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:
- Men/women
• Age bracket
• White collar/blue collar
• Political affiliation
• Education
• Religious view
• Personality type
Then think how our life experiences shape our concerns and our outlook.
Especially if you’re writing from personal experience — using examples from your life to illustrate your points — the people who will best relate will likely come from a similar perspective.
So as you write, why not target that specific audience? And rather than target a group of those people, write to one specific person. Think of the conversations you’ve had on that topic with friends or people at church.
As you write, keep one of their faces in mind.
That will help keep your writing on target and personal. And that’s what all readers like.
