The Elusive Perfect Reader

Today's post is by Lynne Klippel, a best-selling author, publisher, and book shepherd. Since 2004, she's been working with coaches, speakers, and entrepreneurs who want to write a nonfiction book to showcase their expertise and build their business.  Her business, Business Building Books, focuses on the marriage of internet marketing and publishing and has helped clients from 6 of the 7 continents. An avid reader, Lynne used to get in loads of trouble as a kid for reading books instead of doing her chores.  Lynne lives in Missouri with her husband, three sons, a bunch of pets and tons of books.

One of the first questions you’ll hear from a publisher, writing coach, or interviewer is “Who should read your book?”

Most of us want to say, “Everyone!”

While you probably do have information in your book that will help many people, it is highly unlikely that everyone in the world will need to read it. Drat!

When you take time to get very clear on the characteristics, needs, and desires of a specific group of readers, you’ll be able to write your book faster and more effectively. Plus, you’ll be much more successful in your book marketing efforts.

Let’s start with a few examples of clear descriptions of perfect readers:

• Women aged 40 to 60 who have children and aging parents
• Divorced fathers who share custody of their children
• High school students who want to get into an Ivy League university
• Young adults aged 20 to 30 who left organized religion but still seek spiritual connection
• Corporate presidents or vice presidents who plan to retire in the next five years
• Women in their twenties with an eating disorder
• Parents whose grade school children act out in school

Each description brings a specific person to your mind, right? You may have pictured a friend, relative, or acquaintance who fit that description perfectly.

Now, it’s your turn to describe your perfect reader. Consider these key areas:

• Demographics: age, gender, marital status, profession, and socioeconomic status
• Challenges and stressors your reader faces that cause her to worry or look for help in a book
• Hopes, dreams, and goals
• Personality style—does he like facts and statistics or stories and humor?
• Time management—is she too busy to read long chapters?
• Current information-gathering practices—does he read, look online, go to seminars, take classes, or depend on others for new information?
• Fears—this is one the most important area to look at. Your book must provide a solution to a fear or group of fears if it’s really going to help your readers thrive.

You will continue to refine the definition of your perfect reader as you write your book.  One of the best ways to do this is to teach some classes and see what kinds of people attend and resonate with your material. If you don’t enjoy teaching, notice the kinds of people who visit your website or comment on your blog. 

The more you study and learn about your ideal reader, the more targeted you can make your book. Real people read books. When you can capture the essence of the perfect reader for your book, you are one step closer to becoming a successful author!

If you are ready to become a successful author, capitalize on your strengths and build from there.  To identify your author strengths, complete the free Author Assessment at www.BusinessBuildingBooks.com.