Write. Publish. Repeat.

By: Johnny B. Truant, Sean Platt

Narrated by: Simon Whistler

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

In 2013, Johnny B. Truant and Sean Platt published 1.5 million words and made their full-time livings as indie authors. In Write. Publish. Repeat., they tell you how exactly how they did it: How they created over 15 independent franchises across 50+ published works, how they turned their art into a logical, sustainable business, and how any independent author can do the same to build a sustainable, profitable career with their writing. Write. Publish. Repeat. explains the current self-publishing landscape and covers the truths and myths about what it means to be an indie author now and in the foreseeable future. It explains how to create books your readers will love and will want to return to again and again. Write. Publish. Repeat. details expert methods for building story worlds, characters, and plots, understanding your market (right down to your ideal reader), using the best tools possible to capture your draft, and explains proven best practices for editing. The audiobook also discusses covers, titles, formatting, pricing, and publishing to multiple platforms, plus a bit on getting your books into print (and why that might not be a good idea!). But most importantly, Write. Publish. Repeat. details the psychology-driven marketing plan that Sean and Johnny built to shape their stories into "products" that readers couldn't help but be drawn into - thus almost automatically generating sales - and explores ways that smart, business-minded writers can do the same to future-proof their careers. This audiobook is not a formula with an easy path to follow. It is a guidebook that will help you build a successful indie publishing career, no matter what type of writer you are...so long as you're the type who's willing to do the work.

©2013 Sterling & Stone (P)2014 Sterling & Stone

The One Book All Self Published Authors Must Read!

Would you listen to Write. Publish. Repeat. again? Why?

Yes. This book is the needed third book all writer must read. I put it up there with "On Writing" and "The Elements of Style" as absolute must reads.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love the whole book but my favorite bits were when Dave interjected his thoughts.

What about Simon Whistler’s performance did you like?

It was amazing! I would listen to this man read the stock ticker to me.

What did you learn from Write. Publish. Repeat. that you would use in your daily life?

I've been a fan of the Self Publishing Podcast almost since the beginning. It was because of these men that I was able to truly take control of my publishing career and kick it in the balls. This book is the perfect distillation of the tips, tricks, and awesome bits of advice Sean, Johnny, and Dave have been giving us for 2 years.

Any additional comments?

If you are a writer read this book!

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

The #1 Book for new writers looking for Advice

I have to say this book was everything they said it was. I have read dozens of writing books and this one really delivered value. I market companies for a living and the authors "get" what you need to do. They come across as really in-tune with the real world and deliver a no hype, no bs assessment of direction you can go. They deliver in every chapter and are really quite funny.

I was also pleased with the examples they used. In the past 3 years I have listened to about 5 books they mentioned. It was nice to hear their comments. The guys are funny and have a "home style" sense of humour.

I have no criticisms, just one comment. The first 10-15 pages confused me at first but then you get on an exciting roller coaster ride where you don't want to get off. You need to read this book front to back.

Its pleasantly surprising to finish a chapter in a non-fiction book and be salivating and wanting to read on as quickly as possible. They definitely have a gift in communicating.

Lastly, this is not a one "read" book. I plan to go back and make notes and study this piece of work in detail. Bravo guys, you nailed it and it shows!

Gordon C

12 of 13 people found this review helpful

Great practical knowledge for authors

Would you consider the audio edition of Write. Publish. Repeat. to be better than the print version?

I think the audio and print versions are very different. In the audio you get to "hear" it, much in the way you hear the podcast, which is how I "met" Sean (I already knew of Johnny from online). I am used to listening to their advice audibly so spent the good part of Sunday hearing Write, Publish, Repeat and absorbing different bits than I got when reading the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Write. Publish. Repeat.?

The sales funnels. I know that they are not saying theirs are perfect (whose are?), but hearing again that these need to rock solid was a reminder to fix mine. Their description of how they "walk" readers through the process and get them more and more interested in their work was great.

Which character – as performed by Simon Whistler – was your favorite?

It took a couple of minutes to get used to Simon reading Johnny's words, but that changeover happened very fast and Simon did a great job!

Any additional comments?

If you are a writer thinking about making a living of your work, this book may be a real eye opener. First off, they are not sugar coating the truth, you are probably not going to write a best seller right out of the gate so you better learn how to put some marketing into place if you ever want to sell more than a few copies a month.

On the other hand, their dogged determination to succeed shows all writers that it is possible. That success is hard work but possible with a solid plan and a focused goal.

A really good listen!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Down to Earth

"Write. Publish. Repeat." is a good book about writing that covers most topics about the work and has a good length (a little bit more than 10 hours). I had never heard about the authors, and, really, after their emphasis in their work, It killed my curiosity.
The message from this book is simple: write a lot, publish and restart writing. Do this process over and over again and maybe you will earn a little bit of money from writing.
It is a huge contrast between the last book I've listened "The Millionaire Messenger" by Brendon Burchard, where he says that everyone is an expert and can make a LOT of money from it.
"Write. Publish. Repeat." is more down to earth and credible.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Straighforward and helpful

What did you love best about Write. Publish. Repeat.?

Aside from the narrator's voice, I like the no-nonsense, straightfoward way the authors talk about self-publishing. It's about hard work more than luck and about writing until your fingers bleed, but you can make it.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

A wonderful collaboration

Would you listen to Write. Publish. Repeat. again? Why?

I would definitely listen to this book again. This is a very comprehensive how-to and despite already having read it when it came out in ebook/print in December, I feel like still I learnt so much listening to it in audio now. There's a lot to take in and it'll be so useful to keep referring back to different sections to refresh my knowledge. Also, the advice in this book is mostly evergreen, so it's not going to become outdated with every little change that happens in the industry.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were tears of joy during the Unicorn Western beats. That part was the most glorious thing I've ever heard.

Any additional comments?

After listening to the Self Publishing Podcast religiously for many months, I bought the ebook version of Write. Publish. Repeat. the moment it came out in December. It's wonderful in writing too and at the time I couldn't imagine how anything would improve upon it, but this audio version has set the bar even higher.

Simon is an amazing and very professional narrator who effortlessly manages to hold your attention throughout what is arguably quite a long book. The combination of how the wealth of information in this book is presented in terms of language (tone of the writing), and Simon's narration fit perfectly together. I hope Johnny and Sean end up collaborating with Simon again for future (non fiction?) projects, as far as I'm concerned it's been a great success.

Any writer who's serious about making their career work for them needs a copy of this book.

Disclaimer: I was given this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

7 of 9 people found this review helpful

An organized version of the podcast

What made the experience of listening to Write. Publish. Repeat. the most enjoyable?

I preferred listening to the book rather than reading it in ebook because Johnny and Sean tend to share a lot and go off on (super interesting) tangents when it comes to talking shop. I knew it would be more entertaining to listen to than read, and that I wouldn't be tempted to skim parts during a reading to get to the meat. This is a well-organized version of the podcast, yet still has some of the signature rambling that I enjoy on SPP. All together a good listen.

Have you listened to any of Simon Whistler’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but I thought he did a pretty good job. I was a bit bummed that Johnny and Sean didn't narrate their own book, because I've gotten used to their voices on the Self-Publishing Podcast. It didn't feel right hearing their words and personalities through someone else's voice, but overall I thought Simon captured their spirit really well. And anyway, these guys have done SO MUCH for the self-publishing community that it would be impossible to rate this any less than 5 stars.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Three dudes, two companies, one unicorn.

9 of 12 people found this review helpful

The Best Of It's Kind

What made the experience of listening to Write. Publish. Repeat. the most enjoyable?

The knowledge and experience of the writers is fantastic. There's a lot of "how to write" books out there. If you research the writers of those books, you'll find that, a lot of the time, the "how to write" books are the only books they've written. "Write. Publish. Repeat." is different because the authors make their living writing and publishing their fiction.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Write. Publish. Repeat.?

The part about marketing your work. Not only do they present great ideas to ad to your marketing efforts, but those ideas inspired other ideas of my own.

Which scene was your favorite?

It's non-fiction. There aren't "scenes". Unless you count the decoy wallet.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Write. Publish. Repeat.?

Where do I start? The book is jammed full of insight! Everyone will find things in this book that will motivate them and push them in the right direction. Whether you're trying to write your book or get it in front of readers, this book has you covered.

Any additional comments?

The writers of this book are so genuine. They don't flood you with things that are too good to be true. They are upfront and honest, teaching you how they've become successful and using their own experiences as examples. I bought the ebook when it came out. It's a big book, but I read it in two sittings. I was hooked! The day the audiobook came out, I bought it. I listen to it at work. It's so motivating, I can't wait for the workday to be over so I can get home and start writing. The first book of my series is out and I don't think that would be the case if it weren't for the work these guys do. If you're a writer looking to self-publish your work, this book is required reading!

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Extremely helpful book!

This book is full of candid and beneficial insight. If I have any complaint it would be that I could have lived without the profanity. I think that anyone who believes that displaying a "potty-mouth" is the new standard of cool/transparency should not complain we they are called out on it. Obviously not everyone agrees!

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

You will listen to this repeatedly!!!

What did you love best about Write. Publish. Repeat.?

It made me want to stop listening and start writing.

What did you learn from Write. Publish. Repeat. that you would use in your daily life?

I'm going to have to listen to Write PUblish Repeat at least three more times for all the info to sink in. I'm glad I also bought the Kindle version so I could refer to it to take notes.

So much of this book is common sense however Johnny and Sean lay the breadcrumbs out in such a deliberate way that the goal becomes achievable.

Any additional comments?

Simon did a spectacular performance. He made WPR very easy to absorb.

Thank you Sean and Johnny!!!!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Honest and Useful

Any additional comments?

This book is packed full of useful information. It's very honest and straightforward advice. No gimmicks or promises of easy millions.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Listen to it and buy the book

I have already listened to it twice, because there is a lot of good advice for the long-term in it. Sure, there are repetitions but some stuff just needs heard a couple of times.

They tell you early on if the book is going to appeal to you and if you're looking for a magic formula for overnight success, or how to write a book, keep looking.

This book helps you plan for the long term as an independent author/publisher and is the dose of reality writers need to hear. It really made me stop and think about what and why I was writing.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

A Must Read

Great content! A must read for anyone considering indie publishing and wishes to create a long lasting career out of it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A Must-Listen For All Indie Writers

Where does Write. Publish. Repeat. rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

WPR is up there with King's 'On Writing' as one of the most inspirational books on writing I have come across to date.

What other book might you compare Write. Publish. Repeat. to, and why?

Stephen King's 'On Writing', because they are both inspirational. David Garghran's
'Let's Get Digital', because they both help equip the modern indie-author (and have the same narrator).
Anything by Chuck Wendig on writing, because they're both gobby!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The chapter on 'Gathering Your Tribe' was especially insightful, but to single out any particular part of this book as 'most enjoyable' is a nonsense. It's great as a whole work.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"A book that probably won't work as a film"

Any additional comments?

The authors are to be commended on not only being inspirational, but specifically on inspiring me to go for it as an indie author. I now have a plan!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

focus. just what i needed

i have listened it to it and some sections a multitude of times. it's humourous and matter of fact info makes easy "learning"

If there were more stars it would get them..

Would you listen to Write. Publish. Repeat. again? Why?

Yes, I intend to, it's probably the most inspiring, honest and practical guide to writing and self publishing I've ever read or listened to.

What other book might you compare Write. Publish. Repeat. to, and why?

There are many on the market and some do slightly different things, there are ones focussed on the art of writing, other to motivate and yet more on how to get published and sell. I'd recommend Stephen Kings 'On Writing' for the creative part (they refer to this more here), but without a doubt if you want to take control of your own creative work then look no further. This is the best and it's honest......sadly I got the end and it seems I STILL have to actually write my own book, but hey ho :)

What about Simon Whistler’s performance did you like?

The best narrator I've listened to yet and I have listened to a lot. My ten year old son will often poo poo an audible voice in the car when he is subjected to my books, but Simon got the thumbs up. He delivers the words with humour and clarity and was so in sync with the words that i assumed at first it must be his book. I will definitely be swayed to any book narrated by him. AT the end of the day you can spend around 17 hours listening to one voice so it had better be good, and his really is.

Any additional comments?

For anybody wanting to self publish or who has written and doesn't know what to do next just buy this, you won't need another. I intend (and they will be pleased with this given the content of the book!) to now listen to their podcast because that will be the updates for me. Don't hesitate....just buy, there's nothing negative about this one.

Motivating but realistic

Good insight into the self publishing world. Tended to repeat key messages but I didn't mind as they were good mantras.
Not a lot of detail about specifics but that's not the book it set out to be.

An Instant Classic Book for Indie Authors

Like their podcasts this book is required listening if you would like to earn a living from your writing whether it's fiction or nonfiction. There are vital lessons to learn that will maximise your potential by treating your book like a product that requires certain things in order to be successful such as a well designed cover.

A non nonsense guide

This was spur of the moment buy for me, hoping to get useful advice about how to break into the writing market.

Their advice is straightforward and honest - an approach I like.
I will probably buy the paperback as there are bits I would like to go back to and the student in me wants to re-read and underline, highlight and annotate.
Also, because I listened to this on the road, there were no opportunities for me to write notes, so at this point, I am really relying on my memory not to fail me.

I wish I read this earlier

A very informative guide, packed with practical advise. Will definitely keep returning to this one.