Summary of "Why My Books Go Viral (David Perrell Interview) | Ep 885"

Podcast: The Game with Alex Hormozi
Host: Alex Hormozi
Guest: David Perel
Release Date: May 14, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 885 of "The Game with Alex Hormozi," entrepreneur and author Alex Hormozi engages in a deep dive conversation with David Perel about the intricacies of his writing process. This episode explores how Alex crafts his bestselling books, the strategies behind making them go viral, and the lessons learned from his journey in building a substantial online presence.

Alex's Writing Journey and Passion

Alex begins by sharing his lifelong passion for writing, emphasizing that writing is one of the few activities he deeply enjoys. Despite not being traditionally labeled as a writer, Alex recounts, “[00:00] I weirdly am not considered a writer, but it's the thing that I probably enjoy most in the world.” He highlights his dedication to writing from a young age, mentioning his involvement with school publications and his decision to pursue writing over a full scholarship: “[00:54] I actually got a full scholarship to college for writing. I decided not to take the scholarship and go to Vanderbilt instead.”

Structured Writing Process

When discussing his disciplined approach to writing, Alex outlines his daily routine which ensures maximum productivity. He states, “[01:24] I write on days that I know have at least, like, six hours or more uninterrupted.” Alex emphasizes the importance of creating a distraction-free environment by using earplugs and headphones, and reserving writing for days without scheduled commitments to fully immerse himself in the process.

Outlining and Content Structuring

Alex elaborates on his method of outlining books, starting with the table of contents as the foundational game plan. “[02:27] I outline a book with what the table of contents is first. That’s the hardest part.” He maintains a consistent structure for each chapter, integrating narratives and examples to elucidate non-fiction concepts. This approach ensures clarity and engagement, allowing readers to easily grasp complex ideas.

Balancing Planning and Discovery

Alex discusses the balance between having a structured plan and allowing room for discovery during the writing process. “[06:46] I'd say two-thirds discovery, one-third getting the stuff that I already have out.” This flexibility enables him to refine ideas and develop nuanced frameworks as new insights emerge, enhancing the depth and validity of his content.

Editing and Iterative Refinement

The editing phase is rigorous, with Alex often going through multiple drafts to perfect his work. He shares, “[26:45] I have to delete if I can,” illustrating his willingness to remove entire sections if they don't resonate with readers. This iterative process ensures that only the most valuable and coherent ideas make it into the final manuscript.

Marketing Strategies for Virality

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the strategic marketing efforts that make Alex’s books go viral. He explains the meticulous process of AB testing book titles and subtitles: “[15:39] I AB tested probably like 3 or 4 of the image of different... different back variations.” By experimenting with different titles like "$100 Million Leads" versus "$100 Million Marketing," Alex identifies the most compelling options that resonate with his target audience.

Creating Evergreen Content

Alex emphasizes the importance of writing content that remains relevant over time. He avoids referencing specific platforms or fleeting trends, ensuring his books have a lasting impact: “[38:48] Think about writing a book on advertising without talking about any single platform.” This strategy not only extends the shelf life of his books but also ensures they continue to provide value to readers years after publication.

Writing vs. Video Content

Differentiating between writing and video content, Alex notes that while writing allows for deep, structured exploration of ideas, video content requires a more streamlined and engaging approach. “[21:48] The biggest leverage on performance for a video is the hook, packaging, title, thumbnail, first 30, 60 seconds.” This distinction highlights his ability to adapt his communication style to different mediums effectively.

Building an Audience vs. Creating Products

Alex advises against the common mistake of prioritizing product creation over audience building. He believes that focusing on expanding his audience creates a stronger foundation for long-term success: “[54:54] It's a business mistake... It's creating your reputation through valuable content rather than diversifying into multiple products that dilute your focus.”

Notable Quotes

• “[00:00] I weirdly am not considered a writer, but it's the thing that I probably enjoy most in the world.”
• “[01:24] I write on days that I know have at least, like, six hours or more uninterrupted.”
• “[02:27] I outline a book with what the table of contents is first. That’s the hardest part.”
• “[06:46] I'd say two-thirds discovery, one-third getting the stuff that I already have out.”
• “[15:39] I AB tested probably like 3 or 4 of the image of different... different back variations.”
• “[26:45] I have to delete if I can.”
• “[38:48] Think about writing a book on advertising without talking about any single platform.”
• “[21:48] The biggest leverage on performance for a video is the hook, packaging, title, thumbnail, first 30, 60 seconds.”

Practical Advice for Aspiring Writers

Alex concludes with actionable advice for those looking to write impactful books:

1. Define Clear Objectives: Understand why you are writing and how it serves your purpose.
2. Maintain Discipline: Dedicate uninterrupted time to writing regularly.
3. Iterative Editing: Be prepared to revise extensively to ensure clarity and value.
4. Strategic Marketing: Invest time in testing and optimizing your book’s presentation to maximize reach.
5. Create Evergreen Content: Focus on timeless topics to ensure lasting relevance.

Conclusion

Episode 885 offers valuable insights into Alex Hormozi’s writing process, highlighting the dedication, strategic planning, and continual refinement required to produce viral, impactful books. His approach underscores the importance of balancing structure with creativity, rigorous editing, and strategic marketing to achieve sustained success in the literary world.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Alex Hormozi's discussion on his writing strategies, providing valuable takeaways for aspiring authors and entrepreneurs alike.