Be the Gateway: A 4-Week Program With Dan Blank

Two years ago, I published the book Be the Gateway, and since then I’ve received constant feedback that it outlined a refreshing way of developing your author platform and book marketing strategies.

Several people recently told me they just re-read it and are finally taking action on the tips in the book. Those conversations made me realize there would be value in personally walking you through the key exercises to help you move ahead.

So I want to invite you to join me for four weeks where I will help you develop strategies to:

  • Describe your creative work in a manner that feels authentic and engaging.
  • Do the research to clearly identify your ideal readers.
  • Learn how to connect with these people in a manner that feels natural, not promotional.
  • Connect these people to your writing.

This is a collaboration, not a course. You will get personalized feedback from me each week. I will walk you step by step through the process.

I will provide direct feedback to you each week to help you take specific, personalized actions that will establish your author platform in a way that feels authentic to you and customized to your writing.

What you receive:

  • A 4-week curriculum of videos where I walk you through exercises from Be The Gateway that will help you share your creative work and reach your ideal readers.
  • Direct feedback from me each week. I record a  video for you (and only you) each week with feedback on the homework you share with me, and I answer any questions that you have.
  • Simple micro-actions to immediately get started, but not get overwhelmed.

You leave the program with a clear plan of action.

What Writers Are Saying
About the Process I Outline in
Be the Gateway:

“Dan Blank absolutely changed the way I think about engaging with people online.”

“It is nice to hear someone speak from their personal experiences and not just throw the hot buzz words at you. I felt like I was having a conversation with Dan.”

“I have highlights and notes all over this book (I bought it in ebook first, then went ahead and bought the print version, too. So worth it!). It’s one I’ll go back to again and again.”

“This book is a refreshing take on sharing your creative work with the world. It explains how I don’t have to compromise my values to market myself.”

If You Have Already Read Be the Gateway:
This is your chance to work directly with me to turn the strategies it covers into clear actions for your work. We will focus on specific steps and personalize it for you, getting feedback from me, at each step of the way.

If You Haven’t Yet Read Be the Gateway:
This program will clearly cover the concepts you need to know, focus on specific actions, and as stated above, you will get direct feedback from me. If you want to, you can read the book after the program ends in order to simply get more context. 

The Program

Week #1: Build Your Gateway.
Your gateway is a signal to others. This is a guiding focus to provide clarity, not just to others, but to yourself. Let’s craft the language and intention of your gateway. Here you will learn to describe what you create and why, in a manner that feels authentic and engaging.

Week #2: Open the Gate 
Before you bring people through your gate, you have to walk through it and identify the people who will most resonate with your work. I explain the research process to discover your ideal readers.

Week #3: Bring People to the Gate
Here we delve into the foundations of marketing. Bringing people to your gate is not about spammy promotions. Instead it is about connecting with people in a manner that feels authentic to who you are.

Week #4: Walk People Through the Gate
To truly connect people with your work, you have to create meaningful moments and experiences with them. Here we identify how you can do that, even if you are a busy introvert.

How It Works

Video Lessons: You receive video lessons where I walk you through Be the Gateway concepts.

Micro-Actions: You will be given simple and clear tasks at each step of the program.

You will submit your questions to me each week via a form I provide.

I will provide feedback on your work and answer your specific questions via a personalized 5-15 minute video just for you each week.

I recommend you plan to spend 2 hours a week on this program. We repeat that for four weeks.

I’m Dan Blank, and I’ve helped thousands of writers develop their author platforms, launch their books, and create marketing strategies that work.

For the past 9 years, this has been my full-time job. Every day, I am in the trenches with authors. It is an absolute and total joy. 

Registration

When you register, Dan will email you to set up a start date specifically for you. This will be a day that is convenient for your schedule. There are no live calls, so you don’t need to be anywhere at any specific time. Instead, you are given access to first week’s material, and we will begin our collaboration throughout the 4 weeks that follow.

Each week you will receive new material, and each week I will answer your questions.

Total fee: $450
(payment plan is available)

Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What technology do I need in order to participate?

The entire program is run using basic tools: email, PDFs, links to videos, etc. As long as you have email, a web browser, and the ability to view regular documents (PDF, Word, Excel, etc.) then you are good!

Are there any days or times I have to show up live for anything?

No! I know your life is busy, which is why this program doesn’t have any live calls at any set days/times. Instead, you submit your work to me and I provide direct personalized feedback to you via video, which you can watch at your convenience.

In terms of scheduling, what will a typical week in the program look like?

The program will generally follow this schedule:

  • On Monday you will receive a new instructional video from me walking you through core concepts, with suggested actions for you to take.
  • By mid-week you will provide your feedback and questions you have for me as you customize your plan.
  • At the end of the week I will record a 5-15 minute for you, sharing my answers to your questions, and suggestions for exactly what I recommend you do.

How much time per week will this program require of me?

You should plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours per week on the work within this program. You can spend more time if you like, but I suggest at least:

  • 30 minutes early in the week to review the material I provide.
  • 30 minutes to take the micro-actions suggested in the material.
  • 30 minutes to consider what questions you have for me.
  • 30 minutes to watch my response and customize your plan.