How to pick the right topics and audience
By
M. Anthony Phillips
I’m a new novelist with three
books under my belt. Picking a subject to write about to me has to not only be
something that is passionate to you, but also is marketable in an ever changing
audience. My genre of choice is fiction because I love a great story. When I was
a kid I used to stay up late at night with my father watching old movies. The
experience stayed with me, not just because it helped shape who I am, but also
because it gave my father and I a chance to bond.
I guess you can say every
fictional story has an audience, but if you’re just doing a story just because a
particular genre is the latest thing, and you’re not really passionate about the
story, then it could come off as not being believable. What defines you as a
person? What cartoons, or movies did you watch as a child? Do you find yourself
saying “That would make a great story?”
It’s okay to jump in on the
latest thing—children’s books are very popular, so if you do, become
educated—buy a book and read it to your kids to see their reaction. If it
doesn’t warm your heart, then maybe it’s not the one. Picking the genre you want
to become a genuine author in is the easy part. The hard part is finding a core
audience and how to market them.
If you choose to self publish
your book, which is usually what happens to first time authors unless you’re a
famous celebrity, send out a press release to announce your book. Do an online
book tour that will reach a variety of readers, send out postcards to family and
friends, post an add on your facebook page, start a website, and there are many
other strategies as well. Eventually you’ll start to develop a hardcore
following that will become avid supporters of your books.
About the author:
M. Anthony Phillips is a native of St. Louis and studied writing and
history at Harris Stowe University. M. Anthony is an avid historian and
reader of fine literature of fiction and non-fictional books. This is M.
Anthony’s third novel with a sequel to follow with hopes of becoming a
full time novelist. M. Anthony resides in St. Louis and Los Angeles
where he loves acting as a SAG member, practicing martial arts, writing
screenplays, and living the life of a modern day renaissance man.
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