Something to think about: What kind of person likes your books? What are they interested in? If you’ve never thought about these things, then your promotions won’t be as effective.

Your products have a “Reader Persona.” Intuitively, you know what it is, but maybe you haven’t owned it yet.

Why?

  • Write more effective promotional content, including your book descriptions and cover copy, with the right audience in mind.
  • Actively find the places where they hang out (both online and in the real world) and reach them directly with your promotions.
  • Hone your fiction by making your books even more targeted to your ideal audience.
  • Tighten the focus on your niche and achieve greater sales when you hit the bullseye. It’s the difference between using a laser and using a shotgun to reach potential readers. The laser will be far more effective and cost-efficient.
  • Prove to agents and publishers that you know your profession and your intended audience.

Consider These Questions

The following questions narrow down your reader persona. Answer them to the best of your ability. It’s okay if you can’t answer all of them. There are no right or wrong answers. This isn’t about hard data. It’s based on your observations of who you want to reach and of who you think your books are attracting.

  • What age group is most likely to buy your books? Break these into ranges, such as 13-17, 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, etc. You can set your own ranges.
  • What gender identities? The spectrum is diverse, but your books may appeal more to one subset.
  • What education level? High school? Bachelor’s? Master’s? Doctorate?
  • What religious affiliation? Christian? Jewish? Atheist?
  • What interests? Coffee, recipes, LGBTQ, alcohol, cats, serial killers, monsters, true love, cosplay, history?
  • How tech-savvy? Science nerd, computer geek, can’t figure out the TV remote, imagined technology rules?
  • What sensibilities? No violence, happily-ever-after, gore is good, expects humor, technical accuracy?

The answers to these questions may seem obvious to you. They should. They grow out of your writing style, your plots, your characters, and your personal interests. In many ways, your reader mirrors you. Acknowledge that and double down.

The best example of a niche that does this well is the Cozy Mystery niche. They know their audience and keep their books within the boundaries of what their readers expect and like.

Know your reader persona. Give them a name, if that helps, and write for them. They’ll reward you with love and loyalty.


Did this inspire any ideas? Share them in a comment.

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Categories: Promotion, Public

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