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victoriasbookcase's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.75
Love the humor combined with the ability to stay realistic about the process. This is the only "how to write a book" book that I've ever felt compelled to keep reading past the first page. It has definitely kept me focused and made me actually want to write. I plan to continue looking back on while getting my manuscript together.
hafdishafsteins's review against another edition
5.0
This book was awesome! It gave me the kick I needed to start outlining and writing my first novel. It has helped me so much with understanding the process and what to do, and where to look for help when I need it. Highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to or writing their first book!
margarida_rodrigues's review against another edition
5.0
As a fan of her videos the moment I heard this book was coming out I bought it.
I did not disappoint.
It's an amazing and extremely complete step-by-step guide full of tips and tricks to kick you (a bit literally) in the right direction.
It's clear that it's written by someone who's had these struggles before and is speaking from experience and knowledge.
For me, the best part is you can pick an idea, and the book with help you from the beginning to the end.
My excitement probably stems from the fact that I was in dire need of this book but also because it DID help!
Thank you, Jenna.
Are you a writer and you've hit a wall? Do yourself a favor: get the book!
I did not disappoint.
It's an amazing and extremely complete step-by-step guide full of tips and tricks to kick you (a bit literally) in the right direction.
It's clear that it's written by someone who's had these struggles before and is speaking from experience and knowledge.
For me, the best part is you can pick an idea, and the book with help you from the beginning to the end.
My excitement probably stems from the fact that I was in dire need of this book but also because it DID help!
Thank you, Jenna.
Are you a writer and you've hit a wall? Do yourself a favor: get the book!
bran_the_writer's review against another edition
5.0
So, I received an E-Arc for this to give an honest review. Below are my thoughts.
I'm writing this review as someone who has previously planned, outlined and completed a manuscript following most, if not all, of Jenna's advice. This is the first "on writing" book I'd recommend to anyone who wants to actually complete a book. It's helpful, full of personality and most of all, Jenna wrote this in a way that feels like she's rooting for you to get the job done- even if you're not rooting for yourself!
As I've said, I'm a fan of Jenna's YouTube content, so when I heard she was literally "writing the book" on the subjects she covers, I knew what to expect. Jenna did not disappoint. Her usual wit, clever analogies, sarcasm and helpful anecdotes are all here with a heap of her usual snark(which I treasure). As is her style, Jenna lays out the hard truths, so if you like that, you'll love this.
Another thing I appreciate about this is that the author zeroes in on her points and stays there. I didn't have to sit through a long-drawn-out intro or wandering passages about her past and pontification on her career. She knows what you're there for and she sticks to the point. She's got stuff to do, and you've got a book to write. She even goes so far as to leave you breadcrumbs to follow for more tips/research on writing if you'd like, but she clearly had a goal in writing this: To provide readers with actionable information and not waste our time. I love that.
The formatting of this book is also very reference friendly. I found the way the author divided and organized everything she had to say was not only helpful, but easy to jump back to. When I get my hands on a physical copy, I'm looking forward to highlighting and marking this book up like a subway- it'll be like having saved clips from Jenna's YouTube channel- but with no ads.
You might see the terms "snark' or "sarcasm" or "hard truths" and assume Jenna might be dismissive of your journey in this book- don't worry, it's never that. As a matter of fact, reading this gave me more confidence in writing than a lot of other help books out there (at this point that's par for the course, but whatever). Jenna's very considerate of *your* place in *your* writing journey. She's here to help, not judge. In other words, this author's not the patronizing theater senior looking down on the freshman as a baby who can't keep up. She's pulling you out in the hall with to run your lines with a little tough love and an occasional flick to forehead for motivation.
I'm giving this book 5 stars for what it's meant to be and how it accomplishes that. It's a perfect tool to keep handy and get some enjoyment out of. it's humorous, informative, and leaves you with everything you need to shut up and write your book.
I'm writing this review as someone who has previously planned, outlined and completed a manuscript following most, if not all, of Jenna's advice. This is the first "on writing" book I'd recommend to anyone who wants to actually complete a book. It's helpful, full of personality and most of all, Jenna wrote this in a way that feels like she's rooting for you to get the job done- even if you're not rooting for yourself!
As I've said, I'm a fan of Jenna's YouTube content, so when I heard she was literally "writing the book" on the subjects she covers, I knew what to expect. Jenna did not disappoint. Her usual wit, clever analogies, sarcasm and helpful anecdotes are all here with a heap of her usual snark(which I treasure). As is her style, Jenna lays out the hard truths, so if you like that, you'll love this.
Another thing I appreciate about this is that the author zeroes in on her points and stays there. I didn't have to sit through a long-drawn-out intro or wandering passages about her past and pontification on her career. She knows what you're there for and she sticks to the point. She's got stuff to do, and you've got a book to write. She even goes so far as to leave you breadcrumbs to follow for more tips/research on writing if you'd like, but she clearly had a goal in writing this: To provide readers with actionable information and not waste our time. I love that.
The formatting of this book is also very reference friendly. I found the way the author divided and organized everything she had to say was not only helpful, but easy to jump back to. When I get my hands on a physical copy, I'm looking forward to highlighting and marking this book up like a subway- it'll be like having saved clips from Jenna's YouTube channel- but with no ads.
You might see the terms "snark' or "sarcasm" or "hard truths" and assume Jenna might be dismissive of your journey in this book- don't worry, it's never that. As a matter of fact, reading this gave me more confidence in writing than a lot of other help books out there (at this point that's par for the course, but whatever). Jenna's very considerate of *your* place in *your* writing journey. She's here to help, not judge. In other words, this author's not the patronizing theater senior looking down on the freshman as a baby who can't keep up. She's pulling you out in the hall with to run your lines with a little tough love and an occasional flick to forehead for motivation.
I'm giving this book 5 stars for what it's meant to be and how it accomplishes that. It's a perfect tool to keep handy and get some enjoyment out of. it's humorous, informative, and leaves you with everything you need to shut up and write your book.
jennlessmann's review against another edition
5.0
I was able to read an ARC of this book, and I'm so glad I did.
Jenna's book is everything you could want in a step-by-step how-to for writing. She takes the best of the advice you're likely to get in other craft books and distills them into easily navigable chapters with handy bullet-pointed summaries at the end of each one. Her voice is snarky, as always, making hard truths easier to accept. I was particularly grateful for the last few chapters on what to do after the draft is complete - her notes on critique partners/betas/sensitivity readers (and the distinguishing factors between them), and the value of a professional edit go beyond the usual artistic advice to help writers create a book that will be marketable and find an audience.
Now I just need a sequel on publishing and advertising.
Jenna's book is everything you could want in a step-by-step how-to for writing. She takes the best of the advice you're likely to get in other craft books and distills them into easily navigable chapters with handy bullet-pointed summaries at the end of each one. Her voice is snarky, as always, making hard truths easier to accept. I was particularly grateful for the last few chapters on what to do after the draft is complete - her notes on critique partners/betas/sensitivity readers (and the distinguishing factors between them), and the value of a professional edit go beyond the usual artistic advice to help writers create a book that will be marketable and find an audience.
Now I just need a sequel on publishing and advertising.
jacksons_books_and_music's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
5.0
A great general guide for new self-publishing authors. Best for those who enjoy sarcasm and don’t mind swearing and crass humor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Lots of swearing, innuendo, and crass jokesinesmartinsantos's review against another edition
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.5
Jenna's snark will smack you repeatedly on the face while taking you through the adventure of writing a book and, to be honest, I'd advise you to read this only if you're ready to work for your writing goals. If so, great. You'll find many useful resources and tips which are tailored to every step of your journey. Definitely worth keeping nearby and refer to it whenever needed.
j_doesstuff's review against another edition
5.0
positives:
one thing that grinds my gears (as im sure it does for most readers) is when a book doesn't do what it said it would do in marketing / advertising. well. let me tell you. this book did EXACTLY WHAT IT SAID IT WOULD DO, in a SUPER REFRESHING WAY. im talking down to every minute detail. you want a thorough, step-by-step guide for how to write a book? this is it. i literally cannot point to a single piece of advice in this book that isn't elaborated upon or doesn't make sense. seriously, it's all good, actionable advice that, if followed, will produce tangible results -- mainly, a book. to anyone who has ever had even a far-off dream of telling a story: i recommend reading this. or at least skimming the helpful summaries at the end of each chapter. this book clearly explains how that far-off dream doesn't have to be as elusive as it feels. also, the book perfectly complements moreci's youtube content, so if you'd like to see some chapters presented in a different way, she has many videos and playlists dedicated to the topics covered in SUAWTB. however, nowhere else will you find her detailed explanations all in one place like you will in this book.
negatives:
there werent 500 more pages dedicated to publishing and marketing
one thing that grinds my gears (as im sure it does for most readers) is when a book doesn't do what it said it would do in marketing / advertising. well. let me tell you. this book did EXACTLY WHAT IT SAID IT WOULD DO, in a SUPER REFRESHING WAY. im talking down to every minute detail. you want a thorough, step-by-step guide for how to write a book? this is it. i literally cannot point to a single piece of advice in this book that isn't elaborated upon or doesn't make sense. seriously, it's all good, actionable advice that, if followed, will produce tangible results -- mainly, a book. to anyone who has ever had even a far-off dream of telling a story: i recommend reading this. or at least skimming the helpful summaries at the end of each chapter. this book clearly explains how that far-off dream doesn't have to be as elusive as it feels. also, the book perfectly complements moreci's youtube content, so if you'd like to see some chapters presented in a different way, she has many videos and playlists dedicated to the topics covered in SUAWTB. however, nowhere else will you find her detailed explanations all in one place like you will in this book.
negatives:
there werent 500 more pages dedicated to publishing and marketing