How to Have Your Readers Clamoring
for More
by Caterina Christakos
Many writers make a huge mistake. They write for
themselves. Now this is fine if you are writing in your journal, making
a grocery list or only intend to show your work to your closest friends
and most accommodating critics. For those of you, who actually wish
to get published, receive glowing reviews and actually sell more than
ten copies, there is a better way.
Write for your audience. Target your words, your
ideas and your plots to a particular audience and know what they want.
Do some research. If you intend to write for five year olds, go to
the library and study their stages of development. What are their
language skills at that age? What are their interests? What children's
books for that age group soared and which flopped?
If writing for the sci-fi crowd, don't just limit
yourself to that genre. Look for niches within it. Are you targeting
readers that were avid Star Trek fans or are they into the Next Generation?
Find a sub section. Are they interested in aliens or humans who have
stumbled upon extraordinary powers?
Read writing magazines, from that genre. What are
editors looking for? Many times, they will tell you exactly what they
need and what they will burn, if they receive any more of.
Join online newsgroups and chat boards for your subject.
If you are a romance writer, join romance chat boards and web sites.
Trade ideas with other writers. Ask who their favorite authors are
and why.
Submit sample chapters online for review. Take their
constructive criticism seriously and apply it, if it seems to be the
majority opinion.
Finally, read as many successful authors from your
field as you can. What makes their books best sellers? What keeps
you reading? Is it the style? Is it the subject? What can you apply
from their style to your own to keep your language and characters
fresh?
If you keep these simple tips in mind, your writing
will improve, your brain will kick in with better characters and plots
and your work will be not only accepted but applauded.
Caterina Christakos is the author of How to Write
a Children's Book in 30 Days or Less, How to Blow Your Competition
Away at Any Audition, And Dreams Lost Along the Way
and countless articles. To learn more about how to write and get published
go to: http://www.howtowriteachildrensbook.com
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