The Scribe Method The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book
Figure Out Your Audience
One of the biggest mistakes aspiring authors make is failing to identify their audience before they start writing. A book without a clear audience is like a ship without a compass—aimless and unlikely to reach its destination. Whether you’re writing a memoir, a business guide, or a self-help book, defining your audience is crucial to crafting a message that resonates and achieves your goals.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to figure out your audience, why it’s important, and how doing so will set you up for success as an author.
Why Identifying Your Audience Matters
Your audience determines everything about your book—from the tone and style to the content and structure. Without a clear audience, your writing risks being too broad, unfocused, and ineffective. But when you know exactly who you’re writing for, you can craft a message that speaks directly to their needs, challenges, and desires.
Understanding your audience helps you:
- Write with clarity and purpose: Knowing who you’re speaking to allows you to tailor your message.
- Increase your book’s impact: A focused message resonates more deeply with readers.
- Market your book effectively: When you know your audience, you can target your marketing efforts to reach them more efficiently.
Steps to Identify Your Audience
- Define Your Ideal Reader
Ask yourself: Who will benefit the most from this book? Be as specific as possible. Consider demographics (age, gender, profession) and psychographics (goals, challenges, interests).
For example, if you’re writing a business book about leadership, your ideal reader might be mid-level managers looking to grow into executive roles. If you’re writing a memoir about overcoming adversity, your audience could be people who are currently struggling and seeking inspiration.
- Understand Their Pain Points
What challenges or problems does your audience face? What keeps them up at night? Your book should address these pain points and offer solutions or insights. The more you can empathize with their struggles, the more likely they are to connect with your message.
- Identify Their Goals
What does your audience want to achieve? Are they looking for professional success, personal growth, or practical skills? Your book should provide actionable steps or meaningful takeaways to help them reach these goals.
- Research and Validate Your Audience
Don’t rely solely on assumptions—back them up with research. Look at online forums, social media groups, and industry publications where your target audience hangs out. Pay attention to the questions they’re asking and the topics they’re discussing.
If possible, talk to potential readers directly. Conduct surveys or informal interviews to better understand their needs and interests.
- Write for One Person
It’s tempting to try to appeal to everyone, but doing so waters down your message. Instead, imagine you’re writing to one specific person. This will help you stay focused and make your writing more personal and impactful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too broad: If your audience is “anyone who likes books,” your message will lack focus.
- Ignoring your audience’s needs: Don’t write what you think they should want—write what they actually want.
- Skipping the research: Assumptions are not facts. Always validate your audience with real data and feedback.
How Knowing Your Audience Helps You Write Better
Once you’ve clearly defined your audience, you’ll find it easier to make decisions about your book. Everything from your title to your chapter structure will flow naturally when you have a clear picture of who you’re writing for.
For example, let’s say your audience is small business owners looking to scale their operations. With that in mind, you might:
- Use a professional but conversational tone.
- Include case studies of successful small businesses.
- Focus on actionable advice rather than abstract theory.
This level of specificity ensures that your book delivers real value to your readers and sets you apart as an author who truly understands their needs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Figuring out your audience is the foundation of writing a successful book. It’s the first step in crafting a message that resonates, makes an impact, and achieves your goals as an author.
Want to dive deeper into the book-writing process? Access a free online copy of The Scribe Method here.
Prefer the feel of a physical book? Purchase the hard copy of The Scribe Method here.
Get started today and make your book the tool that transforms your future!