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So You Want To Be A Writer: How to get started
The ultimate all-in-one guide to making your writing dreams come true!
Want to publish a novel or earn an income as a writer, but not sure how to go about it? In this book, authors Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo — co-hosts of the popular So You Want To Be A Writer podcast — will give you the steps you need to make your dream a reality.
This is not a book about how to write. It’s a book about how to be a successful writer.
Inside, you'll discover the exact skills you need to make it as a writer including how to connect with people who will help your career grow, plus productivity tips for fitting everything into your already busy life. You’ll also explore how to keep your creative juices flowing and where to find other writers just like you.
This book lays out a blueprint to help you get started and thrive in the world of words. With advice from over 120 writers, you'll tap into proven wisdom and find the path that will lead YOU to success!
Chapter 1: Ready to be a writer?Chapter 2: Your first few steps into the world of writingChapter 3: What kind of writer do you want to be?Chapter 4: What skills do you need?Chapter 5: Finding your tribeChapter 6: Where to find ideasChapter 7: Dealing with other peopleChapter 8: Do you want to go on a date?Chapter 9: How to make time to writeChapter 10: How to be creative when you’re tiredChapter 11: Technology is your friendChapter 12: What do you really want?Chapter 13: Don’t just take our word for itChapter 14: So now what?
So You Want To Be A Writer is a beginner’s guide for people who want to be writers. Like all good non-fiction books, we’ve broken it into sections so you can dip in and out as needed or read it from start to finish.
We’ll walk you through each stage, from deciding what kind of writer you want to be (don’t laugh, this is a big question!), where to get ideas and how to share your writing dream with other people. We’ll take you through how to get the words written, finding your writing community (and why you need one), harnessing your creativity, how to use technology and the business of being a writer.
You’ll discover tips about the writing process, getting the first publishing deal, dealing with editors, writing the book and everything in between, by authors such as Liane Moriarty, Michael Robotham, Nick Earls, Charlotte Wood, Jane Harper, Di Morrissey, Garry Disher, Jaclyn Moriarty, Andy Griffiths, Jackie French, Veronica Roth, Jay Kristoff and more.
Literary authors, commercial fiction authors, non-fiction authors, publishers, agents, crime authors, romance authors, children’s authors, young adult authors, freelance writers, content writers – you name it, we’ve got them, Australian and international.
This is a masterclass in writing and an incredible resource in itself.
So what are you waiting for? If you want to be a writer, the time to start is now!
Want to publish a novel or earn an income as a writer, but not sure how to go about it? In this book, authors Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo — co-hosts of the popular So You Want To Be A Writer podcast — will give you the steps you need to make your dream a reality.
This is not a book about how to write. It’s a book about how to be a successful writer.
Inside, you'll discover the exact skills you need to make it as a writer including how to connect with people who will help your career grow, plus productivity tips for fitting everything into your already busy life. You’ll also explore how to keep your creative juices flowing and where to find other writers just like you.
This book lays out a blueprint to help you get started and thrive in the world of words. With advice from over 120 writers, you'll tap into proven wisdom and find the path that will lead YOU to success!
Chapter 1: Ready to be a writer?Chapter 2: Your first few steps into the world of writingChapter 3: What kind of writer do you want to be?Chapter 4: What skills do you need?Chapter 5: Finding your tribeChapter 6: Where to find ideasChapter 7: Dealing with other peopleChapter 8: Do you want to go on a date?Chapter 9: How to make time to writeChapter 10: How to be creative when you’re tiredChapter 11: Technology is your friendChapter 12: What do you really want?Chapter 13: Don’t just take our word for itChapter 14: So now what?
So You Want To Be A Writer is a beginner’s guide for people who want to be writers. Like all good non-fiction books, we’ve broken it into sections so you can dip in and out as needed or read it from start to finish.
We’ll walk you through each stage, from deciding what kind of writer you want to be (don’t laugh, this is a big question!), where to get ideas and how to share your writing dream with other people. We’ll take you through how to get the words written, finding your writing community (and why you need one), harnessing your creativity, how to use technology and the business of being a writer.
You’ll discover tips about the writing process, getting the first publishing deal, dealing with editors, writing the book and everything in between, by authors such as Liane Moriarty, Michael Robotham, Nick Earls, Charlotte Wood, Jane Harper, Di Morrissey, Garry Disher, Jaclyn Moriarty, Andy Griffiths, Jackie French, Veronica Roth, Jay Kristoff and more.
Literary authors, commercial fiction authors, non-fiction authors, publishers, agents, crime authors, romance authors, children’s authors, young adult authors, freelance writers, content writers – you name it, we’ve got them, Australian and international.
This is a masterclass in writing and an incredible resource in itself.
So what are you waiting for? If you want to be a writer, the time to start is now!
- GenresWritingNonfiction
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2019
34 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Allison Tait
5 books9 followersAllison Tait is an experienced journalist who has been writing for books, magazines and newspapers for more than twenty years. Her list of writing credits includes magazines such as Marie Claire, Madison, Vogue Australia, CLEO, Cosmopolitan and Sunday Life, as well as newspapers including The Sydney Morning Herald and The Sunday Telegraph, and ninemsn's Finance and Careers websites, kidspot.com.au and other sites. She is the author of Credit Card Stressbusters: Slash your credit card debt in 90 days (Wrightbooks), and documents her life as a writer and mother of two on her blog, lifeinapinkfibro.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 3, 2019
Duffys Thoughts On So You Want To Be A Writer?
I’ve had my blog for a few years now and it started because I read A LOT. I was put in contact by chance years ago with one publisher who sent me some books to review. My readership grew and so did my appetite for a good book! Other publishers began to approach me and now my TBR pile is so high that it could quite legitimately crush me in my sleep should it topple over.
My blog grew and then small businesses found me and contacted me to say ‘hey, I like the way you write, can you write for me?’ and Duffythewriter was born. I now have a couple of legendary clients, as well as my book reviews, which keep me busy and provides an extra income stream (I work full time). But being busy is not the same as being fulfilled, particularly as a writer.
I was drawn to So You Want To Be A Writer for a couple of reasons. One, I’m a past student of The Australian Writers Centre of which Valerie Khoo is CEO, and I want to consider my next best step in writing. I’ve become stagnant and completely resonated with the chapter in the book dedicated to those who ‘just don’t have enough hours in the day.’ I do have time, real-time, but I seem to fritter it away. Let’s face it, I spend far too much time cocking about on Facebook and Insta.
So You Want To Be A Writer? is not going to tell you how to write well. Although it does give you a great reading list if that’s what you’re looking for. What it does do is give you practical tips, some inspiration and plenty of real-life examples of people who write, write incredibly well, yet hold down jobs and raise families at the same time. It’s all about making the jump, but sensibly.
How Did So You Want To Be A Writer Help Me?
I took Valerie and Allison’s advice and took some time for me and my writing. I shut down the laptop for a bit to get my head out of the mountain of blog articles I was writing, deciding instead to watch a good movie and switch off for a bit. Whilst watching the movie I relaxed and a few ideas popped in my head which I’m going to implement and see what happens. Hopefully a nudge in the right direction!
I’m going to be more choosy with the books I take on to read and review
I’m going to put a call out to authors and publishers so supply content for my blog – saving me time
It’s time to create a website to split my freelance work from my book review blog
I’ll start to share testimonials and my freelance work on my socials
I have a couple of people in my network who are brilliant at online marketing. I’m going to tee up some coffee and breakfast chats to find out how I can grow my online presence
With the extra time I have, I’m going to focus on two things
Utilising my membership to the Clever Copywriting School and become a more active member, completing some free courses and watch some videos.
Enter some creative writing competitions such as Furious Fiction to spark ideas and creativity.
Let’s see how I go!
If you enjoy writing and are looking to set up a side hustle or publish that book which has been burning in you for years I wholeheartedly recommend So You Want To Be A Writer? To kickstart your dream and make it a reality.
I’ve had my blog for a few years now and it started because I read A LOT. I was put in contact by chance years ago with one publisher who sent me some books to review. My readership grew and so did my appetite for a good book! Other publishers began to approach me and now my TBR pile is so high that it could quite legitimately crush me in my sleep should it topple over.
My blog grew and then small businesses found me and contacted me to say ‘hey, I like the way you write, can you write for me?’ and Duffythewriter was born. I now have a couple of legendary clients, as well as my book reviews, which keep me busy and provides an extra income stream (I work full time). But being busy is not the same as being fulfilled, particularly as a writer.
I was drawn to So You Want To Be A Writer for a couple of reasons. One, I’m a past student of The Australian Writers Centre of which Valerie Khoo is CEO, and I want to consider my next best step in writing. I’ve become stagnant and completely resonated with the chapter in the book dedicated to those who ‘just don’t have enough hours in the day.’ I do have time, real-time, but I seem to fritter it away. Let’s face it, I spend far too much time cocking about on Facebook and Insta.
So You Want To Be A Writer? is not going to tell you how to write well. Although it does give you a great reading list if that’s what you’re looking for. What it does do is give you practical tips, some inspiration and plenty of real-life examples of people who write, write incredibly well, yet hold down jobs and raise families at the same time. It’s all about making the jump, but sensibly.
How Did So You Want To Be A Writer Help Me?
I took Valerie and Allison’s advice and took some time for me and my writing. I shut down the laptop for a bit to get my head out of the mountain of blog articles I was writing, deciding instead to watch a good movie and switch off for a bit. Whilst watching the movie I relaxed and a few ideas popped in my head which I’m going to implement and see what happens. Hopefully a nudge in the right direction!
I’m going to be more choosy with the books I take on to read and review
I’m going to put a call out to authors and publishers so supply content for my blog – saving me time
It’s time to create a website to split my freelance work from my book review blog
I’ll start to share testimonials and my freelance work on my socials
I have a couple of people in my network who are brilliant at online marketing. I’m going to tee up some coffee and breakfast chats to find out how I can grow my online presence
With the extra time I have, I’m going to focus on two things
Utilising my membership to the Clever Copywriting School and become a more active member, completing some free courses and watch some videos.
Enter some creative writing competitions such as Furious Fiction to spark ideas and creativity.
Let’s see how I go!
If you enjoy writing and are looking to set up a side hustle or publish that book which has been burning in you for years I wholeheartedly recommend So You Want To Be A Writer? To kickstart your dream and make it a reality.
April 9, 2025
A guide to being a writer - not about the craft, but about the practicalities of writing. Useful information, written in a light, fun way that never feels boring or dry.
March 7, 2020
I got this book last year in July when I attended the talk that was a part of Vivid Sydney. I was eager to be surrounded by a community of writers who are also trying to launch their writing ambitions off the ground.
This book is full of really useful tips for anyone who wants to get started with writing as a side hustle. It can be manic trying to manage an exisiting job whilst staying creative and making time for our writing goals.
I now have a much better understanding of what it takes to become a writer. Much of it is a mindset and a decision to write anyway — even when the doubt kicks in. Especially when we are most tried. That’s one really interesting point I found in the book; the most non-optimal time is the best time for our creativity. So excuses — meet my window. You’re not welcome here anymore.
I’ve started to use to technology as my friend as suggested in the book. Took the cobwebs off my old twitter account and gave it a new makeover. I’m owning being a writer and allowing myself to believe I’m worthy of this dream.
The last chapter is filled with advice from writers, editors & publishers. Although some tips conflict with one another, it just goes to show how every author will have his/her own juice and technique and pace. Run your own race. Stay focused. Set goals. Enjoy the journey.
This book is full of really useful tips for anyone who wants to get started with writing as a side hustle. It can be manic trying to manage an exisiting job whilst staying creative and making time for our writing goals.
I now have a much better understanding of what it takes to become a writer. Much of it is a mindset and a decision to write anyway — even when the doubt kicks in. Especially when we are most tried. That’s one really interesting point I found in the book; the most non-optimal time is the best time for our creativity. So excuses — meet my window. You’re not welcome here anymore.
I’ve started to use to technology as my friend as suggested in the book. Took the cobwebs off my old twitter account and gave it a new makeover. I’m owning being a writer and allowing myself to believe I’m worthy of this dream.
The last chapter is filled with advice from writers, editors & publishers. Although some tips conflict with one another, it just goes to show how every author will have his/her own juice and technique and pace. Run your own race. Stay focused. Set goals. Enjoy the journey.
July 22, 2019
I am a writer. I have a day job. This isn’t a craft book but it’s the first writing book I’ve read that is based on the premise that if you work hard enough you will get there, it instils a level of confidence in you as a writer that is inspiring and helpful and makes stopping not an option. It’s full of brilliant tips and for me who struggles to find the time, reminded me that there are lots of people like me squeezing writing in where they can and still doing it. Plus it has a fabulous cover! Highly recommend.
August 3, 2019
Such an easy to read but informative book. This book breaks down what it takes to be a writer and how one can move into writing even when you still have a ‘day job’. It gives tips and advice to get you started and on your way to writing. Definitely recommend this to all aspiring writers.
January 14, 2024
Some useful tips I took note of. The last 2 chapters felt like it was dragging though.
July 1, 2019
Excellent read with the engaging approach once can expect from Al and Val. Motivational, Inspirational and Educational
January 23, 2021
Reviw
This book was very motivational, especially in changing your mindset about your writing. My favourite part was the author interviews. I did feel like the Australian Writers Centre was shoved in my face a bit too much. I understand why it was, but it was a bit too much at times.
This book was very motivational, especially in changing your mindset about your writing. My favourite part was the author interviews. I did feel like the Australian Writers Centre was shoved in my face a bit too much. I understand why it was, but it was a bit too much at times.
November 25, 2019
I'm a freelance features writer and long term fan of Val & Al and their podcast, So You Want to be a Writer – so when they released their book of the same title, I pounced on it. But I was so busy stressing about how to fit fiction writing into my schedule, I didn’t have time to read it. Finally I picked it up and read it from cover to cover (as it’s totally un-put-downable) and it was just what I needed to get back on track. Much like the podcast, Val and Al’s book is informative, entertaining and packed full of practical, no-nonsense advice to help you achieve your writing goals. Read it immediately! If I had, I would definitely have more words on the page than I do now.
August 8, 2020
This was my second read. I smashed it. No, devoured it. It is a brilliant book and it’s my bible and my own personal mentor. The advise, information and hints on how to become a writer while you have a day job helps you to know it is possible. It is a wise blueprint on what you need to do. I love it and it is one of the best books on the craft of writing; it sits right up there with Stephen King’s On Writing. I will continue to read it over and over until I reach my goal of becoming a published author. This is a book that must sit on every emerging writer’s bed side table so it is read regularly.
December 29, 2023
"Don't hide the creative spark that you know is within you. Don't be afraid to own that you want to be a writer." (from page 221)
This book is a wonderful companion for writers, particularly beginning writers, and is a great addition to the podcast. So many real, practical and positive gems are contained in these pages. Anyone working in a creative industry can easily find voices of doubt and discouragement. And while the path to living a creative, writing life is difficult, it is possible - with passion, decision, new skills, patience and a mindset of growth. And this book helps encourage the writer on their path.
This book is a wonderful companion for writers, particularly beginning writers, and is a great addition to the podcast. So many real, practical and positive gems are contained in these pages. Anyone working in a creative industry can easily find voices of doubt and discouragement. And while the path to living a creative, writing life is difficult, it is possible - with passion, decision, new skills, patience and a mindset of growth. And this book helps encourage the writer on their path.
August 29, 2019
Initially sceptical, this book is a must have for all writers with busy lives. Rather than leading the reader up the proverbial garden path, the authors have created a guide that is practical, realistic and inspirational. With chapters such as dealing with other people, how to make time to write, and my favourite, how to be creative when you're tired, this book is like a friend who understands the compulsion to write. Finishing with a motivational boost using quotes from the hundreds of writers the authors have interviewed on their podcast, this book is an important touchstone.
January 30, 2020
If you've ever taken a course with the Australian Writers Centre, or listened to the podcast then a lot of the information here you would have heard before. What is good about this book though is that it compiles all of the information together for you to have as a ready reference. I also found the final chapter with all of the selected words of advice from authors, editors, publishers, etc very useful, I will be referring back to it again.
July 29, 2021
Very Informative
If you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, their book gives lots of info on how you can go to the next level in your writing career. While the authors are Australian some of the info in the book is relative info that can be used for non-Australians. Read this book if you are looking for inspiration and motivation. If you are already inspired, then read this book so you can know what to do next in your career or how to re-organize your plan.
If you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, their book gives lots of info on how you can go to the next level in your writing career. While the authors are Australian some of the info in the book is relative info that can be used for non-Australians. Read this book if you are looking for inspiration and motivation. If you are already inspired, then read this book so you can know what to do next in your career or how to re-organize your plan.
May 30, 2020
Practical advice for all sorts of writers, from budding amateurs to professional writers who want to diversify. Really helpful - Val and Al use their broad experience to make publication seem like something that IS achievable rather than one step too hard. Loved the author tips from some big name writers, and the links back to their podcasts. Thoroughly recommended :)
February 1, 2020
Following on from the great success of their podcast bearing the same name, Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo have compiled an indispensable book about how to be a writer. And it is awesome. A great accompaniment to their fabulous podcast.
February 24, 2020
A fantastic, easy to read book! Full of practical tips on the steps you need to take if you are serious about becoming a writer. Informative and inspiring. Would recommend to anyone who has a love of writing, whether they aspire to write or actually are writing. Very much enjoyed this book!
May 9, 2020
I read this the whole way through, then went back and took four pages of notes. This is an encouraging read with great tips for those who know how to write (or even just want to write) but are having trouble actually sitting down and banging some words out.
October 26, 2024
A one-book cheer squad to help you set writing career goals while giving practical advice on how to go about achieving them.
Took me embarrassingly long to complete it - such is Uni, carer, and work responsibilities (and a reading mojo that lived firmly in the gutter for a lot of this year).
Took me embarrassingly long to complete it - such is Uni, carer, and work responsibilities (and a reading mojo that lived firmly in the gutter for a lot of this year).
June 7, 2020
A motivational book for those who would like to be a writer and need a push in that direction.
August 6, 2020
This book is great for anyone who wants to get into writing.
January 12, 2023
Fantastic insights from so many wonderful Authors. If this doesn't motivate you to write, nothing will.
January 1, 2024
Wonderful words lay at her feet like piles of happiness…
October 24, 2019
This book is packed full of valuable tips and essential information for aspiring writers. Easy to digest with practical instructions, I keep going back time and time again. The perfect book for someone starting out on their writing journey. This book has given me the confidence to take the next step. It’s a fabulous tool to have in the toolbox!
October 5, 2021
This book is a much needed dose of positivity for writers starting out.
Lots of solid advice from a lot of different professional writers, including breakdowns of different avenues available to those looking to break into the field.
Lots of solid advice from a lot of different professional writers, including breakdowns of different avenues available to those looking to break into the field.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews