This book gave me a formula for how to tidy up my writing and put focus on what actually matters.

#Things to consider

  • Start every piece with a one sentence lead and then back it up with a section of Why it matters.
  • Think of your newsletter as a breakfast conversation with a smart, curious friend.
  • “I highlight in yellow. When someone asks me questions, I paste their questions and respond in dark purple or bold.” — Good tactic for responding inline in email.
  • Create even shorter newsletters. Focus on only one thing.
  • Roughly 6 words is the optimal subject line for emails—short enough to show all words in a mobile phone format.
  • Now read all three parts together: your headline, your first-sentence lead and your Axiom.
  • Often the quietest people have the smartest things to say. Encourage silent people to share their views too. At the very least, they will appreciate the offer.