Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published

by Estelle Erasmus

In the tradition of Syd Field (Screenplay) and Blake Snyder (Save the Cat!), a Writer’s Digest columnist and NYU professor shows nonfiction writers exactly how to find their voice, write it down, and get noticed by assigning editors

Writing and getting published can be daunting. Countless people write personal essays, articles, and hybrid essay-articles and know they produce great material but can’t figure out how to package it to capture the hard-to-get attention of assigning editors. Writing That Gets Noticed is for them. Author Estelle Erasmus knows from experience that inspiring success stories do happen — Stephanie Land’s viral essay in Vox led to her bestselling memoir, Maid, while Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s New York Times “Modern Love” essay prompted a lucrative film rights bidding war. And Erasmus has several success stories of her own, such as her “How to Bullyproof Your Child” essay for the New York Times, which went viral and led to an appearance on Good Morning America. In real-world, experience-based chapters, Erasmus coaches writers

• mine their lives for ideas and incubate those ideas
• hone their singular, personal voice
• choose the perfect format for their story — personal essay, op-ed, feature article, and more
• research publications and editor etiquette
• craft a pitch-perfect pitch
• protect their psyche from rejection
• deliver what they promised after they get the assignment

This, Erasmus says, is the book she always wished she’d had. Her writing students proclaim that working with her is like “publishing on steroids” because they get published fast and furiously. Buckle up!

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2023

Reviews

[Elizabeth Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read if you want to learn how to become a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines. As a novelist, it didn’t all apply to me, but I still found it interesting.

[Ronit Plank · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading Writing That Gets Noticed I asked myself, can a book be everything? This one comes pretty close. In these pages Estelle Erasmus has crafted a toolkit, touchstone, and cheerleader for writers.

I felt affirmed as a writer and she covers so much with chapters like, "Creative Alchemy: Mining Your Life for Ideas", "The Art (and Arc) of Writing a Personal Essay", "How to Pitch to Publications So You Don’t Get Ghosted", and "Your Words Matter" and those are just a small sampling. This book provides nuts and bolts strategies, exercises for generating new work, and lots and lots of encouragement.

Writing That Gets You Noticed is also quite well-organized which I appreciate; this made learning from Erasmus even easier. I feel like her teaching background and decades of work as an editor have informed every page; that she was rooting for me to believe in myself and create the best work possible.

I'll be recommending this title to all of the writers in my life.

A note that I received an ARC from the publisher.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, the author combines three decades of experience in publishing on both sides of the publishing wall as an assigned magazine editor, editor-in-chief, and somebody who's also written for many publications. The author covers many scientifically proven reasons for how and why people can generate ideas. One of the tips is to change the font to Comic San or handwrite it because that tricks the brain into feeling a different way. It also recommends setting up Google alerts for exciting topics. The book covers other topics like research, finding publications, pitching essays, and revising your work to be interesting.

There is so much in the book for anybody who wants to write an essay. The author even discusses the different types of essays you can write, like reported pieces and personal essays. You basically find out everything you need to know about crafting and selling an essay, including good examples and advice on what works in the market. But most importantly, it reminds us that rejection is part of the process, and as writers, we should never quit trying to tell our stories.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estelle has been my mentor for several years. I took three of her classes and then consulted with her when I had questions. This book is an excellent resource for writers of all levels. She covers generating ideas, writing essays, pitching, finding experts, using social media and editing.

Throughout the book, Estelle offers, "Estelle's Edge" which is her expert tip related to the specific topic she is discussing of how you can be successful. Then at the end of each chapter, there is a checklist to help guide you as you implement the tips. Some chapters also include exercises to practice what you have learned.

I've taken many classes and read numerous writing books over the years. Estelle is by far my favorite teacher and author. I truly believe that I have been successful in publishing in countless national publications due to her teachings.

[Liz Elting · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book on writing, craft, and publishing that every writer or aspiring writer must have in their arsenal. Erasmus's expertise as a successful magazine editor, columnist, and writing instructor shines through as she offers guidance on creating powerful pitches, and crafting essays, articles, micro memoir and op-eds that resonate with the reader sharing her “Estelle’s Edge” (pro tips) throughout. She also demonstrates the steps of revision, how to handle rejection, and what to do if you ever go viral, like she and her students have. She shares practical advice for every stage of the publishing journey, including what to do when you get a contract, how to find and vet experts, and shares tons of resources on websites that offer credible experts, statistics, and research. This is the ideal guide for publishing and breaking through the noise in today’s competitive landscape!

[Theresa Siller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing That Gets Noticed by Estelle Erasmus is my Writing Bible!
Each chapter guides me to improve my own craft, through examples of Estelle’s own published work, as well as her students’ published work. Each article she includes, beautifully and thoroughly illustrates a lesson. This mega-talented lady shares with her readers not only the triumphs of writing, but also the challenges.
Estelle is a riveting storyteller and an outstanding educator.
I took Estelle’s course, Writing Personal Essays That Get Noticed and Published, through Writers Digest University, (highly recommend!), and our textbook was Writing That Gets Noticed. Her book also offers sections called “Estelle’s Edge”, which are excellent tips and tricks for all of us who desire to get our hard work published. Brava, Estelle Erasmus! Writer and Mentor Extraordinaire!

[Tess Clarkson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! WRITING THAT GETS NOTICED is like having your own writing coach. Estelle Erasmus provides such great tips for generating story ideas, editing your work, and getting published. I love all the examples and explanations. Plus, the chapter checklists give easy and practical ways to use all the information that Estelle provides. Highly recommend!

[Olga Mecking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a writer for over 10 years and this book had still a lot to teach me.
I have worked with Estelle before and she is an amazingwriting coach and I'm very glad she wrote the book, generously sharing her knowledge of being a writer and editor. I especially appreciated the chapter on dealing with rejection as it was very comprehensive. I'm definitely planning to use a lot of this advice from "Writing that Gets Noticed" in the future.

[Lisa Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estelle’s expertise is invaluable for anyone looking for guidance on getting published! Writing That Gets Noticed demystifies the pitching and publication process. It's a clear, engaging and practical guide by an insider, chock-full with examples as well as specific advice from notable editors. Highly recommend for writers looking to up their game.

[Lara Lillibridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I teach creative writing to adults, and this is the book I have been waiting for! The short sections make it easy to read, and the tips called "Estelle's Edge" provide best practices in an easy to digest format. This book takes you from generating content to pitching to negotiating contracts, and all the little details in between.

[Sandi Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estelle does a superb job pulling together all the tips and lessons learned that she has acquired over her long career in journalism to share with other writers. She walks us through how to mine our life for ideas, pitch stories, and work with editors once a pitch is accepted. This is certainly a must-have resource for anyone interested in seeing their name published in print or online.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the nuts and bolts, a generous guide to the freelance writing landscape. On my desk going forward. I tend to fall back on the creative part of my work and resist structure. I now have a template to think about and strategies to be more intentional in my writing going forward. Highly recommend!

[Suzanne Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Writing That Gets Noticed” is the Holy Grail to getting your work published. Erasmus generously shares her vast experiences in a fun, insightful and entertaining manner. A ‘must-have’ reference for amateur and experienced writers alike.

[Heather Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer, I'm always looking for tips and best practices for getting my work noticed by editors. Estelle Erasmus' book Writing That Gets Noticed provides just that. In a well organized format with great examples, the author shares her experiences and insights to help writers get published. Thanks to this book, I've improved my pitch to editors and I have a new list of essay ideas I brainstormed using her advice. I highly recommend this book!

[Lsam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for writers starting out in the business and for those more experienced writers looking for tips and strategies to up their game. Estelle offers insightful, positive advice and inspiration as well as good resources for more information.

[Veronica Krug · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are considering writing for magazines or creating winning essays, this book is for you. It is filled with good examples too.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for writers who want to pitch and to write for publications. It has lists of reputable research sources, tips and tons of examples.

[Steve S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Estelle gives great advice and lots of examples.

[Erin Nudi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good God, this book is pure gold.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the most practical, useful writing book I’ve ever read. Great for people who are interested in nonfiction writing, particularly with a journalistic bent.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. Great for freelance writing.

[Maria Weir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful writers at variety of stages. The research sources are awesome.

[Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a requirement in any college writing course. It is so helpful for any writer hoping to publish their work to a wider audience and I couldn’t recommend it more.

[Fred Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to get published, I can't imagine a better guide. The book is comprehensive, clearly organized, and blessedly readable.

[Jocelyn Jane Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful book for serious writers from someone who clearly knows a lot about the craft of writing and also about many facets of the publishing industry.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great compendium of information to help nonfiction writers get published.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estelle Erasmus has a knack for spotting the topics and writing styles that editors want. Probably because she was herself, for many years, a glossy magazine editor and essayist. Her webinars and classes through NYU are designed for working writers who want the inside scoop on how to intrigue an editor and get your work published. Now, Estelle has distilled her years of experience, knowledge and inside information into this dynamic hand book that should be on the shelf of everyone who aspires to see their memoir, personal essays and creative nonfiction get into the hands of an editor who’ll say, “Yes!”

With an informal and exceptionally readable style, Erasmus leads writers through her journey in the publishing world with a combination of tools that one can use immediately, laced with personal anecdotes about her own writing trajectory and interspersed with stories of her students’ real-world successes after following her path and gaining what she calls “Estelle’s Edge.”

If you are hoping to see your name on a digital publication's website, or in print above an essay or reported piece, this is the book for you. It’s a goldmine of information on finding ideas, perfecting a pitch, sourcing editorial information and interviewing experts. Writers: Always keep this book next to your keyboard. I will!

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to Estelle’s podcast on writing (a must listen “Freelance Writing Direct”) I knew I had to check out “Writing That Gets Noticed”. What I love most about this book is that it is filled with real-world examples and actionable tips. From generating ideas to pitching editors to strategies to handle rejection letters (which I love to call ‘motivation’ letters) this is a guide I will come back to again & again.

[Liane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise, practical, and funny, WRITING THAT GETS NOTICED is an invaluable resource for writers at all stages of their careers.

[Liane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise, practical, and funny, WRITING THAT GETS NOTICED is an invaluable resource for writers at all stages of their careers.