Write of Passage
Review

You Have Something to Say. Time to Make It Exceptional.

Medium
  • Last updated 01/01/2025
by David Perell

What you'll learn ? Overview

Write of Passage is an intensive online writing bootcamp designed to transform aspiring writers into prolific online creators. Led by David Perell, the course focuses on developing a systematic approach to cultivating ideas, structuring content, and publishing work that attracts meaningful professional opportunities.

The curriculum walks students through building a personal website, launching an email newsletter, and mastering the art of writing in public. Participants are guided to shift from passive consumption to active creation, learning to leverage their writing as a personal and professional asset.

The target audience includes knowledge workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to stand out online, build an audience, and open doors through thoughtful digital publishing.

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Is this course for you?

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Prior experience needed

Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)

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Time commitment

moderate Moderate (5–10 Hours/Week)

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Learning style

Hybrid (Mix Of Pre-Recorded Lessons & Live Workshops)

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Goal

Make Money

Best suited for:

Ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and knowledge workers seeking to accelerate their online presence, build authority, and connect with like-minded peers.

Instructor

David Perell

The Writing Guy Legitimacy Score: 9/10
David Perell is a renowned writer, educator, and digital entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the realm of online writing and education. As the founder of Write of Passage, a highly acclaimed writing course, Perell has helped thousands of individuals improve their writing skills and build an online presence. His approach combines traditional writing principles with modern digital strategies, empowering students to articulate complex ideas clearly and build meaningful relationships through their writing.
Perell's career trajectory is marked by his transition from a corporate job to becoming a prolific content creator and educator. After being fired from his first job out of college, he embarked on a journey of consistent content creation, publishing daily vlogs for 114 consecutive days. This habit laid the foundation for his future success. He has since published over 1,000 pieces of content, including blog posts, podcast episodes, and newsletters. In March 2019, Perell launched Write of Passage, which quickly became a six-figure business.
• Founder of Write of Passage, a successful online writing course
• Built a newsletter subscriber base of over 70,000 readers
• Interviewed notable figures like Neil deGrasse Tyson and Seth Godin for his North Star Podcast
• Published viral essays such as 'What the Hell is Going On' and 'The Ultimate Guide to Writing Online'
• Achieved six-figure sales within weeks of launching Write of Passage
• Recognized as a thought leader in the field of online writing and digital education
• Speaker at the Sovereign Writers Conference 2023
• Guest on The Tim Ferriss Show podcast
• Featured speaker at the On Deck Writer Fellowship
• Appeared on the Lex Fridman Podcast
• Keynote speaker at the Creator Economy Expo (CEX) 2022
• Guest on the My First Million podcast with Shaan Puri and Sam Parr
David Perell is a digital dynamo, consistently engaging his audience across multiple platforms. He tweets daily insights on writing, entrepreneurship, and personal growth to his 780,000+ Twitter followers. His YouTube channel features in-depth discussions on writing techniques and interviews with industry experts, updated weekly. Perell's LinkedIn presence showcases his professional journey and course offerings, while his Instagram account provides behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work and life.

Course Details

  • ⏱ Duration35
  • 📶 DifficultyMedium
  • ⌛ Access Lifetime
  • ⏰ Time investmentModerate (5–10 Hours/Week)
  • 🧠 PrerequisitesNo formal prerequisites, but a strong motivation to write and basic digital literacy are recommended.
  • 💻 RequirementsLaptop or desktop computer, stable internet connection.
  • 💸 Hidden CostsMinimal—website hosting ($5–$15/month), optional domain registration.
  • 🙋‍♂️ Support OptionsLive Q&A, peer feedback sessions, community forum, alumni network.

Course content

  • Module 1: Writing from Abundance (idea collection, note-taking, overcoming writer’s block)
  • Module 2: Writing from Conversation (turning dialogue into essays, feedback, editing)
  • Module 3: Writing in Public (publishing, audience building, newsletters)
  • Module 4: Building a Personal Website (web presence, digital portfolio)
  • Module 5: Networking and Serendipity (leveraging writing for connections and opportunities)

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Feedbacks

Overall sentiment

Mostly positive, with high praise for structure, community, and career impact, but some concerns about price and intensity.

Praised points

Common praise points:
  • Structured, actionable curriculum that builds confidence and publishing consistency.
  • Vibrant, supportive peer community and access to successful alumni.
  • Strong emphasis on practical writing and networking skills.

Criticisms

Common criticisms:
  • High price tag compared to other writing programs.
  • Time commitment can be challenging for busy professionals.
  • Some modules may feel overwhelming for true beginners.

Testimonials

"The community alone is worth the price."
"I published five essays in five weeks—never thought I could do that."
"The frameworks helped me overcome years of writer’s block."
"It’s intense, but the results are real."
"Networking with like-minded people opened unexpected doors."

Social insights

User discussions highlight the course’s ability to help students publish regularly and grow their online presence. Many cite the networking and accountability as key benefits. Some question the ROI for advanced writers or those without a clear goal. The cost is frequently debated, with most agreeing it’s best for those ready to invest in their writing career.

Video review

Marketing Analysis

Claim Verification

The course promises to help students publish online, build an audience, and unlock professional opportunities. Most alumni reports confirm significant progress in these areas, especially for motivated participants.

Price History

Price has increased over time, with the most recent cohorts around $4000.

Upsell Practices

Premium packages and alumni memberships are offered but not aggressively pushed.

Student Success

Multiple alumni (e.g., Packy McCormick, Ana Lorena Fabrega) have gone on to notable writing and media careers. Many report increased visibility and networking opportunities.

Platform & Delivery

Learning Platform

Custom platform with live sessions (often Zoom), reliable and user-friendly.

Content Accessibility

Session replays available, downloadable resources provided.

Mobile Compatibility

Mobile access is functional but best experienced on desktop/laptop.

Technical Requirements

Reliable internet, basic computer; no advanced hardware needed.

Red flags check

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Complaints

No significant complaints or disputes are widely reported.

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Refund policy issues

Refund policy is available and stated, but strict timelines apply.

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Marketing practices

Generally transparent, with clear outcomes and alumni stories.

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Community feedback

Occasional concerns about value for price, but few serious issues.

Is this course legit?

Value For Money

High for those committed to publishing and leveraging their writing; less so for dabblers.

Conclusion

We recommend Write of Passage for motivated individuals ready to invest in their writing and online brand. Not for those seeking a low-cost, low-commitment course.

FAQs about this course

The course typically runs for five weeks, with a mix of live workshops, assignments, and community events.

Expect to spend 5–10 hours per week on lessons, writing, and peer feedback sessions.

<strong>No prior experience required</strong>, but a willingness to publish and participate is essential.

Yes, but it is time-limited. Refunds are usually available if requested within the first week of the course.

Students get access to live Q&A, peer review groups, and a private online community for networking and support.

Premium tiers include 1:1 feedback, while all students receive peer and instructor feedback in group sessions.

Alumni gain access to a private community and ongoing events to continue their writing journey.

Minimal—primarily for website hosting and domain registration if you choose to launch a personal site.
thumbnail Images
$ 4 000
Total score: 8,0/10 ⭐
  • Duration35
  • DifficultyMedium
  • Release Date01/01/2019
  • Format Enum.course_Format.cohort or Workshop or Membership
  • AccessLifetime
  • Time InvestmentModerate (5–10 Hours/Week)
  • Payment Options One-Time
  • LanguageEnglish
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Our Methodology

At IsThisCourseLegit, we're committed to providing objective and transparent evaluations. Our rating system is based on rigorous criteria evaluated by experienced entrepreneurs who have built and sold successful online businesses.

Our Rating System

Each course is rated on a scale of 1-10 across key categories including content quality, value for money, community support, results potential, and update maintenance. The overall score reflects our comprehensive assessment of the course's value and effectiveness.

Our Process

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How We Ensure Quality

Thorough Testing:

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Long-term Monitoring:

We track course updates and community development over time.

Write of Passage Review