Writing Books for Readers Beyond Academe | How to get an Agent: Betsy Lerner

TL;DR

Dan Gilbert shares three key points on writing a book: 1) Be inspired to write, don't start with a desire to become a writer; 2) Passion should come first, not the desire for fame or recognition; 3) The voice you use to write should be authentic and resonate with readers.

Transcript

DAN GILBERT: Well, I have to say, I feel like the odd man out here, because on my left I have two people who have dedicated their lives to the publishing industry. On my right, I have one of America's most distinguished writers. And I'm a scientist. I mean, I wrote one book. I got really lucky. It became a bestseller. And I write better than most s... Read More

Key Insights

• ☄️ Writing a book should come from a place of inspiration and passion, rather than a desire to become a writer.
• ✍️ Trade writing differs from academic writing in that readers expect to encounter new ideas, but they don't need it to be groundbreaking.
• 😒 Use your authentic voice when writing a book to engage and connect with readers.
• 🫡 Readers want to feel smart and learn from your book, so it's important to respect and not have contempt for them.
• 👋 Writing a book just for fame or recognition is not a good enough reason.
• 📔 Passion and genuine interest in the topic should be the driving force behind writing a book.
• 🤑 Trade writing requires convincing readers that their time and money are well-spent on your book.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the right mindset for starting to write a book?

The right mindset is to be inspired to write, rather than starting with a desire to become a writer. Writing should be driven by a passion or idea that you can't stop thinking and talking about.

Q: Should I write a book just to have my name on a shelf and get recognition?

No, passion should come first. Writing a book just to have your name on a shelf or gain recognition is not a sufficient reason. The world would be better off if fewer people wrote and more people read.

Q: How should I approach writing a book for a general audience?

Unlike academic writing, trade writing does not require being the first to say something. The main goal is to engage and interest readers who may not have encountered your message before. Focus on making every page turn and convince readers that their time and money are well-spent.

Q: Is it important to use an authentic voice when writing a book?

Yes, readers have a nose for authenticity. Writing a good book involves using your own voice, which may be different from your academic voice, to communicate the things you care about with the people you care about. Readers want to resonate with the writer and feel like they're having a conversation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Some people want to get married and find someone, while others find someone and then want to get married. The latter approach is a better model for writing a book.

• A book should be something that you feel passionate about and can't stop thinking and talking about, rather than just wanting to be a writer.

• It's important to write in a way that engages and resonates with readers, using your authentic voice, rather than adopting an academic voice.