Successful writers satisfy readers – easy enough said. But how do they do that?
The issue is to define your audience first, then learn exactly what they want. Here are tips to do just that (and an example below of how invaluable it can be to understand assumptions).
- Define your story’s genre: Even the classics don't appeal to every reader. Discover which genre your story fits best and concentrate on fulfilling expectations for those readers.
- Read the best of the works in that genre: Study the structure, characterization, and various writing methods they employ. Which are techniques are common among all of those bestseller?
- Read the most recent works in that genre: What is popular today can show the direction that genre is taking for tomorrow.
- Join social media groups dedicated to that genre: Look for a consensus of opinions about what they like, don’t like and - most important - what they wish was written.
- Satisfy first – then expand: Be sure your story will satisfy your readers' most basic expectations and then consider adding a fresh perspective.
A Twist on Reader Expectations
What do readers expect in a singles column? That expectation translates into why this ad in the Atlanta Journal received such an overwhelming response:
Singles ad
Single black female seeks male companionship. Ethnicity not important. I'm a very good looking girl who loves to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your
hand. When you get home from work, I’ll be at the front door wearing only with nature gave me. Call (404) 555-1212 and ask for Daisy.
RESPONSE: Over 1500 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society. This ad was about adopting an eight-week old black Labrador retriever.
Know your audience and write what they want the most!
