Most of us, when we start writing, write for ourselves. We write to figure something out, to sort out some aspects of our life or to amuse ourselves. We write about something that’s bugging us or making us happy, perhaps.
It used to be that was enough—just to put down on paper the thoughts or stories that were dancing around in our heads or hearts. We kept our thoughts in journals. We wrote about them in letters to close friends. Only a few daring people shared their writings in articles or books.
Today, however, everyone wants to have their writing published. It doesn’t matter if it is good or bad, timely or old hat, rough or wonderfully written, meaningful or useless, it is being published.
One of the biggest problems I see with material that newby freelance writers and authors are writing is that they continue in “this is what I want to write—this is what I need to say,” mode instead of doing what a professional would do, write for his or her audience.
I advise my clients and students, who want to write successfully for publication, to stop writing for themselves and start writing for their audiences.
Sure, you might have a cause that is important to you. You want to share a message that is close to your heart. You can still do this—and even more effectively—if you think more about what your audience wants—what will benefit him or her—than what you need or want to tell them.
Maybe this will help:
• As you write, visualize members of your audience. Focus on them, their needs and desires and you may do a better job of writing the right article or book for the right audience—one that is more well-received.
• Determine, as you plan and write your article or book, how your audience would benefit from what you know or are interested in?
• Research your topic or the theme of your article or book before deciding to share your writings with the world. Is it a topic or a genre that would be welcomed by a segment of the population? Is it a popular genre? Is it a topic of interest to at least a strong niche of people? Has the topic been overdone? What can you bring to the table that is different, fresh, desired?
• Write to be understood. If it is fiction, make sure that your story is believable—not in the sense that it has to be true, but that it must be presented in a logical order and be consistent in the way the story is told. If it is nonfiction, your book or article must be organized logically and filled with useful information or material that is presented in a way that is easy to follow and digest.
Keep your audience in mind as you plan and write your book or article and you will more likely attract a publisher or editor and more readers.
Are you looking for a good online course where you get plenty of personal feedback and attention for your project? Sign up for one of my courses: Book Proposal Course, Memoir-Writing Workshop, Self-Editing Workshop, Book Promotion Course, Build Your Platform Course, Article-Writing Course or Self-Publishing Workshop.
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
If you’re ready to start working with an editor on your book manuscript, learn more about my services here: http://www.patriciafry.com
Contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com.
I do write the story I’m interested in, however, I keep in mind my audience and tailor voice to them.
Nice post!
Hi Laura,
Yes, that’s the key, isn’t it? We have more to offer our readers if we write about what we know, love, are interested in. But, as you indicate, it still must resonate with our readers.
Thanks for your comment.
Happy Writing,
Patricia