. Stop focusing on numbers, instead focus on creating true advocates who will use the tried and tested method of word of mouth marketing. It is the advocates who buy, while the followers will only hit the 'like' button.
November 7, 2019
I've been a member of Dan Blank's Reader Connection Facebook group since the beginning of this year. Last week, on impulse, I finally downloaded his book Be the Gateway to Kindle. Two days later, I not only ordered a print copy for myself, but also one for a friend. I'd give away a truckload, if I could.
This book came to me at the perfect time of both my life and livelihood. I've been a full-time novelist since 2012, but these past few years have been quite a struggle, and it was no longer financially or even creatively sustainable as a career. I took a break from the entire business earlier this year because I was burnt out. Gratefully, Be the Gateway has helped me recover. It has been the embodiment of its title--a gateway back to why I started writing novels in the first place: the joy of it.
Dan Blank's book kindly and respectfully guides writers (and artists, musicians, anyone in the creative arts) to step away from analytics, Likes, Shares, etc., and reconnect to the one-on-one connections with their audience. It teaches you how to better identify and locate that audience, and how to both see and use your work as an experience as opposed to a product.
In the short time I've owned this book, I've already re-written my bio on my website (based on Dan Blank's step-by-step guidelines for a more engaging bio), and I am working on some other ideas as well, inspired by questions and suggestions put forth in the book.
If you are a writer who values making those one-on-one connections with your books, if you want to stop obsessing over numbers and get back to what made you write, paint, record music, etc. in the first place, then this book is for you.
This book came to me at the perfect time of both my life and livelihood. I've been a full-time novelist since 2012, but these past few years have been quite a struggle, and it was no longer financially or even creatively sustainable as a career. I took a break from the entire business earlier this year because I was burnt out. Gratefully, Be the Gateway has helped me recover. It has been the embodiment of its title--a gateway back to why I started writing novels in the first place: the joy of it.
Dan Blank's book kindly and respectfully guides writers (and artists, musicians, anyone in the creative arts) to step away from analytics, Likes, Shares, etc., and reconnect to the one-on-one connections with their audience. It teaches you how to better identify and locate that audience, and how to both see and use your work as an experience as opposed to a product.
In the short time I've owned this book, I've already re-written my bio on my website (based on Dan Blank's step-by-step guidelines for a more engaging bio), and I am working on some other ideas as well, inspired by questions and suggestions put forth in the book.
If you are a writer who values making those one-on-one connections with your books, if you want to stop obsessing over numbers and get back to what made you write, paint, record music, etc. in the first place, then this book is for you.
January 18, 2023
Be the Gateway is an action book. Sure, you can sip your coffee, sit back and enjoy the read, but then you need to get up and get moving!
Dan Blank challenges creatives to rethink marketing by not focusing on audiences and brands and tactics and "best practices." He focuses on experiences over content. He preaches to creatives to do exactly what he practices—build relationships, collaborate, listen and give.
This is a book that will be read over and over. As I read it the first time, I frequently reread sections once or twice. As soon as I completed the final chapter, I was planning another read-through. I also paused during the reading to take action: try to break my mission statement, rewrite my bio, rethink my narrative, revisit and add to my list of landmarks and guideposts. But, the book is full of so many more actions and additional steps to the ones I began. I will continue this gateway journey throughout this year, and I know it will become my guide through the rest of my author journey.
I highly recommend this book for any creative. It's time to overhaul our marketing strategies and make them about what and who matter: our reasons why we create and the people who are seeking what we produce.
Dan Blank challenges creatives to rethink marketing by not focusing on audiences and brands and tactics and "best practices." He focuses on experiences over content. He preaches to creatives to do exactly what he practices—build relationships, collaborate, listen and give.
This is a book that will be read over and over. As I read it the first time, I frequently reread sections once or twice. As soon as I completed the final chapter, I was planning another read-through. I also paused during the reading to take action: try to break my mission statement, rewrite my bio, rethink my narrative, revisit and add to my list of landmarks and guideposts. But, the book is full of so many more actions and additional steps to the ones I began. I will continue this gateway journey throughout this year, and I know it will become my guide through the rest of my author journey.
I highly recommend this book for any creative. It's time to overhaul our marketing strategies and make them about what and who matter: our reasons why we create and the people who are seeking what we produce.
February 19, 2019
This is a marketing book for creative individuals, and I focused on one of the major arenas he covers, writing. What I love about the book is that Dan Blank talks about an approach to reach individual people one at a time in a way that is meaningful to them in their lives--Bring them through the gateway of your work to enrich themselves. Suddenly marketing doesn't sound anathema to the creative spirit, rather an extension of it.
He gives lots of practical pointers and is a creative person himself, as well as a marketing consultant to other creative individuals. It is a great way to consider where best to focus your energy in this arena and not to follow "the pack" and always be one step behind someone else who found something that worked for them. Very helpful if you want to set up a blog, or other regular means of communication with the digital world. Checking out his own online presence is also a good example of what he writes about.
He gives lots of practical pointers and is a creative person himself, as well as a marketing consultant to other creative individuals. It is a great way to consider where best to focus your energy in this arena and not to follow "the pack" and always be one step behind someone else who found something that worked for them. Very helpful if you want to set up a blog, or other regular means of communication with the digital world. Checking out his own online presence is also a good example of what he writes about.
February 23, 2022
I love the basic premise of Dan Blank’s message, that marketing a book is so much more than media coverage or awards or even reviews. It is about connecting with readers on a personal level. He calls this “human-centered marketing.”
I have tried to follow his advice by conducting in-person book signings; appearing at every book club that invites me, no matter how small; asking my newsletter subscribers to email or call me (my phone number is on my website); and even inviting them for coffee if it can be arranged. As a result I have not only sold more books but established some very warm friendships, which have honestly turned out to be more important than the sales.
I purchased this book in January 2019 and have read it several times, but realized I had never written this long-overdue review. I recommend this book to every author, especially those who are shy or diffident about their work. It is a game-changer.
I have tried to follow his advice by conducting in-person book signings; appearing at every book club that invites me, no matter how small; asking my newsletter subscribers to email or call me (my phone number is on my website); and even inviting them for coffee if it can be arranged. As a result I have not only sold more books but established some very warm friendships, which have honestly turned out to be more important than the sales.
I purchased this book in January 2019 and have read it several times, but realized I had never written this long-overdue review. I recommend this book to every author, especially those who are shy or diffident about their work. It is a game-changer.
February 12, 2019
If you are just starting out in being an author or owning your own business, this book is the one for you. The tone is specifically aimed at creatives (artists, writers, musicians) but can apply to freelancers and business owners with the problem of how do I reach my target audience? The language is simple and easy to digest with actionable steps.
What the book could use further is more practical applications and real life examples. It is probably not for you if you are more than a year in the business but it is a good refresher to remind you of what is important, what makes the sales: it is building and nurturing relationships with people.
Short and simple gets the message across from this book.
What the book could use further is more practical applications and real life examples. It is probably not for you if you are more than a year in the business but it is a good refresher to remind you of what is important, what makes the sales: it is building and nurturing relationships with people.
Short and simple gets the message across from this book.
March 23, 2021
Dan Blank is the GOAT marketer. His kind and generous personality comes through on every page of BE THE GATEWAY. Even if you are not working with him to learn the best practices of marketing your work, whether it be writing, art, or another creative endeavor, you will benefit from the wisdom and the sharing of experiences (his own and that of others) found between these pages. To BE a gateway is in Dan's words, " . . . find success by focusing on the human side of that which engages people, what it means to have your work truly shape the lives of others, and what it means to feel fulfilled as a creator." That's the challenge. And with the help of this book, we can all learn how to make that happen.
September 30, 2021
This book has a good philosophy: create connections, focus on the recipient of your work, deliver quality. It seems common sense to me, but it may not be for many people.
Dan makes valid points, shows useful directions, and shares some good information, although none is absolute truth. It's a well-written, well-thought-of book, but a little too long and tiring. It focus a lot on social media and other obvious details that made it hard for me to carry on.
For those (like me) who are already experienced with certain concepts and practices, such as less promotion, more content; less focus on product, more focus on customers/clients; building trust and relationships; and have already used and then developed a disgust for social media and now ignore it, this book may not be much relevant.
Dan makes valid points, shows useful directions, and shares some good information, although none is absolute truth. It's a well-written, well-thought-of book, but a little too long and tiring. It focus a lot on social media and other obvious details that made it hard for me to carry on.
For those (like me) who are already experienced with certain concepts and practices, such as less promotion, more content; less focus on product, more focus on customers/clients; building trust and relationships; and have already used and then developed a disgust for social media and now ignore it, this book may not be much relevant.
March 20, 2020
Helpful Common Sense In Plain Sight.
Sometimes, the best solution is right in front of our nose. In this book, Dan Blank suggests a kinder and gentler approach to marketing your creative work. He explains that there’s no secret sauce or magic shortcut to create an audience overnight.
You do it one person at a time, connecting with them at a personal level that they’re not used to. You don’t pound on the door begging them to buy your art but rather stand outside your shop with a smile and a warm greeting inviting them in through your gateway to see how your art connects with them.
If you want your art shared, start with Be The Gateway.
Sometimes, the best solution is right in front of our nose. In this book, Dan Blank suggests a kinder and gentler approach to marketing your creative work. He explains that there’s no secret sauce or magic shortcut to create an audience overnight.
You do it one person at a time, connecting with them at a personal level that they’re not used to. You don’t pound on the door begging them to buy your art but rather stand outside your shop with a smile and a warm greeting inviting them in through your gateway to see how your art connects with them.
If you want your art shared, start with Be The Gateway.
February 10, 2024
Life Changing Read
Normally, books such as "Be the Gateway" wouldn't necessarily be considered "life changing."
For me, it is.
I have read it in one day, as I just could not put it down. Dan's words were pointing me towards something I have strategically chose to ignore. Call it self preservation or fear, this was in the way of my creative process, causing much anxiety and distraction from what I wish to share through my work. I am very grateful for such an inspiring book, as it offers plenty of very valuable nuggets of gold without ever sounding clichéd or fake. Highly recommended if you are a creator feeling stuck, unseen, and drained.
Normally, books such as "Be the Gateway" wouldn't necessarily be considered "life changing."
For me, it is.
I have read it in one day, as I just could not put it down. Dan's words were pointing me towards something I have strategically chose to ignore. Call it self preservation or fear, this was in the way of my creative process, causing much anxiety and distraction from what I wish to share through my work. I am very grateful for such an inspiring book, as it offers plenty of very valuable nuggets of gold without ever sounding clichéd or fake. Highly recommended if you are a creator feeling stuck, unseen, and drained.
July 18, 2017
The author helps to shift traditional notions about success in our creative efforts to one of making connections. The latter follows a natural path to success that is not forced through uncomfortable marketing strategies. I have heard more and more talk lately about shifting focus to connecting with others in a meaningful way in our endeavors and the benefits that come from it. I hope this is a attitude that will infiltrate our capitalistic mindset. Not that I am against capitalism but it would be nice if it were driven by something besides greed.
July 7, 2020
This book offers a slightly different take on the usual "Grow Your Platform" conversation. It targets all kinds of creative endeavours, not just authors, and approaches the subject in a more philosophical way. Yes, there are action items, so it is also practical, but the thing that really sets this book apart is the underlying foundation. The author encourages a real mindset shift - an attitude adjustment, if you will, not just a list of steps to follow. I recommend it to creative individuals who are serious about what they do.
August 25, 2019
My editor and mentor, Jill Kelly, author of Broken Boys: A Thriller, recommended “Be The Gateway” to me in advance of launching my first novel in Fall 2017. “Be The Gateway” gives us a new way of looking at marketing our creative work. It walks you through a series of exercises that will help you rethink why you create and for whom, help you find individuals who might become your audience, and show you how to refocus your attention on building relationships—not just selling things.
July 11, 2022
I used up a lot of ink making notes in this book. (A favorite pastime of mine) There was so much to learn and happily, so much that validated my instincts. If you engage in any endeavor where you are trying to share your creativity with the world, this book is a must-read. I adore its intimate approach to creating long-lasting connections over empty likes or an audience that has no depth or intimacy. This approach speaks to me. You're not going to want to miss this one!
October 26, 2025
An interesting approach, for the artist inside to reach outside, more effectively
Full of creative ideas for getting our art out into the market place. To avoid being a sheep, following the flock, instead to focus on our journey of personal fulfillment, with healthier metrics of success in our creative endeavors, as musician, sculptor, writer, whatever our mission. A practical approach to the artist's life. Highly recommended. Kevin Thomas Morgan
Full of creative ideas for getting our art out into the market place. To avoid being a sheep, following the flock, instead to focus on our journey of personal fulfillment, with healthier metrics of success in our creative endeavors, as musician, sculptor, writer, whatever our mission. A practical approach to the artist's life. Highly recommended. Kevin Thomas Morgan
July 12, 2017
Dan Blank is a fresh voice in the middle of business books and blogs filled with best practices, tips and strategies for playing the system and marketing your work. He tells us to be human again and to lead people to our work kindly and with respect, one by one, by becoming a gateway. And I love it.
Recommended to all creative professionals and entrepreneurs.
Recommended to all creative professionals and entrepreneurs.
August 12, 2017
This inspiring book suggests creative folks connect authentically with people in many different fields to collaborate, share, and learn. Every interaction is an opportunity to help others and to widen your worldview. The book contains practical suggestions on how to share your best self along with your work, even if you are an introvert.
July 21, 2018
Know that Dan's a friend--but this is a warm, friendly, helpful way of looking at your marketing self. Dan's advice to do deep rather than broad resonated with me and helped me keep it real--I think I've avoided a lot of just-get-stuff-out-there pitfalls because of Dan. DOn't let the kinda confusing title put you off.
August 11, 2018
This book is about how creative people can engage with their audience. It's refreshing because it gives you an alternative approach - rather than acting like a car salesman (nothing against car salesmen, my dad was one, but you know what I mean) - you can find real ways to connect with people using the suggestions in this book.
October 1, 2020
Although Blank's book was intended for an audience of creatives, it is inspiring for everyone, whatever their circumstance. It is a clear and concise reminder that if we lead with genuine compassion, people will respond. An important message, especially given the challenges we have all faced in 2020. I highly recommend it.
February 6, 2020
Such a relief to read that you don’t have to change your nature to succeed in attracting readers or clients to your work. I love the way Dan describes the process of creating a gateway then taking your readers etc through it. Some good advice here.
August 16, 2022
Gateway Expertise
This book finally explained why my various author promotions have failed and provided the how and why of those readers who have walked through my Gateway. The method I needed to use was there all the time and I never saw it because my focus was elsewhere.
This book finally explained why my various author promotions have failed and provided the how and why of those readers who have walked through my Gateway. The method I needed to use was there all the time and I never saw it because my focus was elsewhere.
April 27, 2023
Informative and Practical
I started reading this book at the right time for me. As someone who’s getting ready to debut as an author, reading this book made me realize how much I still have to learn. And that shying away isn’t going to help me connect to people.
I started reading this book at the right time for me. As someone who’s getting ready to debut as an author, reading this book made me realize how much I still have to learn. And that shying away isn’t going to help me connect to people.
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