How To Pick a Topic and Narrow Down Your Audience Before You Write
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 6:00AM
Perhaps the two most important steps in the book-writing process come before you even sit down to type your manuscript. These steps are narrowing down your audience and choosing the topic of your book. There are so many topics and audiences to choose from - how do you pick just one of each?
Start by carrying a pad of paper and a pen with you, wherever you go. Make a list consisting of anything and everything that you might want to write about. Pay extra-close attention to the problems facing those around you and try to find out what topics people are most interested in reading about. Also list things that you are passionate about and any topics in which you hold considerable expertise.
Add to your list groups of people that you would like to reach through your book. Think about different age groups, different groups in the workforce, people with special interests, etc., and write down topics that might interest them.
Start narrowing down your list. Choose the topics and audiences that are most important to you and that you know the most about. Remember that the topic needs to be something that pertains to your audience; it must be one that the audience will be interested in if you want your book to be successful.
When you start writing your book, be sure to keep your audience in mind the entire time, and do not stray off topic. You must stay focused and use language that your audience is sure to understand. These things are essential if you want to keep readers interested in your book.
==>Amanda Free is a Communication Major at University of Louisville.
Reader Comments (2)
Loved the blog. ... Use language that your audience is sure to understand... Great advise, great work. Thank you for sharing!
Im new here, throught I would drop in and say hello. Been lurking around these forums for a while.