Book Review: The Art And Business Of Online Writing
Book Information
Title: The Art and Business of Online Writing: How to Beat the Game of Capturing and Keeping Attention
Author(s): Nicolas Cole
Genre(s): Nonfiction, Writing, Entrepreneurship
Published On: August 28, 2020
Publisher: Nicolas Cole
Pages: 342
"★ From the #1 writer on Quora, 15x Top Writer on Medium, and Top 10 columnist for Inc Magazine ★
What are the secrets to writing online?
Why do some writers accumulate hundreds of thousands, even millions of views on their content—and others write and write, only to go unnoticed?
Nicolas Cole, one of the most viral columnists on the internet with more than 100 million views on his writing, is pulling back the curtain. After becoming the #1 most-read writer on all of Quora in 2015, a Top 10 contributing writer for Inc Magazine from 2016 to 2018, and one of the most popular writers on Medium in more than 15 different categories, Cole went on to build a multi-million-dollar ghostwriting company publishing thousands of articles on the internet for more than 300 different Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, C-level executives, New York Times best-selling authors, Olympic athletes, Grammy-winning producers, and renowned industry leaders.
How?
By using his own personal toolkit of writing strategies, headline structures, formats, and proven styles, all of which were mastered over a 10-year period.
“This book contains everything I know about online writing,” says Cole. “From going viral, to building a massive library of content that will continue to pay you dividends well into the future.”
In this book you will
✓ Why you should NOT start a blog—and where you should be writing online instead.
✓ How to beat “the game” of internet publishing—and the 7 levels of success.
✓ How “going viral” on social platforms works (and how to not give up in the process).
✓ The Endless Idea How to never run out of things to write about.
✓ The Perfect How to write headlines people can’t help but want to read.
✓ How to create your own “Content Roadmap,” and position yourself as an influential voice in your industry or niche.
✓ How to turn proven online writing into longer, more valuable assets (books, ebooks, physical products, paid newsletters, companies, etc.).
✓ And the 1 habit very single writer today needs to master in order to become successful.
This book is the Ultimate Guide to writing in the digital age."
This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own!
The Book In 3 Sentences
- This book is a masterclass in writing for the internet, blending strategy, psychology, and storytelling.
- Nicolas Cole breaks down the mechanics of virality and attention with actionable frameworks and real-world examples.
- It’s not just about writing—it’s about building a digital presence that lasts and converts.
How The Book Changed Me
It completely reframed how I think about writing online—not as a creative outlet alone, but as a strategic game of attention. I stopped obsessing over perfection and started focusing on consistency, clarity, and audience value. I now approach content creation with a roadmap, understanding how each piece fits into a larger ecosystem of influence.
How I Came Across The Book/Who Should Read It
I discovered this book through a recommendation in a writing-focused newsletter, and the title immediately grabbed me. If you're a blogger, content creator, entrepreneur, or aspiring thought leader, this book is essential. It’s especially powerful for anyone who feels stuck writing online without traction—Cole shows you exactly why that happens and how to fix it.
My 3 Favorite Quotes
- “The internet rewards clarity. The clearer your message, the more people it will reach.”
- “Writing online is not about being the best writer—it’s about being the most strategic.”
- “Every piece of content is a brick in your digital house. Build wisely.”
Summary/Thoughts
Cole’s writing is sharp, direct, and packed with insight. He doesn’t waste words—every chapter delivers value. The book is structured like a toolkit, with frameworks for headlines, formats, and idea generation that you can apply immediately. What sets it apart is the blend of personal experience and universal principles. Cole doesn’t just teach—he shows you how he built a career from scratch. I appreciated the emphasis on long-term thinking: writing not just for clicks, but for legacy. Whether you're just starting or scaling your content empire, this book will elevate your approach to online writing.
