Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh!t
In 'Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh!t', Steven Pressfield delivers a blunt yet captivating exploration of the harsh realities of writing and publishing. He challenges aspiring authors to confront the unvarnished truth: most readers are not interested in your story unless it resonates deeply and authentically. Pressfield's no-nonsense advice and engaging anecdotes cut through the noise, pushing writers to prioritize clarity and purpose in their work. As he lays bare the struggle of creativity, he inspires a newfound commitment to storytelling that truly connects. This provocative guide is a must-read for anyone yearning to make their voice heard in a crowded literary landscape.
By Steven Pressfield
Published: 2016
"Nobody wants to read your sh!t; they want to read what’s in it for them."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE WAR OF ART ...There's a mantra that real writers know that wannabe writers don't. And the secret phrase is this: NOBODY WANTS TO READ YOUR SH*TRecognizing that painful truth is the first step in the writer's transformation from amateur to professional. "When you understand that nobody wants to read your shit, you develop empathy. You acquire the skill that is indispensable to all artists and entrepreneurs--the ability to switch back and forth in your imagination from your own point of view as writer/painter/seller to the point of view of your reader/gallery-goer/customer. You learn to ask yourself with every sentence and every phrase: Is this interesting? Is it fun or challenging or inventive? Am I giving the reader enough? Is she bored? Is she following where I want to lead her?"
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh!t
About the Author
Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield is an esteemed American author known for his works that explore creativity, the struggles of the artistic process, and the nature of resistance. Born on September 1, 1943, he gained prominence with his best-selling novel "The Legend of Bagger Vance," which was later adapted into a feature film directed by Robert Redford. Pressfield's non-fiction works, including "The War of Art," offer insightful guidance on overcoming obstacles and harnessing one's creative potential. A veteran of the U.S. military, his experiences greatly inform the themes of discipline and perseverance found in his writing. Throughout his career, Pressfield has inspired countless writers and artists to confront their fears and embrace their creative journeys.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Steven Pressfield
- Published
- May 2016
- Publisher
- N/A
- ISBN
- 1936891492
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 208
- Genres
- Self-HelpLiteraturePersonal Growth
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
The War of Art
Steven Pressfield
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k
Mark Manson
Sex at Dawn
Christopher Ryan, Cacilda Jetha
12 Rules for Life
Jordan B. Peterson
Where the Light Gets In
Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Stealing Fire
Steven Kotler, Jamie Wheal
An Autobiography
Mohandas K. Gandhi
Coconut & Sambal
Lara Lee
The Purpose Driven Life
Rick Warren
Getting Things Done
David Allen
The 3 Alarms
Eric Partaker
The Dark Forest
Cixin Liu
Linda McCartney
Linda McCartney, Annie Leibovitz
Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies
Michael Ausiello
The Corrections
Jonathan Franzen
Across Realtime
Vernor Vinge
Thinking Body, Dancing Mind
Chungliang Al Huang
61 Hours
Lee Child
Essential Enneagram
David Daniels, Virginia Price
Sometimes You Win--Sometimes You Learn
John C. Maxwell
The New Right
Michael Malice
A Collection of Essays
George Orwell
The Pretty One
Keah Brown
Man 2.0
John Romaniello, Adam Bornstein
Dead Girls
Alice Bolin
The User Experience Team of One
Leah Buley
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Blake Lively's Book Recommendations
Blake Lively is an accomplished American actress best known for her role as Serena van der Woodsen in the popular television series "Gossip Girl" (2007-2012). While not primarily recognized for contributions to literature, Lively has significantly impacted the entertainment industry with her versatile acting skills in films such as "The Age of Adaline" (2015) and "A Simple Favor" (2018). She has also been an advocate for various social causes, utilizing her platform to raise awareness about child exploitation and the importance of family dynamics. Lively's influence extends beyond acting, as she has ventured into entrepreneurship with her lifestyle brand, Preserve. Her dedication to both her craft and philanthropic efforts has made her a prominent figure in modern pop culture.
View Collection
Abi Tyas Tunggal's Book Recommendations
Abi Tyas Tunggal is a distinguished author known for his impactful contributions to contemporary literature and digital content. He has garnered acclaim for his insightful storytelling and adept handling of complex themes, resonating with a diverse readership. Tunggal's work often explores the intersections of technology, society, and human experience, making him a prominent voice in modern narrative arts. Beyond his literary achievements, he is also recognized for his innovative use of digital platforms to engage with and expand his audience. Tunggal continues to influence the literary landscape with his thought-provoking and accessible writing.
View Collection
Drew Houston's Book Recommendations
Drew Houston is an accomplished American entrepreneur best known for co-founding Dropbox, a widely-used cloud storage service, in 2007. As the CEO, he has led the company to serve millions of users worldwide and become a key player in the tech industry. Although not primarily known for literature, Houston has shared his entrepreneurial insights and experiences through various interviews and public speaking engagements, offering valuable lessons to aspiring business leaders. His work has significantly influenced the way people and organizations manage and share digital content. Houston's innovative vision continues to shape the future of cloud computing and digital collaboration.
View Collection
David Blaine's Book Recommendations
David Blaine is an American illusionist, endurance artist, and magician, known for his daring and extreme stunts, such as being buried alive, encased in ice, and holding his breath underwater for a record-breaking amount of time. Blaine gained fame for his street magic performances, but his endurance feats have pushed the boundaries of what the human body can achieve. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to magic and illusion, combining elements of mysticism with physical and mental challenges. Blaine’s work has captivated audiences worldwide and has set new standards in the world of magic and performance art.
View Collection
Aaron Rodgers's Book Recommendations
Aaron Rodgers is a renowned American football quarterback, widely recognized for his exceptional career with the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. Although his primary acclaim comes from sports, Rodgers has contributed to literature through insightful writings and interviews that offer a deep dive into the mindset of a professional athlete. His thoughtful perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth have resonated with readers beyond the sports community. Rodgers’ contributions have been featured in various sports and lifestyle publications, adding a unique voice to the literary world. His ability to articulate the nuances of his experiences has made him a respected figure in both athletic and literary circles.
View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View Collection
Austen Allred's Book Recommendations
Austen Allred is an influential entrepreneur and author, best known for his contributions to the education technology sector. He co-founded Lambda School, a groundbreaking online coding bootcamp that offers deferred tuition and has revolutionized access to tech education. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Allred is the author of "The Grassfed Startup," which provides insights into building sustainable businesses. His innovative approach to education has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the tech industry. Allred continues to inspire with his commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.
View Collection
Ellen DeGeneres's Book Recommendations
Ellen DeGeneres is an acclaimed American comedian, television host, actress, and writer. She gained immense popularity with her Emmy-winning daytime talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which debuted in 2003 and ran for 19 successful seasons. In the literary world, DeGeneres has authored several bestselling books, including "My Point... And I Do Have One" and "Seriously... I'm Kidding," which showcase her signature humor and candid storytelling. Her work has significantly contributed to discussions on LGBTQ+ issues, especially following her historic coming out in 1997. DeGeneres is also known for her philanthropic efforts, frequently using her platform to support various charitable causes.
View Collection
Esther Perel's Book Recommendations
Esther Perel is a renowned Belgian psychotherapist and author, celebrated for her groundbreaking work in the field of relationships and sexuality. She is best known for her best-selling books "Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence" and "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity," which explore the complexities of modern love and desire. Perel's insightful TED Talks have garnered millions of views, further establishing her as a leading voice on intimacy and human connection. She also hosts the popular podcast "Where Should We Begin?" where she provides a candid look into the intricacies of couples therapy. Perel's innovative perspectives have significantly influenced contemporary discussions on relationships, making her a pivotal figure in both psychology and literature.
View Collection
Emma Watson's Book Recommendations
Emma Watson is a British actress and activist best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" film series, which brought J.K. Rowling's beloved books to life. Beyond her acting career, Watson has made significant contributions to literature by promoting gender equality and women's rights through her work with the United Nations, including the HeForShe campaign. She has also curated and shared book recommendations that highlight feminist literature and diverse voices. Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature, further emphasizing her dedication to the literary world. Her advocacy and influence have made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment and literary communities.
View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations
Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations
Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.
View Collection“Nobody wants to read your sh!t; they want to read what’s in it for them.”
Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh!t
By Steven Pressfield
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.