BP number one was “Be Professional.” Number two was “Be Passionate.” The third BP is one I like a lot: Be Plugged In. You need to be the expert on not just your book, but on the readers, the competition, and the craft. Doing that will enable you to equip your team! So…
- Know your audience
It’s rare to find a book–or an author–that will be read by everyone. You book should have an “ideal” reader, and the more you keep that person in mind, the stronger your book will be. Get to know your reader. Develop a description of him or her. Find out the following about your reader:
- Age:
- Gender:
- Education:
- Politics:
- Denomination:
- Culture (traditions, language, world view, view of opposite sex, etc):
- Occupation:
- Finances/Social Status:
- Region:
- Relational status:
- Favorite books & music:
- Family History:
- Family Dynamics:
- Social issues/concerns:
- Emotional Issues/concerns:
- Faith Issues/concerns:
I know authors who write with a description and even a photo of their “reader” next to their computers. All of the factors listed above influence our readers’ buying decisions. Know your reader well, so you can not only write to that person or group of people, but so you can help your team know them.
- Know your competition.
An author who knows the competition is a great asset for agents, editors, and marketers. Can you identify the top 3-5 books in your category and provide an analysis on them? If so, great! If not, you’ve got some work to do. Read books and authors similar to your book and your voice. Read those different so you can know what they do and don’t address, places where your message can fill the holes. Read books in the Christian market, but don’t forget to read and be informed on books in the general market. You need to be able to identify similarities between your book and each of your comp titles (to show there’s a market out there for what you’re doing), and then go on to say what your book does or will provide that each of these books doesn’t. For example:
“This book will appeal to those who love the quality of Oprah Club books, but are looking for hope rather than despair.”
or
{title} is similar to my book in that it speaks to the heart of women who long to be cherished. Where {title} and my book differ is that where the core message of {title} focuses on self-help, my book focuses on finding help, hope, and encouragement based on Scripture and an enduring faith in God. {title} tells the reader it’s up to you. My book tells the reader you’re not alone in this; God has your back.
These kinds of analyses are great ammo for your agent, and equally great information for publisher’s marketing and sales forces.
Next week we’ll discuss the final BP. Until then, have a great week!
