The Art and Business of Online Writing

About the Author

Nicolas Cole is a prominent online writer, entrepreneur, and the founder of Digital Press, a ghostwriting agency that has helped many individuals and companies craft compelling content. Cole is recognized as one of the top writers on platforms like Quora and Medium, where he regularly shares his insights on writing, digital marketing, and personal development. His journey from a gamer and blogger with no audience to a successful online writer and entrepreneur is a testament to his belief that anyone can build a thriving online writing career if they are consistent, strategic, and willing to learn. Cole has authored several books, including "The Art and Business of Online Writing," where he distills his experiences and strategies into a guide for aspiring writers who want to make a mark in the digital world.

Main Idea

"The Art and Business of Online Writing" by Nicolas Cole is a comprehensive guide that provides aspiring writers with the tools and strategies they need to build a successful career in online writing. Cole emphasizes that success in online writing is not just about having talent or good ideas but about understanding the dynamics of digital platforms, writing consistently, and engaging with your audience. The book covers everything from choosing the right platform and focusing your content to building an audience and monetizing your writing. Cole’s practical advice is grounded in his own experience of growing from an unknown blogger to a well-known writer and entrepreneur.

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction to Online Writing
• 2. Writing Consistently
• 3. Choosing Your Platform
• 4. Focusing Your Content
• 5. Gaining an Audience
• 6. Establishing Your Niche
• 7. Building a Personal Platform
• 8. Monetizing Your Writing

Introduction to Online Writing

In "The Art and Business of Online Writing," Nicolas Cole begins by breaking down the myths surrounding the idea of becoming a professional writer. Many people think that writing for a living is an unattainable dream, but Cole argues that with the right approach, anyone can succeed in the online writing world. He uses his own story as a case study, showing how he went from being an unknown writer to a successful online entrepreneur. Cole emphasizes that the digital age has opened up unprecedented opportunities for writers, but seizing these opportunities requires more than just talent—it requires strategy, persistence, and a deep understanding of the online landscape.

Cole believes that the key to success in online writing is understanding that writing is both an art and a business. The "art" involves creating content that resonates with readers, while the "business" involves understanding how to market that content, build an audience, and ultimately, generate revenue from your writing. Cole’s approach is pragmatic, focusing on actionable steps that writers can take to achieve their goals. He encourages readers to think of themselves not just as writers but as entrepreneurs who are building a brand around their writing.

Cole also discusses the importance of mindset in online writing. He argues that success in this field requires a shift in thinking—from viewing writing as a hobby to seeing it as a business. This shift involves taking your writing seriously, being disciplined about your writing schedule, and constantly seeking to improve your craft. Cole stresses that while talent is important, it is consistency, persistence, and a willingness to learn that will ultimately determine your success as an online writer.

Writing Consistently

One of the central themes of Cole’s book is the importance of writing consistently. He argues that consistency is the foundation of any successful writing career. Writing regularly not only helps you improve your skills but also builds momentum and keeps you engaged with your audience. Cole shares that in the early days of his career, he wrote and published something every day. This daily practice helped him develop his voice, refine his ideas, and quickly gain a following.

Cole explains that consistent writing serves several purposes:

• Skill Improvement: The more you write, the better you get. Regular writing helps you improve your technical skills, such as grammar, organization, and word choice, as well as your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Audience Building: Consistency is key to building an audience. The more content you publish, the more opportunities you have to reach new readers and keep your existing audience engaged. Consistent publishing also signals to your audience that you are committed and reliable, which builds trust and credibility.
• Content Discovery: Writing regularly helps you discover what topics and formats resonate most with your audience. By experimenting with different types of content, you can identify your niche and focus your efforts on what works best.

Cole also discusses the importance of setting a writing schedule and sticking to it. He advises writers to treat their writing time as sacred and to prioritize it above other distractions. Whether you write every day, a few times a week, or even just once a week, the key is to be consistent and to make writing a non-negotiable part of your routine.

consistent writing practices include: