WordPress.com Blogger Scores Book Deal for “You Are Not So Smart”
According to David McRaney, “You may think that you’re a rational, logical being who sees the world as it really is. But you’re as deluded as the rest of us, and that’s OK, because it keeps you sane.”
David is a journalist and the creator of the WordPress.com blog You Are Not So Smart, which was recently expanded into a book, You Are Not So Smart: Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory Is Mostly Fiction, and 46 Other Ways You’re Deluding Yourself, published this October.
“This is an amazing and revolutionary time for writers,” David says. “The barriers to entry are so low, and the platforms like WordPress.com are so well made, anyone with a voice can start shouting and be heard. Instead of writing a book and hoping a publisher won’t throw it into the slush pile, writers can start a blog and build a fan base. They can prove to publishers there is a market for their work and their voice.”
About the Book
“You Are Not So Smart is a celebration of self delusion. One topic at a time, it explores how silly and irrational we all are through the lens of fascinating psychological studies,” David says. “For example, you may think that you see everything going on before your eyes, but you are only aware of a small amount of the total information your eyes take in, and even less is processed by your conscious mind and remembered.”
Ironically, a bout of irrational thinking is exactly what helped David to land the book deal:
“I got into a heated online argument with two friends over which was better, the PS3 or the Xbox 360. The argument went on for days, and I think we all crossed the line, insulting each other and getting legitimately angry – and we’re friends in real life!
I thought it would make a great blog post, so I researched why I was so brand loyal and silly. That became my post on brand loyalty and fanboyism, which I published that post at about the same time an iPhone prototype was stolen. With the buzz around fanboyism at an all-time high, someone at Gizmodo saw my post and asked if they could republish it with links back. I agreed, and all of a sudden my hits went through the roof. I kept writing and posting and soon emails arrived from the publishing world asking if I was interested in turning the blog into a book. I said hell yes.”
Learn more about David and You Are Not So Smart by checking out our interview with the author.
Congratulations on your new book, David!
Nov 11th at 5:30 pm
It’s so wonderful that someone who is writing about something they feel passionate about led to bigger and better things. Good for him!
Nov 11th at 5:37 pm
Good on you, original idea, look forward to reading anything that opens my mind. Good luck!
Nov 11th at 5:47 pm
That’s brilliant! Congratulations!
Nov 11th at 5:56 pm
Great !!
Nov 11th at 6:05 pm
This is an awesome story that inspires me to keep blogging and keep working.
Nov 11th at 6:16 pm
That is amazing! Congratulations!
Nov 11th at 6:19 pm
Incredibly inspiring! I know many of us are armchair authors (just waiting to be discovered…myself included). Way to show how a good blog can turn into a future bestseller!
Now if anyone knows anyone wanting to publish a sarcastic, fun divorce memoir, please send them to my blog!
And congrats, David!
Nov 11th at 6:25 pm
I am an Artist Writer and thrilled to be with WordPress and shouting at the world all about my art and my life! Thank you to everyone who reads my blog and comments on my work! I think we are all pretty smart just to be here!
Nov 11th at 6:32 pm
This is an inspiring story indeed.
Nov 11th at 6:38 pm
Nov 11th at 6:44 pm
Congratulations to this blogger! I hope that more authors get recognized and published. Thanks WordPress!
Nov 11th at 6:46 pm
Congratulations! This is encouraging news.
Nov 11th at 7:00 pm
How interesting. I’ll have too add this to my list of books to read! Thanks!
Nov 11th at 7:08 pm
Congratulations on your book deal and for your blogging sucess.
Nov 11th at 7:15 pm
That is a great thing to share with all!
Nov 11th at 7:17 pm
That is awesome! Congratulations! Hopefully your friendships are still in tact though
I guess certain people are placed in our lives for a reason..so maybe these friends were placed in your life for that exact argument that led to greater things..Good luck!
Nov 11th at 7:25 pm
It’s great to see fellow bloggers having success in the very tough book publishing market. I hope this becomes a ground-breaker for the rest of us who are struggling to crack the elitist industry of “previous published authors”.
Nov 11th at 7:26 pm
Wonderful! Congratulations! Will look forward to reading this book.
Nov 11th at 7:49 pm
BIG CONGRATULATIONS !!!!
Nov 11th at 8:07 pm
Only if we all were so lucky. Congratulation
Nov 11th at 8:24 pm
Thanks for sharing! By the way I’ve built the website for my forthcoming book on WordPress.com and it’s working really well for me. http://consentofthenetworked.com. I love WordPress.
Nov 11th at 8:26 pm
Congratulations!
Nov 11th at 8:26 pm
That’s Great!
Congrats on your book deal and your blogging success.
Nov 11th at 8:40 pm
What wonderful news! The book sounds interesting. Bet its sprinkled with welcomed humor!
Nov 11th at 8:51 pm
I find the story interesting. However, I am unclear as to how WordPress is a viable method to launch book deals. As i understand the scenario, the information being used for the book was and is still freely available on the authors WordPress Blog. So, how can any books be sold for profit if the information is available for free? So is the author going to shut down the blog and direct visitors to the online bookstore?
Nov 11th at 9:15 pm
This reminds me of “Julie and Julia” which was made into a movie from Julie’s blogs. The blogs continue to get an amazing amount of hits. Whether or not it was made into a book I’m not aware. I had my blog converted to a book and it’s not selling well. Whether or not it’s related to the blog or whether they can read it for free I don’t know, Maybe it’s just not a good book, though I’m getting some good reviews. Either way you raise some valid concerns.
Nov 11th at 8:55 pm
Great publication, dear Erica! We hope to be able to purchase and enjoy that new book here in South America an Brazil! Greetings to you!
Nov 11th at 8:56 pm
That’s just fantastic!!!
I am very happy for you, and inspired because my blog is chapter by chapter from day one. I don’t know how you got a publisher’s attention though – I’d love to know that, if you have time. But I agree with you the barriers are lowered, to being seen by publishers/realised that you are worthy of words… by your fan base.
Just huge congrats
Nov 11th at 8:59 pm
Oops! I just read the blue shaded paragraph! That’s how it happened. Bloody fantastic!
AND OOPS # 2 I just read the words above ‘please do not use these comments for asking questions…” So forget all my comment & reduce it to….
congrats!
Nov 11th at 8:59 pm
Fantastic! Loved the incredibly stupid ways we, not so smart folks, land the most respectable jobs! (I’m waiting for my real dumb-luck moment! Hey, that’s how she married me.)
. Congrats!
Nov 11th at 9:01 pm
Nice job. Hopefully more books will come from later blog posts.
Nov 11th at 9:03 pm
Congrats on your book David. I just launched a children’s book myself, which I hope will take off with flying colors. I look forward to checking your book out when time and money allow . . . it looks like something I’d really enjoy. Good Luck!
Nov 11th at 9:05 pm
You have admirable talent for writing, and backing up your statements with sources of information. Keep the words flowing. America needs to see and hear the fire crackling in your belly!
Nov 11th at 9:13 pm
Congratulations, I feel happy for you. I’m new to blogging, and a writer that WordPress has given wings.
Nov 11th at 9:14 pm
ok iam lovin this humor me with this keep up the good work
Nov 11th at 9:16 pm
Erica, you are so smart! Congratulations to you.
You’ve helped me to “rethink” my blog, thanks!
Lyn
Nov 11th at 9:36 pm
Congratulations!
Nov 11th at 10:02 pm
I cant understand it although I like it!
Nov 11th at 10:12 pm
Congratulations, that is fantastic news!
I share your experience, having transformed my WordPress blog “Authorisinthehouse” into the book, “A Dollar’s Worth; Around the World in Eighty Blogs!” I self-published on Lulu, but the book is available on Amazon, Kindle, Nook, and IPad.
Keep up the great work!
Jerry
Nov 11th at 11:37 pm
Congrats David,
To see someone that got a start and really was able to obtain a quality group of dedicated followers through blogging it really gives all of us hope that someday that email will come for us maybe, good luck, I hope you have continued success and i’m sure the rest of the community is behind you as well….from one blogger to another keep up the good work!!
Nov 12th at 12:08 am
Congratulations! Let’s hope I am next on the list!
Nov 12th at 12:10 am
Simply stated, its a great thing to do…….brilliant…….bravo……may you continue inspiring others……..
chepeyja
Nov 12th at 1:13 am
Very inspiring!
Nov 12th at 1:23 am
Congrats. David really writes a wonderful blog. I love to post on wordpress.com
Nov 12th at 2:21 am
Congratulations, David! You have genius and originality. You are also unselfish. This is what makes WordPress and you great! Congratulations, once again!
May The Lord bless!
And blessed be The Most Holy Ever Virgin Mary Mother of God!
Nov 12th at 2:36 am
Congrats and the best of luck to all of us bloggers!!!!
Nov 12th at 3:03 am
It’s so great to hear about people’s success, especially when they started from little ol’ WordPress!
I almost can’t believe I use the same platform alongside some extremely talented individuals from all over the world.
And so congratulations to Mr. McRaney- I wish him the best of luck!
Nov 12th at 3:10 am
Fine, and a hope. The subject matter is of importance. But the hope will get even stronger if book deals go to the deepest and most innovative thinking. That would be the real turn for the best. Getting out of the black hole of irreversible superficiality, and into the heaven of cultural depth.
PA
Nov 12th at 4:58 am
Just as interesting as your post on brand loyalty, would have been a transcript of your heated, insulting, crossing the line conversation with your friends! JK. Congratulations.
Nov 12th at 5:51 am
Awww congratulations. this is really inspiring.
Nov 12th at 5:53 am
Interesting!
Congrats !
Nov 12th at 6:34 am
And I always thought I’m losing around because I’m always a right-brained with Bipolar.
Nov 12th at 7:29 am
Congratulations…!!
Nov 12th at 8:53 am
Congrats! You are an great writer. I have only started my own blog and I find it hard to write so I have to say it again YOU are indeed an GREAT writer
Keep up the good work!
Nov 12th at 11:14 am
Good to see GREAT THINGS happening for people strictly through time, dedication, creativity, and hard work. I hope to hear more stories like this in the near future.
Nov 12th at 12:03 pm
Fantastic! Congratulations!
Nov 12th at 1:44 pm
You’re living my dream! Congrats
Nov 12th at 2:11 pm
Congrats! I am new to blogging and even still trying to get going, I love all the wonderful blogs and it is great to see this happen.
Nov 12th at 3:58 pm
This is really inspiring. I just started a WordPress blog on sports and music and have had a blast doing it, but getting readership is a bit tricky. This is a helpful post. Great work!
Nov 12th at 4:00 pm
Kudos and many sales to you!
Nov 12th at 5:29 pm
I think I’ve always been partially deluded. However, it appears we have a pandemic of delusion. The article is an accurate take on society as a whole. Namely the celebrity culture in which mostly nothing of real value is created or delivered. Add to that the financial instruments created and used to rob normal people of their money, and you have a delusional culture as a whole. I think I’ll continue to be deluded though, as facing up to reality could be a horrendous task. I’ve not even mentioned politics, thankfully I will refrain from doing so, enough said.
Nov 12th at 6:54 pm
Congratulations and much success =)
Nov 12th at 7:53 pm
awesome book. congrats.
Nov 12th at 8:11 pm
very good, congratulations.
Nov 12th at 9:19 pm
WOOP. WOOP. Well Done x
Nov 13th at 2:12 am
He got it. Have an original idea and then go with it, and you just never know… Gives me hope
Congratulations!
Nov 13th at 3:14 am
Congratulations on your book deal and for your blogging sucess.
Nov 13th at 3:37 am
This book is very good. I am motivated by your book
Nov 13th at 3:44 am
What a beautiful blog
Nov 13th at 7:37 am
are we able to get this book in Australia ?
Nov 13th at 8:51 am
Congratulations! So inspirational for all of us!
Nov 13th at 1:06 pm
Love it! Be authentic and open and write about what makes you passionate. Way to go, David!
Nov 13th at 1:08 pm
Another Rags-to-riches story made thanks to writing! Way to go, bro! The pen and paper are the most powerful forces in the world! I’m next!
Nov 13th at 1:18 pm
Congratulations David! This is great motivation for us!
Nov 13th at 3:22 pm
congrats!
Nov 13th at 5:38 pm
Very Nice
Nov 13th at 7:14 pm
Congratulations!
Nov 13th at 8:51 pm
Awesome
Nov 13th at 9:21 pm
Congratulations! This is inspiring, and it shows that with a little hard work and perseverance, dreams can come true. Like joshuadavid1121 said, “it really gives all of us hope that someday that email will come for us”. So congrats, and thanks for giving the rest of us hope.
Nov 13th at 9:48 pm
There are 6.9 billion people on this planet. 1 billion speak and read English very well. So, why can’t the book be sold to .1 billion people.
Nov 14th at 12:39 am
That’s so exciting! Congratulations!
Nov 14th at 12:44 am
Congratulations! Must say, I love the cover design. God, graphic artists are clever.
Nov 14th at 2:39 am
I was just told that the complaints continue. I hope that this book would sell well, of course.
Nov 14th at 4:22 am
Sounds pretty interesting!
Nov 14th at 4:34 am
Congrats. It ought to be interesting to see if an extended blog will make a hit in print form.
Nov 14th at 4:41 am
That’s tremendous news!
Congrats to him!
Nov 14th at 5:51 am
Congratulations to David McRaney! It’s good to know that fellow wordpress bloggers are getting successful in the “real world” of publishing.
Seems like a fun, witty book.
Nov 14th at 8:43 am
Congrats…
Is it bad that I’m wary of anybody with too many Facebook friends too?
Nov 14th at 12:02 pm
That is great to hear! Congrats…
Nov 14th at 12:33 pm
Sounds like an interesting read – - – yes our own little world (that of the individual) is a very subjective place.
This is one of the things I love about the ‘net – that creative people are able to showcase their work for free or very little.
I find WordPress one of the better blogs
Faith McCord (indie writer)
Nov 14th at 1:15 pm
Congratulations, David. You’re living every bloggers’ dream.
Nov 14th at 2:39 pm
good
Nov 14th at 3:35 pm
This is an eye opener for writer in an age of increasing mass media dynaminism of emerging daily creation.
Nov 14th at 3:41 pm
Congrats to Mr. McRaney. I wanna be just like him when I grow up
Nov 14th at 3:43 pm
Big things can happen to wordpress bloggers! Good luck with your book!
Nov 14th at 4:54 pm
Thats so unbelievable. Congratulations!
Nov 14th at 6:37 pm
What an inspiring story. I love that a mere blog landed someone a publishing deal. This gives the rest of us a candle to place in the window. Nicely written, by the way.
Nov 14th at 8:05 pm
Oh Man, that is awesome. Definitely inspires me.
Nov 14th at 8:57 pm
exciting news. inspiring and encouraging.
Congrats.
Nov 14th at 10:01 pm
Great! it’s just beginning, when someone says “I don’t know or I’m not too smart”, this shows the one is too smart.
Nov 15th at 2:17 am
that’s very nice! thumbs up for this blog! ^_^