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The Anatomy of a Best Seller: 3 Steps to Deconstruct Winning Books and Teach Yourself Craft
Do you wish you could write like your favorite authors? Do you want to improve your writing? If you want to power up your stories, write with your readers in mind, and deliver what the market wants, this book is for you.
In The Anatomy of a Best Seller, you’ll discover:
+ A step-by-step guide to deconstructing your favorite books so you can utilize the tools of winning authors.
+ Tips and tricks for breaking down everything from sentence level prose to plot, pacing, characters, story arcs, and more.
+ A comprehensive guide to understanding your market and what readers want.
+ Tactics for turning the lessons and tools you find into practical prose and stories.
The Anatomy of a Best Seller is a comprehensive guide that will help you break down the best books in your genre, understand how and why they work, and then learn how to do it yourself.
By the end of the book, you’ll be armed with the methods you need to deconstruct best sellers, understand the tools those authors are using, and how to implement them in your own work.
If you like dark humor and learning through examples, then you’ll love Sacha Black’s guide to deconstructing winning books. Read The Anatomy of a Best Seller today and start writing your best seller.
In The Anatomy of a Best Seller, you’ll discover:
+ A step-by-step guide to deconstructing your favorite books so you can utilize the tools of winning authors.
+ Tips and tricks for breaking down everything from sentence level prose to plot, pacing, characters, story arcs, and more.
+ A comprehensive guide to understanding your market and what readers want.
+ Tactics for turning the lessons and tools you find into practical prose and stories.
The Anatomy of a Best Seller is a comprehensive guide that will help you break down the best books in your genre, understand how and why they work, and then learn how to do it yourself.
By the end of the book, you’ll be armed with the methods you need to deconstruct best sellers, understand the tools those authors are using, and how to implement them in your own work.
If you like dark humor and learning through examples, then you’ll love Sacha Black’s guide to deconstructing winning books. Read The Anatomy of a Best Seller today and start writing your best seller.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2022
53 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Sacha Black
18 books303 followersIf you'd like a FREE villains mini course to help you master superbad villains go here:
https://sachablack.co.uk/newsletter
Sacha Black is an author, rebel podcaster, and professional speaker.
She has five obsessions; words, expensive shoes, conspiracy theories, self-improvement, and breaking the rules.
Sacha writes books about people with magical powers and other books about the art of writing.
When she’s not writing, she can be found laughing inappropriately loud, sniffing musty old books, fangirling film and TV soundtracks, or thinking up new ways to break the rules.
She lives in Cambridgeshire, England, with her wife and genius, giant of a son.
https://sachablack.co.uk/newsletter
Sacha Black is an author, rebel podcaster, and professional speaker.
She has five obsessions; words, expensive shoes, conspiracy theories, self-improvement, and breaking the rules.
Sacha writes books about people with magical powers and other books about the art of writing.
When she’s not writing, she can be found laughing inappropriately loud, sniffing musty old books, fangirling film and TV soundtracks, or thinking up new ways to break the rules.
She lives in Cambridgeshire, England, with her wife and genius, giant of a son.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 27, 2022
*****I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review*****
I've been a fan of Sacha Black's work for some time. She's a fantastic teacher and has a way of communicating complex ideas in a clear and succinct way. It doesn't hurt that she packs all her craft books with filthy humour (craft guides can be depressingly dry!).
In The Anatomy of a Bestseller, Black gives writers something we're all desperately searching for: a simple, yet effective method to take any story, break it down and examine why it does (or doesn't) work.
I thought I knew how to read like a writer (I didn't), that I'd deconstructed novels in great depth before (I hadn't), and that writing what readers wanted was second nature (it wasn't).
So, if you looking for a tongue in cheek (and immensely helpful) way to work out why bestsellers sell and put that stuff into your own books, then you should move this right to the top of your TBR pile.
I've been a fan of Sacha Black's work for some time. She's a fantastic teacher and has a way of communicating complex ideas in a clear and succinct way. It doesn't hurt that she packs all her craft books with filthy humour (craft guides can be depressingly dry!).
In The Anatomy of a Bestseller, Black gives writers something we're all desperately searching for: a simple, yet effective method to take any story, break it down and examine why it does (or doesn't) work.
I thought I knew how to read like a writer (I didn't), that I'd deconstructed novels in great depth before (I hadn't), and that writing what readers wanted was second nature (it wasn't).
So, if you looking for a tongue in cheek (and immensely helpful) way to work out why bestsellers sell and put that stuff into your own books, then you should move this right to the top of your TBR pile.
January 28, 2023
A useful, engaging primer on how to study the kinds of books you want to write
Sacha Black’s The Anatomy of a Bestseller is as entertaining as you’d expect if you’re familiar with any of her nonfiction or her podcast, but it’s also very easy to understand and satisfyingly thorough. You won’t want for examples in this one.
I was already aware of a lot of the techniques in this book from my university days as a creative writing student, but this book gave me an easy to follow framework for deconstructing exactly what I need to as an author.
I also really appreciated the section on analyzing the market. It gave me a few new insights to consider and really pushed me to get clear on my goals as an author.
Excellent book. This is my new go-to recommendation for practical deconstruction.
Sacha Black’s The Anatomy of a Bestseller is as entertaining as you’d expect if you’re familiar with any of her nonfiction or her podcast, but it’s also very easy to understand and satisfyingly thorough. You won’t want for examples in this one.
I was already aware of a lot of the techniques in this book from my university days as a creative writing student, but this book gave me an easy to follow framework for deconstructing exactly what I need to as an author.
I also really appreciated the section on analyzing the market. It gave me a few new insights to consider and really pushed me to get clear on my goals as an author.
Excellent book. This is my new go-to recommendation for practical deconstruction.
July 29, 2022
Write to market. Read in your genre. Know what readers want.
These are all phrases you'll encounter at some point during your writing career, and while on the surface, they all sound fairly reasonable, you might find yourself thinking... "OK, but how?"
This is the gap that Sacha Black has successfully filled with this book.
She walks you through how to go about finding comp authors, something some writers seem resistant to doing. Then she explains exactly how to read like a writer, uncovering how another writer wrote something incredible...and then how you can apply that technique to your own work.
She's not teaching you how to copy others. She's teaching you how to study their form and uncover the techniques they're using that actually work. The best part of this approach is that reading like a writer means you'll be examining the parts of a book that worked FOR YOU, which is far more personal than a cookie-cutter template or formula.
And don't worry, you can always go back to reading like a reader if you don't want to ruin books for yourself forever.
Also, I should note that just reading one of Sacha's non-fiction books has a weird but amazing side effect. No matter how blocked I feel on one of my own writing projects, I always end up fired up with enthusiasm and raring to go once I've started reading one of her books!
Highly recommended for all writers, whether you're just starting out and you want to get the hang of writing quickly, or you're a seasoned writer who wants to improve their craft.
I did receive an advance reader copy from the author, but this is my honest review.
These are all phrases you'll encounter at some point during your writing career, and while on the surface, they all sound fairly reasonable, you might find yourself thinking... "OK, but how?"
This is the gap that Sacha Black has successfully filled with this book.
She walks you through how to go about finding comp authors, something some writers seem resistant to doing. Then she explains exactly how to read like a writer, uncovering how another writer wrote something incredible...and then how you can apply that technique to your own work.
She's not teaching you how to copy others. She's teaching you how to study their form and uncover the techniques they're using that actually work. The best part of this approach is that reading like a writer means you'll be examining the parts of a book that worked FOR YOU, which is far more personal than a cookie-cutter template or formula.
And don't worry, you can always go back to reading like a reader if you don't want to ruin books for yourself forever.
Also, I should note that just reading one of Sacha's non-fiction books has a weird but amazing side effect. No matter how blocked I feel on one of my own writing projects, I always end up fired up with enthusiasm and raring to go once I've started reading one of her books!
Highly recommended for all writers, whether you're just starting out and you want to get the hang of writing quickly, or you're a seasoned writer who wants to improve their craft.
I did receive an advance reader copy from the author, but this is my honest review.
July 30, 2022
Ever since picking up a copy of The Anatomy of Prose, I’ve been a fan of Sacha’s craft books, and was therefore excited to read this new edition to her catalogue.
The Anatomy of a Bestseller offers a comprehensive, step-by-step process to breaking down stories to their component parts to learn from and then apply to your own work. It applies to any genre and type of story, and would therefore appeal to any writer looking to learn from what has come before. I particularly appreciated the real-world examples and tips for organising the collected data points.
It is important to note that there is no silver bullet or key tactic that will elevate your manuscript to bestseller proportions, but if you are will to put in the work and invest in a metric ton of sticky notes, then this book has the potential to improve your chances of climbing the ranks.
I was given an ARC copy of The Anatomy of a Bestseller in exchange for an honest review.
The Anatomy of a Bestseller offers a comprehensive, step-by-step process to breaking down stories to their component parts to learn from and then apply to your own work. It applies to any genre and type of story, and would therefore appeal to any writer looking to learn from what has come before. I particularly appreciated the real-world examples and tips for organising the collected data points.
It is important to note that there is no silver bullet or key tactic that will elevate your manuscript to bestseller proportions, but if you are will to put in the work and invest in a metric ton of sticky notes, then this book has the potential to improve your chances of climbing the ranks.
I was given an ARC copy of The Anatomy of a Bestseller in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2022
***I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy from the author, and here is my honest review.***
At last, we have a highly informative and entertaining ‘how to read like a writer’ style book!
If you want to find out what makes best sellers work and why, then you need The Anatomy of a Best Seller.
This comprehensive guide takes us on a deep dive into examining what makes a great novel and reveals the tips and tricks that best selling authors use.
Walking us through step by step, Black shows us how to successfully deconstruct a novel, using excellent examples and her own proven methods.
In what would otherwise be a dry topic, the author’s dark humour and insight makes The Anatomy of a Best Seller a compelling read.
This is another valuable addition to my writer’s essential toolkit and I highly recommend it.
At last, we have a highly informative and entertaining ‘how to read like a writer’ style book!
If you want to find out what makes best sellers work and why, then you need The Anatomy of a Best Seller.
This comprehensive guide takes us on a deep dive into examining what makes a great novel and reveals the tips and tricks that best selling authors use.
Walking us through step by step, Black shows us how to successfully deconstruct a novel, using excellent examples and her own proven methods.
In what would otherwise be a dry topic, the author’s dark humour and insight makes The Anatomy of a Best Seller a compelling read.
This is another valuable addition to my writer’s essential toolkit and I highly recommend it.
March 20, 2023
The Anatomy of a Best Seller is one of the best craft books I have yet read. It’s a treasure trove of information about how to identify and deconstruct a Best Seller, the various ways (none more valid than the other) we can define success for ourselves as writers, and how to go about achieving our goals. Deconstruction is something I pride myself on knowing lots about — as an author, as a reviewer, as a book group facilitator who prepares questions on every text we read. But I have gained so much from the richness of Sacha Black’s perspective.
Whatever stage you’re at in your own career, The Anatomy of a Best Seller has insights, tips, and tricks you can learn from. It’s a highly educational read — and it’s also entertaining from start to finish. Never in my life have I laughed so hard at a non-fiction book (giant dilapidated ocean liner for the win). The reason it took me so long to finish is because, as the author suggests, I put her teachings into practice as I read. Which has proven an intensely rewarding experience. And I recommend you follow her advice there too. Because the skills you’ll gain are invaluable.
Towards the end, there’s a section on deconstructing the market. And it’s the single best take I have ever read on this issue. Branding, social media, trad vs indie, tropes, reader expectations… There’s so much useful information around how to identify the books and authors succeeding in your genre, collect data, and implement the findings in your own career. I hope Black writes a book around writing to market and the marketing of books some time in the future, and will read everything she publishes about the craft of writing.
Whatever stage you’re at in your own career, The Anatomy of a Best Seller has insights, tips, and tricks you can learn from. It’s a highly educational read — and it’s also entertaining from start to finish. Never in my life have I laughed so hard at a non-fiction book (giant dilapidated ocean liner for the win). The reason it took me so long to finish is because, as the author suggests, I put her teachings into practice as I read. Which has proven an intensely rewarding experience. And I recommend you follow her advice there too. Because the skills you’ll gain are invaluable.
Towards the end, there’s a section on deconstructing the market. And it’s the single best take I have ever read on this issue. Branding, social media, trad vs indie, tropes, reader expectations… There’s so much useful information around how to identify the books and authors succeeding in your genre, collect data, and implement the findings in your own career. I hope Black writes a book around writing to market and the marketing of books some time in the future, and will read everything she publishes about the craft of writing.
November 22, 2022
I have always wanted to know why some books become best sellers, and some don’t. So when I saw The Anatomy of a Best Seller by that amazing writer, Sacha Blake, I knew I was about to find out.
Sacha is a wonderful writer and her helpful, well written books for writers everywhere should be gold plated, as I have always found them easy to understand, totally absorbing and exceedingly helpful.
I have learned so much from Anatomy of a Best Seller, and I am convinced it will help me to get further up the ladder!
Sacha is a wonderful writer and her helpful, well written books for writers everywhere should be gold plated, as I have always found them easy to understand, totally absorbing and exceedingly helpful.
I have learned so much from Anatomy of a Best Seller, and I am convinced it will help me to get further up the ladder!
July 30, 2022
What I wanted & every writer needs!
I actually requested this book << yep blame & praise me for it. Sacha knocks it out of the park with not only the brilliance of the teaching but with her wit and down right fun.
So what is this book? It’s a process for writers to break down books they love in order to learn tools and craft to infuse into their own writing. This book gives you the confidence to go on that treasure hunt to figure out why you love what you love in a book. It also gives you process in which to assemble this hunt you go on.
As a writer myself, I ask, who doesn’t want to know why and how a book is a bestseller? I’m already putting this skill into practice and loving it & learning so much.
This book is for every writer level & man oh man I wish I had it back when I started! Do not stop or pass go - get it and read it, thank me later!
I actually requested this book << yep blame & praise me for it. Sacha knocks it out of the park with not only the brilliance of the teaching but with her wit and down right fun.
So what is this book? It’s a process for writers to break down books they love in order to learn tools and craft to infuse into their own writing. This book gives you the confidence to go on that treasure hunt to figure out why you love what you love in a book. It also gives you process in which to assemble this hunt you go on.
As a writer myself, I ask, who doesn’t want to know why and how a book is a bestseller? I’m already putting this skill into practice and loving it & learning so much.
This book is for every writer level & man oh man I wish I had it back when I started! Do not stop or pass go - get it and read it, thank me later!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2022
This was my second time reading this book. The first time was as an ARC reader of the ebook version. I read through quick and knew I would need pen and paper to get the full effect of the content.
I ordered the paperback and started reading again. And let me tell you, "process" is different for everyone.
I've always hated analyzing. While in college I had to analyze and pick apart books, poems, etc. for research papers, and I loathed it. But something I discovered while reading this book, is that I hate putting analysis down on paper because I do internal analysis.
I pushed myself to take this book in and truly use the deconstruction process outlined, and the crazy thing is, I already naturally do the majority of things Sacha outlines! What?! I analyze books as I read them; I think about characters, word choice, etc. I just never thought about it as analysis or deconstruction before because I don't write things down.
Now, this book proves that I should be writing down my observations, because no one can remember all the nitty gritty details in a book, why you loved or hated it, and the word choice the author chose which made you swoon. I am going to try to take my internal analysis and put it on paper, to better my own craft and expand my potential. And if it doesn't work, I'll stick to internal analysis, because apparently I do that lol! Thank you for helping me realize that, Sacha! This was such an incredible read!
I ordered the paperback and started reading again. And let me tell you, "process" is different for everyone.
I've always hated analyzing. While in college I had to analyze and pick apart books, poems, etc. for research papers, and I loathed it. But something I discovered while reading this book, is that I hate putting analysis down on paper because I do internal analysis.
I pushed myself to take this book in and truly use the deconstruction process outlined, and the crazy thing is, I already naturally do the majority of things Sacha outlines! What?! I analyze books as I read them; I think about characters, word choice, etc. I just never thought about it as analysis or deconstruction before because I don't write things down.
Now, this book proves that I should be writing down my observations, because no one can remember all the nitty gritty details in a book, why you loved or hated it, and the word choice the author chose which made you swoon. I am going to try to take my internal analysis and put it on paper, to better my own craft and expand my potential. And if it doesn't work, I'll stick to internal analysis, because apparently I do that lol! Thank you for helping me realize that, Sacha! This was such an incredible read!
July 29, 2022
Irreverent. Insightful. Inspiring.
I can’t start my review without mentioning Sacha’s irreverent writing style. Her take-no-prisoners attitude is very refreshing in the (often dry) writing craft book market.
Next to “show, don’t tell,” the things new and aspiring authors are most often advised are “read in your genre” and “read like a writer.” The first is pretty straightforward, assuming you know what genre you want to write in. But what about the second? What does it mean to read like a writer?
In Anatomy Of A Bestseller Sacha’s Black gives a very effective way to do just that. Using a method she calls “Deconstructing,” Sacha lays out in great detail the method she uses to suck the literary marrow out of the bones of the books she reads. Using her method, every book you read is an opportunity to learn more about the writing craft.
After using the first two sections of the book to explain deconstructing and how to use it, Sacha uses the last section of the book explaining how to deconstruct the book market and what the reader wants. Both are very valuable in understanding how to find and connect with your reader market.
I’ve read dozens of craft books thus far and have yet to complete my first novel. This book gave me not only a method for analyzing the books I love, but it also gave me the permission to trust my own judgment on what makes a book resonate with me as a reader. This could be the book that has the greatest impact on me pushing a novel I’m proud of over the finish line.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this e-book from the author. This is my review.
I can’t start my review without mentioning Sacha’s irreverent writing style. Her take-no-prisoners attitude is very refreshing in the (often dry) writing craft book market.
Next to “show, don’t tell,” the things new and aspiring authors are most often advised are “read in your genre” and “read like a writer.” The first is pretty straightforward, assuming you know what genre you want to write in. But what about the second? What does it mean to read like a writer?
In Anatomy Of A Bestseller Sacha’s Black gives a very effective way to do just that. Using a method she calls “Deconstructing,” Sacha lays out in great detail the method she uses to suck the literary marrow out of the bones of the books she reads. Using her method, every book you read is an opportunity to learn more about the writing craft.
After using the first two sections of the book to explain deconstructing and how to use it, Sacha uses the last section of the book explaining how to deconstruct the book market and what the reader wants. Both are very valuable in understanding how to find and connect with your reader market.
I’ve read dozens of craft books thus far and have yet to complete my first novel. This book gave me not only a method for analyzing the books I love, but it also gave me the permission to trust my own judgment on what makes a book resonate with me as a reader. This could be the book that has the greatest impact on me pushing a novel I’m proud of over the finish line.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this e-book from the author. This is my review.
July 30, 2022
Do you ever read a story and the words grab you by the heartstrings?
Do you clutch your pearls and swoon over beautiful characters?
Do you wonder how authors can put words on paper and twist your emotions?
Well wonder no longer!
The Divine B (the inimitable Sacha Black, that is), has done the work for us.
She has ploughed through fields of books, poring over example after example of how writers make their pens sizzle on the page.
In ‘The Anatomy of a Bestseller’ she not only unlocks these secrets, but invites us to drink from the fountain of knowledge with her.
She offers humorous practical advice on how to read your favourite novels like a writer, dissecting them so that you can feast on the juicy goodness that makes you quiver with joy.
Every section includes quotes from different genres, and targeted questions and exercises to help you replicate the tools that make those stories so memorable.
The tips, ideas and tricks are so effortless yet mind blowing at the same time. This is required reading, more than once.
If there’s only one craft book that you want to help you level up your writing this year, then ‘The Anatomy of a Bestseller’ is it!
(I received an advance copy and this is my honest review).
Do you clutch your pearls and swoon over beautiful characters?
Do you wonder how authors can put words on paper and twist your emotions?
Well wonder no longer!
The Divine B (the inimitable Sacha Black, that is), has done the work for us.
She has ploughed through fields of books, poring over example after example of how writers make their pens sizzle on the page.
In ‘The Anatomy of a Bestseller’ she not only unlocks these secrets, but invites us to drink from the fountain of knowledge with her.
She offers humorous practical advice on how to read your favourite novels like a writer, dissecting them so that you can feast on the juicy goodness that makes you quiver with joy.
Every section includes quotes from different genres, and targeted questions and exercises to help you replicate the tools that make those stories so memorable.
The tips, ideas and tricks are so effortless yet mind blowing at the same time. This is required reading, more than once.
If there’s only one craft book that you want to help you level up your writing this year, then ‘The Anatomy of a Bestseller’ is it!
(I received an advance copy and this is my honest review).
October 14, 2022
Although I received this ebook for free as an advanced reader copy, I decided to buy it in paperback by the time I got halfway through reading it to make it easier for me to refer to all the great tips and tricks. I am working on my first novel and found the whole book to be helpful. The book does exactly what it promises to do- it shows you how to break down the bestsellers in your genre so that you can use what you learn in your own writing. In the beginning, Sacha shows you how to identify the books in your genre that might have something useful for you to learn by deconstructing them. The meat of the book gives several helpful suggestions on what to look at when you are reading/deconstructing books. I really liked these tips because they were genre-agnostic, though Sacha used examples from the genres most familiar to her. I write hard sci-fi, and I felt I could apply the tools from this book to deconstruct works by the hard sci-fi authors I admire. I also appreciated the end of the book because she gives some tips on how to deconstruct the market you hope to sell your book in, i.e., how to monitor and keep an eye on developing trends over time. I found this craft book to be very helpful- chock full of tips I can use on the very next book I read!
August 4, 2022
When everybody tells you to read lots if you want to be a writer, it gets a bit hazy. However, with Sacha, you'll have it all figured out.
"We already have ten thousand hours of reading under our belt. And yet, the first draft of our first book is usually comparable to a giant mold-covered turd..."
The best wisdom ever! :D
There is more to reading than enjoying a book if you want to write the best you can, and in this book you'll be guided to do it in the simplest steps, especially that Sacha makes learning hilarious and quirky with her dark humor and words from the butt. I mean what a smart bitch! (Sorry Sacha)
And psst... Writing for the market has always scared me until Sacha "cackles". Finally I know what this shit is all about.
You can enjoy this book in one sitting (it's short) or take your time to apply the concepts as you read, then watch as your writing improves to a whole new level.
"We already have ten thousand hours of reading under our belt. And yet, the first draft of our first book is usually comparable to a giant mold-covered turd..."
The best wisdom ever! :D
There is more to reading than enjoying a book if you want to write the best you can, and in this book you'll be guided to do it in the simplest steps, especially that Sacha makes learning hilarious and quirky with her dark humor and words from the butt. I mean what a smart bitch! (Sorry Sacha)
And psst... Writing for the market has always scared me until Sacha "cackles". Finally I know what this shit is all about.
You can enjoy this book in one sitting (it's short) or take your time to apply the concepts as you read, then watch as your writing improves to a whole new level.
September 11, 2022
I could have given this 5*s without reading it but I waited til I finished it. Sacha is one of those authors who I know I'll love whatever she puts out so I buy it as soon as I can. Her craft books are guarenteed to make me laugh or dirty snigger whilst teaching me whatever is in the book.
This book dives into deconstructing books that writers want to emulate but she doesn't just rattle off what you "should" be reading - even better, she helps you decide based on your own goals. Since we'll have different author goals, Sacha allows for this.
If you like books with potty mouth humour mixed in with useful content on *how* to read as a writer then this is the book for you. It's not just a text book: she talks to you and shows you how to read books as a writer and gives her own examples. I'll be going back through this book for deeper de-constructions.
This book dives into deconstructing books that writers want to emulate but she doesn't just rattle off what you "should" be reading - even better, she helps you decide based on your own goals. Since we'll have different author goals, Sacha allows for this.
If you like books with potty mouth humour mixed in with useful content on *how* to read as a writer then this is the book for you. It's not just a text book: she talks to you and shows you how to read books as a writer and gives her own examples. I'll be going back through this book for deeper de-constructions.
December 12, 2022
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this concept codified before. Take a book that has writing you love, that you want to emulate in some way — and study and figure out why. Then apply it to your own writing.
Seems very simple. It’s been said before. But this book does that good thing that teachers do; it beats you over the head until you pay attention. It covers the kinds of things you should be looking for, at a high level. It then goes over the more detailed kinds of things you would be looking for. I wouldn’t say this is a “follow these 5 steps to success” kind of book. This is a, “this is a damned good idea, and here are the depths you need to go to if you want it be useful.”
Now, I just have to do it.
Seems very simple. It’s been said before. But this book does that good thing that teachers do; it beats you over the head until you pay attention. It covers the kinds of things you should be looking for, at a high level. It then goes over the more detailed kinds of things you would be looking for. I wouldn’t say this is a “follow these 5 steps to success” kind of book. This is a, “this is a damned good idea, and here are the depths you need to go to if you want it be useful.”
Now, I just have to do it.
January 26, 2025
Recently, I've been really into non - fiction and well, somehow, now we're here.
This is only the second craft book I've read. However, I'm enjoying them lots. Probably one of the main reasons I enjoyed this one is because it was an easy, helpful read. Thank you for writing it.
This book got me thinking and looking into more aspects of writing. I'll look into literary terms.
I can't wait to learn more about crafting sensational sentences reading "Anatomy of Prose" next!
Last but no less important,
I've learned from now on I would like to be more intentional while I read and focus on how punctuation makes me feel (I complimented this book with the Elements of Style which I'm currently reading and loving too!).
This is only the second craft book I've read. However, I'm enjoying them lots. Probably one of the main reasons I enjoyed this one is because it was an easy, helpful read. Thank you for writing it.
This book got me thinking and looking into more aspects of writing. I'll look into literary terms.
I can't wait to learn more about crafting sensational sentences reading "Anatomy of Prose" next!
Last but no less important,
I've learned from now on I would like to be more intentional while I read and focus on how punctuation makes me feel (I complimented this book with the Elements of Style which I'm currently reading and loving too!).
July 31, 2022
Sacha has given the writing community an invaluable gift here. It should be required reading. As writers, we are likely reading a lot (if not constantly), but how many of us are getting the most out of what we're reading?
The methods outlined in the book are immediately actionable.
Black dives into techniques on deconstructing best sellers on a macro, mid and macro-level. She even adds a small section on deconstructing markets, which I found especially helpful.
This is a truly unique craft book. My first thought when I finished was, "Why are more people not talking about this?!" It makes so much sense and has a very low threshold of implementation.
The methods outlined in the book are immediately actionable.
Black dives into techniques on deconstructing best sellers on a macro, mid and macro-level. She even adds a small section on deconstructing markets, which I found especially helpful.
This is a truly unique craft book. My first thought when I finished was, "Why are more people not talking about this?!" It makes so much sense and has a very low threshold of implementation.
Read
January 26, 2023HAIKU REVIEW
If you want to write.
You must know how to read, too.
Sasha shows the way.
A book about how to read for writers, in a nutshell. With blue humour - both funny and engaging - she takes us through the process of deconstructing stories so that we can build our own personal library of techniques from the authors we admire that's relevant to us. What's refreshing about this book is these aren't really rules, but rather, methods we can personalise to our own beliefs and practices. If you're serious about writing to bestseller level, then take this book to heart. It's an excellent guide.
If you want to write.
You must know how to read, too.
Sasha shows the way.
A book about how to read for writers, in a nutshell. With blue humour - both funny and engaging - she takes us through the process of deconstructing stories so that we can build our own personal library of techniques from the authors we admire that's relevant to us. What's refreshing about this book is these aren't really rules, but rather, methods we can personalise to our own beliefs and practices. If you're serious about writing to bestseller level, then take this book to heart. It's an excellent guide.
August 3, 2022
Sacha Black has written a hugely entertaining, deliciously rude and, most important, highly informative 'bible'. Packed with unpacking advice, excellent dissected examples to up every writer's game in terms of style, imagination, delivery and punch, not to mention insiration. It is a reference book that will wear out from regular use and need replacing. On the basis of reading this book - each year I read three or four books on writing, editing, grammar et al - I have just ordered a copy of Anatomy of Prose, which I have no doubt I will enjoy just as much.
August 10, 2022
It’s been said that to be a writer, first you need to be a reader. Great. But how?
This is the book that tells you how.
Sacha Black deconstructs novels as she reads them. There are sticky tabs involved (although these aren’t compulsory) In The Anatomy of a Best Seller, she shared her method.
No matter what genre, the advice is practical, easy to digest and given in Sacha’s unique style. From first page analysis, to juxtaposition and personification, all with relatable examples.
A must addition to your craft library.
This is the book that tells you how.
Sacha Black deconstructs novels as she reads them. There are sticky tabs involved (although these aren’t compulsory) In The Anatomy of a Best Seller, she shared her method.
No matter what genre, the advice is practical, easy to digest and given in Sacha’s unique style. From first page analysis, to juxtaposition and personification, all with relatable examples.
A must addition to your craft library.
November 12, 2022
Love this book. Made me tab most pages for notes which will be by my side as I complete my book. To be a best seller you need to see how other authors have made their way to be a best seller. Deconstructing how they make the readers feel and wanting more and this book shows you how.
I'm a fan of Sacha Black's craft books and this is the second of hers that I've bought. Sacha writes as though she talking to you right there in the room not like a lecturer that can be very mundane. Her style of writing these craft books always make me giggle and I love that!
I'm a fan of Sacha Black's craft books and this is the second of hers that I've bought. Sacha writes as though she talking to you right there in the room not like a lecturer that can be very mundane. Her style of writing these craft books always make me giggle and I love that!
February 28, 2023
I've read a couple other craft books by this author, and she always has a bit of a potty mouth. In this one however, she went a little overboard with the vulgarity and inuendo. I looked past it, but you know, just be forewarned.
Read, and read a lot. This was one of the first things I learned when I decided I wanted to be a writer. I quite liked the way Ms. Black here talked about reading like a reader and a writer and why we should be doing both. Basically, the more you read the more you pick up on what other writers are doing and thus learn to mimic that in your own way.
I've been an avid reader for a while but reading feels different as a writer. For me, I've gotten into a lot of skimming books-- good ones and not so good ones. I'm always looking for inspiration and I kind of like picking things apart. Sometimes even finding ways I could try to make it better.
This book reinforced some areas I'd already been delving into and gave me places to go deeper. I got through it in a few days. Definitely recommended.
Read, and read a lot. This was one of the first things I learned when I decided I wanted to be a writer. I quite liked the way Ms. Black here talked about reading like a reader and a writer and why we should be doing both. Basically, the more you read the more you pick up on what other writers are doing and thus learn to mimic that in your own way.
I've been an avid reader for a while but reading feels different as a writer. For me, I've gotten into a lot of skimming books-- good ones and not so good ones. I'm always looking for inspiration and I kind of like picking things apart. Sometimes even finding ways I could try to make it better.
This book reinforced some areas I'd already been delving into and gave me places to go deeper. I got through it in a few days. Definitely recommended.
August 16, 2022
Gosh Sacha has done it again. I don't know why I feel that I need permission for things but evil mother Sacha is always there to offer it and for that I am thankful.
I love how she applies layers of dark humor to help give writers the kick in the pants that we need. I found the sections of the book to be logical in a way that my brain wanted them to be not to mention extremely helpful. I have never deconstructed a book before but feel as though I have a great basis to get started.
I love how she applies layers of dark humor to help give writers the kick in the pants that we need. I found the sections of the book to be logical in a way that my brain wanted them to be not to mention extremely helpful. I have never deconstructed a book before but feel as though I have a great basis to get started.
February 4, 2024
I picked up this book bc i love her podcast and wanted the information in a condensed place. this was a good read (i listened to the audiobook). her sense of humor doesn't always align with mine & she has a lot of her humor in this book, so it's a lot more lively than other craft books, but it may not be as funny if you have a different sense of humor.
i got a lot of interesting tips out of this & it changed my perspective.
i got a lot of interesting tips out of this & it changed my perspective.
August 21, 2022
Really excited to try some of these deconstruction techniques and see what I can learn. Sacha has a fun personality which is simultaneously wise, direct, and vaguely horny.
In any case, this book was a fun (at time hilarious) read even if there had been no useful advice. But there was seemingly tons of it.
Give this one look!!
In any case, this book was a fun (at time hilarious) read even if there had been no useful advice. But there was seemingly tons of it.
Give this one look!!
August 11, 2022
I read an early copy of this book and WOW, Sacha has done it again. I've never approached reading in this way, and I was blown away with the technical advice to help seasoned and early authors alike in creating a fantastic best seller.
March 6, 2024
This book changed my outlook on reading. It's still a favorite pastime, but now it's also a potential well of information about all aspects of books.
As I am a beginner, it was a wonderful introduction to deconstruction of books.
As I am a beginner, it was a wonderful introduction to deconstruction of books.
December 2, 2023
Very engaging primer on deconstructing stories.
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