Instead, target specific readers.
Two words to avoid when you describe to an agent your book’s intended readership: all and everyone.
Yes, authors should radiate optimism. But claiming your book will appeal to everyone marks you as naive.
Consider just a few of the differences among potential readers:
It’s an easy way to find problems.
Skimming ahead in the small group study guide, I spotted the sentence. My editor’s sense told me something was wrong.
Sure enough, when the guy to my right tried to read that passage aloud, he had to pause, back up, and read it again.
A few minutes later, the next person also stumbled over a sentence.
The problem wasn’t … Continue reading
Make the most of your regular reading.
I work primarily with print publications, so I subscribe not only to a daily newspaper, but also to several magazines.
Each offers the work of multiple writers, editors, proofreaders, photographers, and typographers — all skills I seek to improve.
Some of their articles I only skim; others I read in depth. At times the subject matter makes the … Continue reading