Could
Your Book Idea Be the Next Best Seller?
by: Dawn
Josephson
Everyone has a unique story to tell.
From explaining business processes to revealing our personal
history, we all have a natural desire to share our experiences
with the world. As a result, bookstore shelves are packed
with numerous titles that promise to entertain, enlighten,
and educate readers.
Perhaps, then, the old saying that
“everyone has at least one book in them” is true. If so,
how do you know whether your current idea really is book
worthy or if it needs some fine-tuning to have maximum marketability?
Before you put pen to paper (or fingers
to keyboard), put your book idea to the test. Use the following
questions as a way to hone your idea’s development and create
a manuscript destined for the best-seller list.
- Can you state your book’s purpose
in 10 words or less?
Many new authors face the challenge
of wanting to give too much information at once. Instead
of focusing on one specific idea, they try to wrap multiple
concepts into one book. This approach not only makes
it difficult to organize your book, but it also overwhelms
your readers.
With any good book, you can state
the book’s specific purpose in 10 words or less. Realize
that your purpose is not the same as your theme or plot.
The book’s purpose is what you specifically want the
reader to do or think as a result of reading your book.
Now, a statement such as “to live a better life” or
“to run a better business” is not specific. A purpose
is not a generalization. It’s a specific action that
you motivate the reader to embark upon.
For example, if you’re writing
a business book, your purpose should be to help your
readers improve one specific business function, such
as its marketing efforts, its customer service, its
project management, etc. Your purpose should not be
“to teach business executives how to create better marketing
materials, deliver improved customer service, establish
long-term customer relations, increase employee retention,
and locate the best new talent.” That’s simply too much
for one book to cover. Keep your purpose specific so
you can deliver targeted and useful information.
- Does your book have a specific
audience?
While you certainly want a large
audience to market your book to, you also want an audience
that’s targeted to your topic. Simply stating that your
audience is “business people” or “women” or “the general
public” is not a targeted audience. Why? Not all business
people have the same concerns, not all women are interested
in the same topics, and not everyone in the general
public will be able to identify with your ideas.
When you narrow your audience
to include those with a specific tie to your theme or
who fit a certain demographic, you gain a marketing
edge that can position your book more effectively. So
instead of stating that your audience is “business people,”
perhaps you can narrow it down to “company owners,”
“middle management,” or “entrepreneurs.” Rather than
target the broad category of “women,” you’d have better
sales by focusing on “women over age 50,” “working moms,”
or “single women under age 35.” All these categories
consist of a large number of people, yet they are narrow
enough so you can streamline your message.
- Are you saying something new?
If you want people to invest the
time and money to read your book, you have to tell them
something new. Too many authors attempt to reword or
rehash old ideas that others have stated over and over.
While you should use other people’s works to substantiate
claims or add credibility to your message, make sure
your central idea is fresh and unique.
How can you make sure your approach
is new? Incorporate the results of a survey you personally
conducted. Include case studies from your own business
or life. Interview people who can contribute facts and
information. Add elements of yourself to punctuate your
message. This is your book, so tell your story or stance
on an issue.
Many authors are afraid to state
a new opinion on a topic that others have covered. They
think they may turn people off or offend. Remember that
people like controversy, so if your book can stir things
up and make people think twice about something, you’ll
have a greater chance of creating a buzz about your
book.
- Are your writing skills up to par?
You could have the best idea in
the world, but if your text is filled with errors, is
poorly organized, or is difficult to understand, no
one will want to read it. Before you write too much
of your book, brush up on your writing skills by attending
a writing class, studying a writing guide, or hiring
a writing coach to help you correct your writing challenges.
Also, educate yourself on what writing style appeals
to your audience, and then strive to imitate that style.
Gear your writing to your intended audience as much
as possible.
If you’re unsure whether your
writing skills make the grade, consult with a professional
editor or ghostwriter who can rework your writing and
bring it up to publishing standards. Don’t let poor
writing skills ruin your best-selling idea.
Start Writing Now
Writing a book is no small undertaking.
When you can answer “yes” to each of the above questions,
you’ll be on your way to transforming your idea into a publishable
piece of work. Take the time to nurture and develop your
idea before you start writing so you can be sure to create
the best book possible. A little pre-planning and foresight
is all it takes to give your book the most market appeal.
About The Author
Dawn Josephson is president and founder of Cameo Publications,
an editorial and publishing services firm based in Hilton
Head Island, SC. She is also the author of Putting It On
Paper: The Ground Rules for Creating Promotional Pieces
that Sell Books. For more information, please visit www.CameoPublications.com.
editor@cameopublications.com
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