A Million Authors In Search Of A Reader

“It’s a paper jungle out there, kiddo.”

I’m not sure why, but I’ve got Bogey on my mind today. I can imagine him standing on my balcony, with a cigar, looking into the middle distance. I can hear his voice saying this line, “it’s a paper jungle out there, kiddo.” The reason all of this is on my mind is simple: Advice for writers can be confusing at the best of times and with the best of intentions.

Quite often, I sign up for a webinar or purchase a guide on a very specific topic, only to find myself listening or reading something which is general and hardly gives me anything specific or practical to work with. Since we live in a world where many things are offered as a morsel, an Amuse Bouche to wet the appetite, it’s unrealistic to hope for a deep exploration of a topic, including tips that answer specific questions and cover what might stymy many of us. But the real disappointment comes from those who present themselves as professionals and seem to have experience which should give them the tools to teach specifics.

As you can see from the title of this post, the most general of all topics is readership. Everyone talks about knowing your readers and how important it is to define the market you are writing for. On its face, it seems simple enough: Do you write middle-grade fiction? New adult? Young adult? Children’s? Adult only? Fiction or nonfiction? Genre and/or subgenre?

So far, so good. But then we descend one more step into the complexities of the issue. I write for adults, that I know for sure. How can I be certain if my readership is likely to consist of women or men? Middle-aged or in their twenties? Professionals or artistic? If I write fiction, must I really know all these details? How far into the matrix should I venture before it becomes too foggy for me to see my way?

I’ve been to countless online presentations in which the topic was mentioned, without any real advice on how to figure out this conundrum. I began visualizing millions of authors, a haunted look on their faces, shuffling aimlessly through the wilderness of the paper jungle, looking for that elusive reader that would save them from obscurity.

Until one voice rang with clarity in the foggy mist. Sadly, I cannot name the saint, because I honestly do not remember where I heard it. It simply came to my mind a few days ago, when the subject of readership was brought up. This person, in their infinite wisdom, offered a specific piece of advice, after pointing out how difficult it is for most authors to know how to define their group of intended readers. The advice is this: Write to one reader, for one reader. Decide on one person, whether it is someone you know or not, and write the book with this person in mind.

So as of today, I am writing my books with one of my writing friends in mind. This is a kind and compassionate person, who would not shy from telling me what needs to be fixed, while celebrating with me what works. Maybe that is the key – hoping for compassionate and kind readers, who would truly enjoy what we write. In my heart of hearts, I pray my books touch and move people, strengthen them and encourage them to follow their inner truth. Lofty, I know. But hey, what’s life without hope?

Please, share with me any general advice on writing that might bother you in its generality. Is there any topic you wish would be explained further? Are you looking for specifics on some subject? Maybe another subscriber could share the answer you are looking for. And remember, whatever you do, remind yourself why you enjoy writing and creating. You deserve to enjoy this journey.

So here’s to your creative trek through the artistic jungle.

May the compass of creativity lead you right and true and may you meet many friends along the way.