As I’m getting ready to finish my manuscript and send it out into the world, I’m gathering all the information I need for querying agents. One of the most popular questions agents ask is: Who is your audience? If you are like me, you don’t have a good answer. You may say something vague like, “Anyone who likes a mystery with good twists.” Or, “My family and friends all love it so anyone will like my book.” These are answers most agents will roll their eyes at and then label you as an amateur.
So, what kind of answer are they looking for? How do you know who your audience is? I’ve read many articles on this topic, and the advice usually says to narrow it down to one person. Some say to create an imaginary ideal reader and name them. Others say to pick a real person in your life and write to them. I think what everyone is trying to say is that you need to write for a person and not an idea.
The best resource I found on identifying your audience is a marketing advisor named Dan Blank. He has a process called the Whole Reader Framework that helps you define your ideal audience. I’m going to divide readers’ motivations to read into two categories: conscious and subconscious. Once you have that figured out, you can look for ways to market to them.
Conscious Motivations
This addresses the logical side of the readers and why they consciously make their decisions. Why do they think they are motivated to read the book? Do they only read critically acclaimed books? Or books that hit the New York Times bestseller list? It could also be simple like the book was on sale, the cover was pretty, or the book blurb used the word “heist” in its description.
Conscious motivations are the preferences readers have and use to make decisions on which books to read. When you are defining your ideal reader, make a list of things that you think your reader will want.
For instance, my readers will most likely want a fantasy book with high amounts of adventure and mystery. So, using keywords like mysterious, quest, spy, and magic will draw them. Also, I write character-centered stories so my readers may prefer books with people featured on the front cover. Get as specific as you can about your reader’s logical reasons for picking up a book, and it will not only help you with an agent or publisher but with marketing as well.
Subconscious Motivations
Every reader has emotional draws to read a book. We already talked about how genres are just ways to categorize what main feelings a book portrays, but this goes beyond that. This is more about identity. If a reader chooses a book because it’s won a bunch of literary awards, what does that say about the reader on a deeper level? Perhaps he sees himself as highly intellectual or wants others to think that of him. If so, then the book he will enjoy most will have characters who want similar things and reinforces his beliefs about his own identity.
Additionally, your reader may have motivations that he doesn’t even know himself. What does your reader think he doesn’t want but always reacts to? The reader may not seek plots with domestic abuse, but it could be a topic that always intrigues him and draws him into the story. You have to think about the bad things as well as the good things that attract your audience. Focus on what emotions they seek or are drawn to, and put those in your book.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to look at how the conscious and subconscious motivations coincide and influence how the readers act. What makes them buy a book or recommend it to someone else? If you take the time to define your ideal reader in these ways, you’ll have those answers. You’ll know how to present your books to catch their eye and what they subconsciously seek in a book to make them tell others about it.
By unearthing your reader’s deeper motivations for reading, you can find better ways to market your books. That’s really why agents and publishers ask who the ideal audience is for your book. They want to know how to market your book and get the most purchases. If you can give them a detailed answer, then you may have a better chance at landing a deal. Also, if you want to indie publish, then you have a head start on how to market your book. Either way, this is an important step in your publishing process if you want to increase your sales.
Thanks for reading!
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