Choosing a topic: the #1 fatal error

[DrJonRich]

Choosing the right topic might be the single most important factor determining the success of your book. The #1 error is choosing a topic that's too broad.

My first idea for a self-help book was to write a mental health "first aid" manual that would address every possible mental health problem. An acquisitions editor gave me the very good advice that the topic was too broad -- it would specifically appeal to no one. Topics like "improve your self-esteem," "promote your personal growth," "improve your relationships" could apply to everyone -- and so no one feels compelled to buy them. If they want a self-esteem book, they'll pick a best-seller, not a book from a new author.

I try to picture a specific reader and ask if she will feel compelled to buy my book based just on the title. What words will she Google or look for when browsing in the bookstore?

[J. Winters von Knife]

Gentlemen,

Does a writer decide what to write based on what he knows,
his own life experiences, what he is qualified to write,
or what he thinks 'the most people' will buy?

Is writing only about making money?
I suppose the motivation for writing can be either
and the ideal would be 'both'.

But if one's subject matter is interesting to one's self
even if not interesting to 'the locals'
isn't writing about the subject worth while?


J. Von Knife

[DrJonRich]

Gentlemen,

Does a writer decide what to write based on what he knows,
his own life experiences, what he is qualified to write,
or what he thinks 'the most people' will buy?

Is writing only about making money?
I suppose the motivation for writing can be either
and the ideal would be 'both'.

But if one's subject matter is interesting to one's self
even if not interesting to 'the locals'
isn't writing about the subject worth while?

J. Von Knife

Greetings Mr. Knife,

Ideally a writer takes what he knows and is qualified to write, and finds the overlap with what people will buy. Certainly it's fine to write for locals, or even one's family or oneself. It depends on one's goal. But if one's goal is to be a published writer who get read, then few people have the luxury of ignoring the marketplace.

J. Rich