How to Success!: A Writer's Guide to Fame & Fortune

by Corinne Caputo

A clever writing self-help parody that skewers writers’ guides while offering amusing, almost-helpful advice.This parody self-help book for writers is filled with hilariously misguided tips, factual-looking charts, and other advice that knowingly pokes fun at writerly foibles while still cheering would-be authors on. With this book, struggling writers can find suggestions for effective paragraph shapes, tips on where to find inspiration (in your reflection, in the shapes of gum stuck to the ground, in a consultation with your doctor), thoughtful poses for author photos, pull-out procrastination excuses, and much more. How to Success! is filled with enough almost-helpful advice to keep aspiring writers amused, unblocked, and on their way to literary fame.“How to Success! lightens the pressure many creatives put on themselves to succeed. In effect, it acts as a mirror, showing readers how silly and elusive writing—and writers—can be. Caputo offers practical advice with a comedic twist that will have you laughing out loud.” —Failure Magazine

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2015

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny and satirical look at writing. Although it is a kind pointless look at learning to write, their are actually some helpful tips inside including the fact that writers should get a cat. I mean everyone should get a cat but... It was a quick read for those who want to be writers or those who just want a light enjoyable read.

[Chaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This small handbook is a novelty item, a parody of a writer's handbook. This amusing book has charts, figures, lists, cartoons, and ideas that parody the kind of self-help motivational book for writers. There are sections called "How to write a Novel in 30 days," presenting a month's calendar with nothing but "write" on every day. Another "chapter" called "I Couldn't Write Today Because" gives a list of excuses for not writing. Another chapter is called "successful paragraph shapes." And so on.

A quick and enjoyable read. Would make a cute gift for an aspiring writer.

Thank you to the author, publishers, and Library Thing for a review copy.

[melydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to write a silly review about how this totes showed me how to become a rich and famous author, but honestly this is really entertaining. It's basically a satirical guide to appearing to be an author, right down to attire, surroundings, and facial expressions. I particularly appreciated the screenwriter tips. Best of all, it's short enough that it doesn't overstay its welcome. Recommended for people who like writing, successful and otherwise.

[Kay Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious. I literally laughed out loud. Every writer NEEDS a copy of this book at their desk (or coffee splattered shower).

[Alexicon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge fan of the author and can't wait to read!

[Mike Mc Lawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Corinne Caputo's book "How to Success!: A Writer's Guide to Fame and Fortune" is a parody self-help book for writers. While the title for the book is an impossible thing to be able to guarantee (so are the "14 Days to a ...." books) I was actually hoping for a little bit of substance, not just a little booklet of snarky sarcasm and gentle teasing. If there were just a little actual advise to assist writers and prepare them for the long odds of success it might be a cute book. But as it is I have a hard time imagine anyone who wants to be a writer buying it and I would never give something like this to someone who believes that they could be a writer as they would think I was laughing at them. I got this book free in a goodreads giveaway and I was disappointed. I had hoped for some advice on writing and the gentle humor to only be on the fame and fortune part. i

[Gene · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought as a filler for an amazon order. A quick read, but pointless. There isn't actual advice aside from the obvious: write every day. It wasn't helpful and honestly quite depressing to read. I wouldn't recommend to any writer even if looking for a laugh, because it wasn't funny.

[Jonaliza Sy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve learned nothing on this book, but it was a fun read bcos the writer was so funny!

[Sophia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a friend of mine, loved the sarcasm and wit of this short book.

[Helia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend reading

Fun, short read that I really shouldn't have paid for, but I'm glad I did. We writers need some levity from time to time.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly funny, especially if you like to write. What it lacks in practical writing tips it MORE than makes up for in spirit and humor. If #writing has got you down, How to Success is the best way to get writing again.