Top Seven Ways to Select a Book Topic That Sells
Judy Cullins c. 2004
Authors need to write their book according to their target audiences'
needs and wants. You can sell many more copies when you address
these seven ways to select a topic that sells.
1. Write what you are passionate about. Write what will still interest
you in the next two years. Your book is an extension of you, your
talks, and your profession. If you don't love your topic, you won't
be successful. One big mistake authors make is to put attention
on writing another book before their first one has been promoted.
2. Write down five topics you are passionate about. Ask your inner
author which one should you pay attention to first. After choosing,
gather and organize everything you already know and want to know
about that topic. If you need, research it. Read other authors'
books in your field, check out related web sites, and subscribe
to newsletters. You become the expert as you write.
3. Write a book your audience needs or wants. People want how to's
and skills. Three special reports on memory and a speed reading
manual I wrote have sold over 100,000 in the past 15 years. Business
books sell well. People need writing, reading, speaking, computing,
communication, math, sales, marketing and Internet skills. Nonfiction
how to's sell best. When your nonfiction books sells well, you can
finance your novel.
4. Research your target market. Who is your preferred audience?
Who will read and buy your book? Who will pay the $10-$25 price
tag? How many possible buyers are there? How does your book stack
up to your competition? What is your unique selling proposition?
What benefits does your book bring its readers?
How many in your audience? According to Dan Poynter, author of
Writing Nonfiction, an audience of 200,000 to 700,000 is best. Chicken
Soup for the Teenage Soul sold three million copies more in one
year than the original Chicken Soup sold in three years.
5. Compare your book with other reputable, good sellers. What way
is your book like theirs? What way is your book unique from others?
How? How is your book better? If you think your book is the only
one of its kind, it may be, but it will much more difficult to sell.
Check out where your book fits by visiting your local bookstore.
Ask the bookseller to help you.
6. Survey your market. Brainstorm with and ask for feedback from
friends and associates. Let them vote on the best of ten titles
and subtitles, chapter titles, back cover information. While some
get their title instantly and know it's the right one, many of us
need help. When you use the synergy of more brainpower, you receive
so many more ideas. Don't be attached to your choices. Feedback
helps build a better book.
7. Create a winning vision for your book. Know that your book will
be published. Specifically name the outcomes you will see, hear
and feel. Place this winning vision in color on a card. Put it near
your workstation. (Using today's date including the year) Now that
my book (title and subtitle) is finished and is a huge seller:
I see (peoples orders on my Web site)
I hear (applause from multiple audiences affirming it)
I feel (exhilarated, confident and pleased it's such a hit)
Now that you have a winning topic, your book will flow, be organized,
easy to read, and attract your preferred audience.
For more information about writing, books, and publishing click here.
If you would like to receive updates and information about Judy Cullins' Free Articles or other online publications, please subscribe below:
Note: You may Freely publish any of my articles as long as you include the signature box below.
Book and Internet Marketing Coach, Judy Cullins, can help you build credibility and clients, sell a lot of books, and make maximum profits. Author of 11 books including Write your eBook or Other Short Book Fast and The Fast and Cheap Way to Explode Targeted Web Traffic" Get her free eBook"20 High Octane Book Writing and Marketing Tips" and two free monthly ezines at http://www.bookcoaching.com
|