After writing a book, a writer’s greatest challenge is giving their reader a reason to read what they’ve written. As writers, we’re communicators. We have a message to share, so whether we think about it during the writing process or not, getting them to read is what writing for publication is all about.
This is a great challenge because readers are busy—we all are. And with so many options for how we spend our time, like other books, television, magazines, web sites, hobbies, families, etc., your book has to be pretty compelling if you want it to be read.
That means your book needs a great topic and great writing to make it successful. The quality of writing is important because people who take time to read books do so because they love reading. Think about it: if a person doesn’t like reading, no matter how much a book’s topic is of interest to them, they don’t have to read it. So why would you slack on the writing quality when that only gives a reader one more reason not to read your book?
Now, having your book read is important because if no one reads it, no one will talk about it or review it or buy it. Your book has to be read, and so you must give your ideal readers a reason to stay with you and finish it.
So how do you do that? Well, a lot goes into it—after all, I did say it is the writer’s greatest challenge. But you must start by knowing who your readers are and what they’re struggling with, particularly for self-help and how-to nonfiction. What problem can you solve for them? What keeps them up at night? Why? And most importantly, how will solving this problem change their life for the better?
Writing a book is about sharing a new solution. So it really helps if you have to have a deep and intimate understanding of the problem, whether through personal experience, professional experience, or research. If you haven’t experienced the problem yourself, then you should talk to people who have to see what it was like for them, how it affected their everyday life. Understanding this will help you connect with your readers and solve their problems in a meaningful way.
You have to write your book in a voice that appeals to your readers—a voice that both entertains and informs. Think about it like this: you are the narrator, or voice over, of your information. And you have an audience—your reader. Even though you can’t see them, you have to remember they’re there.
So you can’t always say whatever you want however you want. You have to be conscious of your tone and approach. If your readers don’t like you or if you offend them in some way, they aren’t going to read your book. And you have to give your best ideas, information, and strategies to them on every page so they’ll only want more.
Now back to the original question: why would someone want to read your book? While I can guide you through important choices about your material, that’s a question only you can answer. Taking the time to answer it, though, will make your book successful.
About the Author: Melinda Copp helps aspiring nonfiction authors write books their readers will love. Get a copy of her FREE “Jump Start Your Book E-course!” by signing up here: www.FINALLYWriteaBook.com.
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