Less is always better. But some topics do require in depth research and writing. But being concise and brief always helps the writer and the reader too.
I was talking with Jamie and Evan Kelly this week about atomic writing since I'm also a fan of it. They are atomic newsletter writers. I bet you know them from Medium.
Great that my story and video was part of your reading and writing week ❤️
I am indeed (familiar with them). I think one of the links in the first paragraph was to a piece by Evan. And big thanks to you for being part of my reading and writing week. Inspiring as always!
It is true that short form is a powerful form of writing, if not the best.
But coming from a direct response copywriting background, this truth begins to change as we expand to other areas...
Let's look at a few examples:
1. Sales Persuasion
When it comes to direct response copywriting, a well written long form copywriting will beat its short form rival almost 2 out of 3 times when it comes to getting better conversions.
This has been tested over the years and it's based on this simple premise that time investment creates value.
For example, it is common to see that people who invest more time on a commercial (say like 30 mins) are more likely to buy a product than someone who watches a 2-5 minutes commercial.
In copywriting, the question of "How long should a sales letter be?" has been an age long question, and the answer has always been, "As long as it needs to be."
2. Novels
While there are some short classics, most bestselling fiction novels are usually long, and this length is used to build the characters so we can connect with them.
If it's not long, it's usually broken down into a series. Branson Sanderson's novels are usually long and they're bestsellers.
So it all depends when you really think about it.
3. Movies vs TV Series
Why do most people spend more time watching TV Series than on one time movies? It's the entertainment factor, the fact that they're enjoying it over a longer period.
And I think that's how writing should be. Some like it short, some like it long. But if you are able to create a following of readers who like you and have conve to trust your, then the longer the better.
Take Ben Thompson, the no. 1 newsletters guy who inspired the creation of Substack. Coming from your angle, his articles might be seen as too LOOOOOONG, yet he has the largest amount of paying subscribers till this day.
So while writing short can be a great idea, you also don't want to miss out on those "super-fans" who would want and love to read everything that comes out of your brain.
In the end it's all about preference.
The good news is that Substack has room for all kinds of the written word.
Know your strengths, enjoy your writing, and let your readers do the voting.
I WILL
is a very important bullet point in writing and in life !
Nice and short :) I like idea of sharing what's happening during your week
Thanks for the kind mention!
You're welcome, Dan!
Less is always better. But some topics do require in depth research and writing. But being concise and brief always helps the writer and the reader too.
Loved this. Appreciated the advice.
Out of interest, how many words is this article?
I’m going to start doing things differently in September and I was curious about what might constitute a ‘good’ length….
Thanks
It's 192 words because I'm trying to practice what I preach! My newsletters vary in length but are always under 500 words.
Thank you Karen
Thanks for the mention Karen! 😊
You're welcome David. Still in my first few months here so I love to hear how those further along in the journey are doing!
Don't go. Powerful!
I quit. Is another one.
I was talking with Jamie and Evan Kelly this week about atomic writing since I'm also a fan of it. They are atomic newsletter writers. I bet you know them from Medium.
Great that my story and video was part of your reading and writing week ❤️
I am indeed (familiar with them). I think one of the links in the first paragraph was to a piece by Evan. And big thanks to you for being part of my reading and writing week. Inspiring as always!
It is true that short form is a powerful form of writing, if not the best.
But coming from a direct response copywriting background, this truth begins to change as we expand to other areas...
Let's look at a few examples:
1. Sales Persuasion
When it comes to direct response copywriting, a well written long form copywriting will beat its short form rival almost 2 out of 3 times when it comes to getting better conversions.
This has been tested over the years and it's based on this simple premise that time investment creates value.
For example, it is common to see that people who invest more time on a commercial (say like 30 mins) are more likely to buy a product than someone who watches a 2-5 minutes commercial.
In copywriting, the question of "How long should a sales letter be?" has been an age long question, and the answer has always been, "As long as it needs to be."
2. Novels
While there are some short classics, most bestselling fiction novels are usually long, and this length is used to build the characters so we can connect with them.
If it's not long, it's usually broken down into a series. Branson Sanderson's novels are usually long and they're bestsellers.
So it all depends when you really think about it.
3. Movies vs TV Series
Why do most people spend more time watching TV Series than on one time movies? It's the entertainment factor, the fact that they're enjoying it over a longer period.
And I think that's how writing should be. Some like it short, some like it long. But if you are able to create a following of readers who like you and have conve to trust your, then the longer the better.
Take Ben Thompson, the no. 1 newsletters guy who inspired the creation of Substack. Coming from your angle, his articles might be seen as too LOOOOOONG, yet he has the largest amount of paying subscribers till this day.
So while writing short can be a great idea, you also don't want to miss out on those "super-fans" who would want and love to read everything that comes out of your brain.
In the end it's all about preference.
The good news is that Substack has room for all kinds of the written word.
Know your strengths, enjoy your writing, and let your readers do the voting.