Who is your target reader?

Probably one of the most important questions you should be asking yourself as a writer is "Who is your target reader". This is valid for both freelance writers and book authors.

If you're writing an article for a magazine you need to make sure it fits with the target audience of that publication. If you're submitting a manuscript to a publisher they will not only want to know that if fits with their company range but also that you have a clear idea of the demographic you are aiming at.

As much as you might want to believe that your master piece has a universal theme that will appeal to all ages of men, women and children from any where across the globe, you need to have a more specific answer to the question. "Everyone" just won't cut it.

Image via HikingArtist.com on Flickr

Some writers have a target reader in mind when they start work on a piece and write every sentence with that audience in mind. Others just write and then have to identify their reader once they've finished.


Knowing your target reader will not only help get your work published. It's also an important element of your marketing campaign. 


You've written a book and finally the big day has arrived. You are becoming a published author. You've decided to organise a virtual tour to help launch the book. Knowing your target audience will help you pick suitable websites, blogs, radio shows etc... to approach. Whilst a general book site is good, a site that specialises in your genre is better.

0 Comments

I love to hear from you. So feel free to comment, but keep in mind the basics of blog etiquette — no spam, no profanity, no slander, etc.

Thanks for being an active part of the Writers and Authors community.