Changing How Readers View Books

MCS 6If you’re the person responsible for changing the way readers view books, then you will control the industry. Does that sound like a pipe dream? Does it seem a bit unrealistic? Then this blog is probably not for you.

However, if you’re an author that wants to take control of your target audience and capture their emotions, then read on…

Find an answer to these six questions.

~ What are some current problems with books?

There are different ways you can answer this question. You can focus on how books are being sold, the category of age groups, genres, or how books are written. Is there something about books that you would love to change for the better? If so, then move onto the next question…

~ Specifically, how can you solve the problem?

Now that you have chosen a certain problem with books, how do you plan to solve that problem with your books and become part of the solution? What ideas do you have that are unique? Convey that to your target audience.

~ What trend can you set that will benefit readers?

If you are a trendsetter, then you are a millionaire. Do not limit your thinking, or say that trends are for Fortune 500 companies with influential marketing programs or those that create social media sites and sell them off for a couple billion dollars.

No one on this planet can write like you so that means you are becoming a trendsetter. Talk about those trends in your marketing campaign. Hammer your points until the world starts to look in your direction.

(For a detailed, one year marketing campaign, visit 12 Month Author Marketing Plan.)

~ In the future, what will every reader need and how will you fulfill that need?

I always say that authors should write books that readers want five years from now. That will put you first in the market. Whoever is first, controls the industry.

~ What new ancillary products could readers use that are not on the market?

Do not think just technical, because everyone is looking for the next digital idea. Go over the steps of what a reader does to search for a book, buy a book, read a book in a certain place, finish the book, and then discard the book in some way.

Now think about that again. And again. I bet you can come up with an idea that’s unique because of your awesome imagination. (Hurry, because the world needs that idea!)

~ What are readers being told by the media and publishing industry which isn’t true?

There are certain things authors, publishers, and industry-marketing agencies convey to customers, simply to get them to purchase their products. You are knowledgeable, so convey your own wisdom to readers.

However, don’t go on a rant, or post BEWARE signs on your website. For example, you read a blog done by a publisher that focuses on horror novels. “Horror books are fading away.” If you write horror novels, then you need to stick up for yourself and your readers. But do this professionally. “Ten Reasons Horror Novels Are Still Hot.”

Understand problems, solve problems, set trends, fulfill future needs, create compelling ancillary products, and stick up for yourself and your readers. That’s the way you control the industry, and your career…

Ron Knight


Ron Knight

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