8 Stupid-Simple Writing Rules That Created a $30M Company

Look at this guy.

He sold a $30m newsletter company at 31.

His secret?

Write everything like you're talking to a 5th-grader.

8 genius writing rules from The Hustle's Sam Parr that made him millions:

1. Write first, edit later

Your brain can't be creative and critical at the same time. Get the words out first. Clean them up later.

Do this: Set a timer for 30 minutes. Write without stopping. Don't hit backspace.

2. Start with the headline

Your headline is a promise to readers. Write it first. Then deliver on that promise.

Do this: Write 5 headlines before you start. Pick the simplest one.

3. Write terrible first drafts fast 

Perfect writing doesn't exist, so learn to ship fast and without judgment.

Do this: Give yourself permission to write something terrible. You can fix it later.

4. Cut 50% of your original draft 

Look at your first draft. Now delete half the words. The shorter version usually hits harder.

Do this: Take your last post. Cut every sentence in half. See how much clearer it gets.

5. Use 1-3 sentence paragraphs

One to three sentences max. Give each idea room to breathe.

Like this.

Do this: Break up your paragraphs. Add white space. Make it easy to scan.

6. Use words with only 1-2 syllables

If a 5th grader wouldn't understand it, pick a simpler word.

Do this: Edit your content in Hemingway to check the reading score.

7. Keep sentences shorter than a tweet 

Most people write sentences that ramble on forever. But your brain gets tired of holding all those words.

Do this: Open your last piece of writing. If you can't read any sentence out loud in one breath, it's too long. Break it up. Pro tip: vary the length every 4th or 5th sentence to give it some rhythm.

8. Make each sentence pull them to the next

Every line should make them want to read the next one.

Do this: Take your last post. Read it out loud. At each period, ask yourself: "Would someone want to know what comes next?" If not, add a hook, a question, or a hint at what's coming.

He used these exact principles to turn a simple daily email into a $30M exit.

This isn't complicated writing advice. But it's how Sam built one of the most popular newsletters ever created.

Now go give these a try.

If you’re strapped for time and need some writing content which gets views, then let’s talk. 👻✍🏻

Until next week

Tom ✌️