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Be Intentional with Your Number One Focus, Part II

What is the most important thing a new author should focus on? I already identified one of three elements a new author should consider. First, the reasons you deserve to publish. Now we'll look at another factor. Our target reader. 


Bringing attention to our audience it vital. Who are you writing for? What are their needs? How can we engage our target reader? These are just some of the questions to pinpoint early on in the beginning stages of production. 


Research

A fellow author who writes children's books told me she figured out she wasn't tapping into her audience well. Her goal was to write books for parents to share with their little ones. After researching competitors, she discovered her language was for older kids. Also, her storyline was a bit lengthy for the young ones. Now she's working on another children's book and will better cater to her audience.


Understanding who you're targeting builds your foundation on solid grounds. I encourage you to switch places with the reader. Meeting them where they are. Are you speaking their language? 


Consider creating a focus group. Question a few people in your desired area of concentration for appropriate feedback. Or do what my friend did, research competitors but be careful. 


Copycats

We don't want to duplicate what's already out there. I avoid reading books from my book project's genre to solidify originality. I don't want to copy what's already there. I capture ideas, record them and bring them to life in my own creative way by not reviewing the works of competitors during the process. If you're going to perform research, try different approaches to gathering information in order to strengthen your work.


Conclusion

Staying motivated with your reasons and knowing your audience is important to understand. When you step into another person's shoes it is then you can determine their needs. Expounding on this will undoubtedly help you gain insight on how to meet your reader where they are. Put on their lens to develop your key points. Next, I'll emphasize the third and last contributing factor on my list which every new author should concentrate on.

 

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