Getting readers to pick you.

May 14, 12:44 PMWriting ExaminerTiffany Colter

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One need every writer has is to establish a strong readership. There are a variety of ways to develop this readership—platform development, marketing by the author or publishing house, and word-of-mouth advertising by the fans. The difference between these techniques is the level of involvement of the author.
 

In his book, Selling the Invisible, Harry Beckwith makes the assertion that prospects choose what is familiar when making buying decisions. If true, and human experience proves that it is, the key to establishing a readership begins with name recognition.
 

Over the next several weeks this column will be committed to helping you do just that. Whether you are an established author with a large following, or an aspiring writer with little more than a dream, you will find something here to help you grow and build your writing dream to a writing career.
 

The topics in this series cover everything from how a reader decides what they want to read to going on the hunt for readers.
 

Why are these areas so important?

Obviously they are important because readers equal sales. It is also important because publishing is shifting and changing. Not only are writers being relied on to carry the bulk of the marketing, but many writers are also beginning to look at alternatives to royalty publishing. Therefore, application of these principles will not only help build a platform to catch the eye of a royalty publisher, but it may also show when your best option is to invest in your own book and self-publish/e-publish or go POD. [Print on Demand].  At the same time, some will see why it is best to wait before launching out to the publishing deep.
 

Finally, these foundational principles will set up your writing business structure.
 

So, what can you do today to get started? Take a moment to determine your goals for this next business quarter. That means over the next three months what do you want to accomplish professionally as a writer. This could be a dollar amount, a word count or a set number of submitted articles. Write it down and have it with you for the next article in this series. You might want to invest in a one subject notebook and make this the textbook to the beginning of your writing dream.  This is going to serve as your road map over the next couple of weeks as we look at your potential readership and your goals as an author.
 

Add me to your favorite examiners so you won’t miss article one of this series, How Readers Decide.