Don't Try To Write For Everyone!

You Can't Please Everyone!

OK, we all want to try and do this, but the reality is, it is completely impossible to please everyone out there. This is especially true when it comes to writing. You have heard me say this here, but writing and publishing is completely subjective. You know this even if you as writers often want to deny it when you submit stories to editors and agents. 

Think about it. When you have a friend hand you a book they totally loved and you start reading it and start questioning your friendship because of this book. What on earth were they thinking. This book is complete garbage. That, my friends is the subjectivity I am talking about. 

So, with that said, when you are writing your novel, quit trying to please everyone. Focus on YOUR audience. Yes, this does mean you need to do some market analysis and know who your market is, but that is who you have to focus on. It is that simple. This means, if you are an Inspirational Romance author then focus on that group. I don't care if what is hot right now in other genres might be dark romance, or romantic comedies, or even romantasy, stick to what YOUR group wants to hear. Don't leave your lane!

Another way I see people trying to do this is when they think "cross genre writing" will take care of everything. The issue here is you are not going to bring in people, you will actually drive off your readers. You can't say "My book is a historical, romance with a science fiction/fantasy feel that is part erotica but also will speak to those looking for a Christian message." Ummm, excuse me? Not going to happen. All you have here is a huge mess.

The same goes for your marketing of your books. You need to only focus on marketing in a way that your people will respond to. You should also only spend your effort marketing on platforms that they will be seeing your message. Consider this. If your audience is primarily an older audience, do you really think they will be learning the latest dance on TikTok? Probably not, so why would you be out there filming reels? This is a waste!

Just stick to one area and focus. You might be surprised at the success you will see!