My Takeaway From Ann Handley's Everybody Writes.

First off, Everybody Writes may just be one of the most insightful books I have come across on writing better. It draws your attention to the subtle, powerful choices that make writing compelling, without stamping “must-do” commandments on your style. It is generous with practical advice, but even more generous with empathy.


This is not an exhaustive list of the things I learned from the book, but I found them useful, and I think you will too.

► The Key to Being a Better Writer is to Write, Even if it is Crap
This might be the most liberating advice in the entire book. Write crap, but write every day.
I think it is simple: do not wait for inspiration, do not chase perfection. Just show up, especially when what you produce is not good.
It works because writing is a muscle. You do not get stronger by reading about pushups. You get stronger by doing them, consistently, until they start bulging.
Every single writer you admire started out writing things they would now cringe at. The difference is that they did not stop when it was embarrassing.

► Good Writing = Utility × Inspiration × Empathy
This formula is simply brilliant.

• Utility: What does your writing give to the reader? Does it teach? Clarify? Solve?
• Inspiration: What is behind your words? A story? A spark of creativity or insight?
• Empathy: Are you writing with the reader in mind, or just to hear yourself speak?

Writing that covers all three, not just one, is writing that is considered good writing.
It made me realize how often we write at people instead of for them. Good writing is not about you. It is about them.
It also creates a distinction between what is considered good and bad writing. A good piece has all three. A bad piece is missing at least one. When you have a zero or none response in mind, you create magic with words.

► Less is More. Every Sentence Must Earn Its Place
One of the toughest lessons for any writer: cut more, leave less.
This is not about making everything short. It is about making everything tight — writing precise, concise content.
Take a moment to reread any of your old drafts. You will see so many paragraphs that felt “necessary” could be summarized in a single line. Learning to cut is learning to respect your reader's time.
Most of us fall in love with our own words. But readers do not have that much time to give to you. People are constantly scrolling to the next interesting thing. Keeping your reader means making the most of the time you have.

► Write What You Care About. Passion is Undeniable
You cannot fake interest in something you are not passionate about. You may try to hide it, but your readers can spot it from a mile away that your all did not go into a piece.
Readers may not always know why something feels dull, but they will sense it.
This is a reminder to choose your topics wisely. To bring your weird, curious, obsessed self into the work. Because the reader does not just want information — they want to tap into all that passion and obsession in your words.

► Your Readers Do Not Buy Because You are Clever. They Buy Because it Helps Them
This one applies to content, marketing, or even persuasive essays: your job is not to prove how smart you are. It is to make their lives better.
If they are not connecting with what you wrote, you did not fail because you are not a genius. You failed because you did not show them the value.
Every reader wants to know what is in it for them in any piece. When they feel seen, helped, or empowered by your writing, they stay.
If you do not want to lose your readers, always show them how their time is worth the value you are offering.

► Prewriting is Writing
This was probably the most soothing insight from this book. You know that phase where your ideas feel scattered — like you cannot quite put all the pieces together, but your brain is active? That is prewriting, and it is called the "idle" period.
That chaos is not wasted time. It counts as actual effort toward writing.
This helped me let go of guilt on days when I do not produce. Some of my best ideas come when I am not typing, walking, washing dishes, or staring blankly.


There are other practical tools you will find immensely useful if you take your time to read. Like the Writing GPS, how to develop pathological empathy, and fifteen ways to organize a blog post or article. Every single page of this book is filled with value upon value.
I believe in improving your writing by reading. Everybody Writes is proof that that sentiment is, in fact, correct.
Unlike most writing books that dwell in either abstract inspiration or rigid technique, Everybody Writes finds the balance. It does not just tell you what to do, it helps you understand why you do it.
This book did not just give me tips. It gave me a new lens with which I now view my writing efforts. And that, more than anything, is why I would recommend it to any writer, or anyone who wants to become one.