The Art and Business of Online Writing Summary | How to Beat the Game of Capturing and Keeping Attention

Introduction: Why Writing Online Is a Game You Must Learn to Win

“The first time I became a millionaire, I was living in my parents’ basement.”

This sentence, according to Nicolas Cole, is the epitome of a perfect opening—it hooks, shocks, and invites the reader in without effort. That’s what The Art and Business of Online Writing Summary is all about: learning to write in ways that capture and keep attention in a sea of content.

In this transformative book, Nicolas Cole—one of the most viral writers on the internet with over 100 million views—reveals a decade’s worth of strategies, tools, and systems he used to dominate platforms like Quora, Inc. Magazine, and Medium.

This isn’t just a book about writing; it’s a playbook for winning in the online writing game—where attention is currency, and every word is an investment.

Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, content creator, or aspiring author, this The Art and Business of Online Writing Summary shows you how to write effectively online, go viral, build a loyal audience, and turn your content into assets that pay long-term dividends.

TL;DR Summary Box:

• Reveals the seven levels of success in online writing

• Offers proven templates for viral headlines and post structures

• Explains why you shouldn’t start with a blog in today’s digital world

• Shows how to create a powerful “Content Roadmap”

• Teaches how to monetize your online writing into long-term assets

5 Big Questions This Book Answers

1. How can you succeed as a writer in the digital age?
   → By treating writing like a strategic game and leveraging platforms with built-in audiences.

2. What are the seven levels of success in online writing?
   → From beginner to published author, each level includes key milestones and monetization paths.

3. How do you write content that people want to read?
   → Use one of five proven formats, create powerful hooks, and speak directly to reader pain points.

4. What’s a “Content Roadmap,” and why does it matter?
   → It’s a plan to connect your posts and guide readers deeper into your content ecosystem.

5. What’s the one habit every online writer must master?
   → Daily, consistent writing—without waiting for motivation or inspiration.

The Art and Business of Online Writing Summary

this book takes a practical and structured approach to mastering online writing. Cole frames the journey as a progression through seven levels of success, starting from writing your first piece to becoming a published authority in your niche.

Each chapter tackles a major problem writers face in the digital age—platform selection, headline creation, content structure, consistency, and monetization—and then offers real, applicable techniques to solve them.

Cole’s main message? Writing online isn’t just about talent—it’s about strategy, repeatable formats, and knowing how to position yourself.

Main Ideas and Chapters Overview

✅ Don’t Start a Blog (Chapter 1)

Contrary to popular advice, Cole argues that blogging is not the smartest way to start online. Instead, writers should leverage established platforms like Medium, Quora, and LinkedIn—where large audiences already exist.

✅ Writing Is a Game (Chapter 3)

Cole introduces The 7 Levels of Success in online writing, from beginner to authority. Each level has its own set of skills, goals, and monetization tactics.

✅ Mastering the Five Proven Writing Forms (Chapter 6)

Want your writing to go viral? Learn these 5 formats:

• How-To

• List

• Personal Story

• Contrarian Opinion

• Resource/Tool Guide

Each form satisfies a specific reader desire, making them more likely to be shared and remembered.

✅ Headlines Are 80% of Success (Chapter 7)

A powerful headline determines whether your post gets ignored or clicked. Cole shares viral headline formulas, such as:

• “The Brutal Truth About X That No One Wants To Admit”

• “7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started [Niche Activity]”

✅ The “Sticky Web” Strategy (Chapter 10)

Your content should not exist in isolation. Using a “Content Roadmap,” Cole teaches how to connect pieces together so that a reader goes down a rabbit hole of your writing.

✅ Monetize With Pillar Content (Chapter 11)

Online writing can lead to books, courses, coaching, and paid newsletters. But it starts with turning your best-performing pieces into pillar content—your foundational assets.

The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole Table Of Contents

• Introduction
  The Game Of Online Writing
• Chapter 1
  Want To Start Writing Online? Don’t Start A Blog
• Chapter 2
  The New Way To Think About Being A Writer In The Digital Age
• Chapter 3
  How The Online Writing Game Works: 7 Levels Of Success
• Chapter 4
  Where You Should Be Writing Online—And Where You Should Not
• Chapter 5
  How Writing On Social Platforms Works (And How To Not Give Up)
• Chapter 6
  How To Always Write Something People Will Want To Read: 5 Forms Of Proven Writing
• Chapter 7
  The Perfect Post: How To Write Headlines People Can’t Help But Read
• Chapter 8
  The Art Of Writing Online: How To Structure The Perfect Post
• Chapter 9
  How To Talk About Yourself Without Making Your Writing All About “You”
• Chapter 10
  Your Content Roadmap: Constructing A “Sticky Web” For Your Writing
• Chapter 11
  Pillar Pieces: How To Turn Proven Online Writing Into Longer, More Valuable Assets
• Chapter 12
  How To Make Money Online As A Writer
• Chapter 13
  The 1 Habit Every Single Writer Needs To Master To Become Successful

The Art and Business of Online Writing Summary by Chapter

In this book, you’ll learn why you should avoid starting a blog and discover where to write online instead. It explains how to conquer the “game” of internet publishing through seven levels of success. You’ll understand how to go viral on social platforms and persevere through challenges, generate endless content ideas, and write perfect posts with irresistible headlines.

The book also teaches how to create a “Content Roadmap,” positioning yourself as a key voice in your niche, and how to transform your online writing into long-term valuable assets like books, paid newsletters, and more. Cole also highlights the one habit that every successful writer must master.

• Introduction:
  This section introduces the concept of online writing as a competitive “game” that involves capturing and keeping attention in a crowded digital space. Cole shares his personal journey and experiences to set the stage for the strategies and tactics in the following chapters.
• Chapter 1: Want To Start Writing Online? Don’t Start A Blog:
  Cole advises against starting a traditional blog and explains why writing on established platforms with large audiences is a more effective way to build a following.
• Chapter 2: The New Way To Think About Being A Writer In The Digital Age:
  This chapter discusses the importance of using data to guide your writing decisions. Cole emphasizes the role of analytics and feedback in improving your content and growing an audience.
• Chapter 3: How The Online Writing Game Works: 7 Levels Of Success:
  Cole outlines a step-by-step progression for writers, from novice to expert, detailing the different stages of online writing success and how to navigate them.
• Chapter 4: Where You Should Be Writing Online—And Where You Should Not:
  Here, Cole breaks down the best and worst platforms for online writing, guiding where writers should focus their efforts for maximum impact.
• Chapter 5: How Writing On Social Platforms Works (And How To Not Give Up):
  This chapter delves into the specifics of writing on social platforms like Quora, Medium, and LinkedIn, and how to maintain consistency and perseverance despite the challenges.
• Chapter 6: How To Always Write Something People Will Want To Read: 5 Forms Of Proven Writing:
  Cole explains five proven writing forms that consistently attract readers, giving writers a blueprint for producing content that is more likely to succeed.
• Chapter 7: The Perfect Post: How To Write Headlines People Can’t Help But Read:
  In this chapter, Cole teaches the art of writing irresistible headlines that capture attention and increase click-through rates.
• Chapter 8: The Art Of Writing Online: How To Structure The Perfect Post:
  This section offers a guide on structuring online content in a way that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
• Chapter 9: How To Talk About Yourself Without Making Your Writing All About “You”:
  Cole provides strategies for incorporating personal stories and insights without making the writing feel self-centered.
• Chapter 10: Your Content Roadmap: Constructing A “Sticky Web” For Your Writing:
  This chapter discusses how to create a content strategy that pulls readers deeper into your work, keeping them engaged over time.
• Chapter 11: Pillar Pieces: How To Turn Proven Online Writing Into Longer, More Valuable Assets:
  Cole advises on how to transform successful online articles into larger projects like books or courses, extending the value of your work.
• Chapter 12: How To Make Money Online As A Writer:
  In this chapter, Cole discusses different monetization strategies for online writers, from freelance writing to selling digital products.
• Chapter 13: The 1 Habit Every Single Writer Needs To Master To Become Successful:
  The final chapter emphasizes the importance of consistency and discipline in achieving long-term writing success.

The Art and Business of Online Writing Analysis

Writing as a Strategic Craft

Cole insists that great online writing is not just art—it’s engineering. Writers must learn how to structure posts, build momentum, and optimize for platforms.

Consistency Over Inspiration

The book’s biggest takeaway? Consistency beats inspiration. Successful writers don’t wait for motivation—they create every day and follow proven systems.

Storytelling Without Ego

Cole teaches how to use your personal experiences to connect with readers, not to boast. It’s about making the story relatable, not narcissistic.

Writing as a Business

Writing online isn’t just for views—it’s a pathway to wealth creation. Cole walks through affiliate marketing, ghostwriting, coaching, and course-building as income streams.

About the Author: Nicolas Cole

Nicolas Cole is more than just an internet writer—he’s a writing entrepreneur.

• #1 Most-read writer on Quora in 2015

• Featured in Forbes, TIME, Business Insider

• Co-founder of Digital Press, a ghostwriting agency

• Co-creator of Ship 30 for 30, a digital writing course

• Author with 100+ million views across platforms

Cole is known for blending vulnerability with data-driven advice. His writing voice is relatable, transparent, and deeply strategic—a rare combination that’s earned him a place among today’s most respected online writers.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “One of the best resources for writers today. Practical, actionable, and full of insight.” – Goodreads reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This book turned my random content into a strategic brand.” – Amazon verified purchase

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Every chapter gives you something new to implement. Not fluff, real value.” – Self-publishing author

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “His concept of the ‘Content Roadmap’ changed the way I write forever.” – Medium writer

Conclusion: Is This Book Worth Your Time?

Absolutely. The Art and Business of Online Writing Summary offers both beginners and seasoned writers a comprehensive roadmap to succeed in the chaotic world of digital publishing.

It’s not theoretical—it’s proven, practical, and packed with templates that you can apply immediately. Nicolas Cole’s experience and clarity of instruction make this a must-read if your goal is to get seen, heard, and paid as a writer online.

Ready to become a writer who actually gets read? Start implementing Cole’s playbook today.

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References :

• Amazon’s book page
• Goodreaders’s book page
• Author’s image source: Amazon.in
• Book Cover: Amazon.com