Once you have completed your writing, you may face a big question: How do I reach my readers? The answer comes down to knowing who your readers are, where they hang out, and how to market to them effectively. It’s no surprise that knowing your readers will increase sales, but knowing your readers AND employing effective marketing will make those sales even bigger. So let’s take a look at strategies for establishing your target audience.

1. Identify your ideal reader.

Who is the person you’re writing for? If you could conjure an ideal reader, what would they look like? Think of demographics, psychographics, interests, buying habits, and more. The goal is to speak directly to this reader group through your writing and branding. Building a platform for people who aren’t interested in your book doesn’t make sense. You want to provide value to the people who want it. Once you have this profile in mind, you can better search for this reader in real life.

2. Determine a primary and secondary audience.

Every book has a primary and secondary audience, meaning your core group of readers, followed by readers who might pick up your book for a change of pace. These secondary readers may receive a copy of your book from a friend, which is an excellent opportunity to turn them into primary readers! Secondary markets might not be as obvious, but they’re equally important. Try to come up with one primary audience and several secondary ones.

3. Identify comp titles.

Comparative (“comp”) titles are books similar to yours in topic, writing style, theme, or genre. A list of comp titles is a great way to identify your audience. Chances are, people who read (and enjoy) those books will feel the same about yours. Start by doing some basic research to compile a list. Then, take it further by checking where those authors have an online presence, where and how they market their books, and the conversation surrounding them. You can tap into this by saying, “If you liked that book, try mine!”

4. Search social media.

Social media is a great place to find readers. Why? Because readers love to talk (and post) about books! A simple hashtag search can bring up tons of results for specific books, authors, or even just genres. For instance, you could search #suspensebooks (genre), #FriendsToLovers (trope), or even #mentalhealth (topic)—the more narrow your search, the more exact the results. Then, check out the profiles and start engaging with people of similar interests to your book.

5. Find online communities.

The beauty of the internet is there are opportunities to “meet” people worldwide right from the comfort of your home. These online communities are great places to discover readers and start conversations. Try doing a Google search for blogs and forums related to your topic or genre. There are tons! Read what people are talking about and what they like, then tailor some of your comments/posts to that. Introduce yourself and your book—you can’t expect people to find you if you don’t put yourself out there. Other online places to consider are Facebook groups and Goodreads, where readers gather to discuss books.

6. Do some keyword research.

It might sound scary, but keyword research doesn’t have to make you break into a sweat. Really what it comes down to is understanding the search terms people use most frequently for an item. Regarding books, you’d be interested to know how readers search for particular genres. There are tools you can use (such as KDP Rocket and many others) that will give you a list of keywords based on your book details. Use these keywords when marketing and selling your book to target the ideal reader.

7. Try paid advertising.

Ads can be overwhelming, but done well, and they are a great way to reach the right readers. That said, advertising comes with a cost and is something you’ll want to budget for. Depending on your goals, there are different types of ads (targeted, sponsored, etc.). Ultimately, ads are designed to show up near similar items, enticing readers to try your book. From there, you have a good chance of hooking a new reader for your primary audience.

8. Build a newsletter.

One way to get readers is to have them come to you. Designing a newsletter and building your list of subscribers creates a built-in readership base. These people are there because they want to be—which is the best type of reader. They’re invested in you and your work and may be the first to spread the news about your new releases to friends. Try putting a sign-up form on your website and sharing the link on your social media platforms to collect email addresses. Then, send out periodic newsletters with updates, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes info about your writing life.

9. Read your reviews (with caution).

The best way to understand what people think of your book is to read reviews—gulp! It is typically a big, fat no-no for authors. Why? Because one bad review can send you into a spiral of self-doubt. But chances are, for every low review, there are ten glowing reviews that you want to target. See what people are saying, what they love, then do more of it in your next project. You can find reviews in many places, including Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, and Bookstagram influencers.

The Takeaway

Finding your ideal reader takes a little bit of thought but shouldn’t send you into a panic. Don’t be afraid to experiment to see where you land. Eventually, a solid audience will emerge.

Readers today have more options than ever when it comes to how they consume books. From eBooks to audiobooks and, of course, print books, people can consume stories in different ways that fit their lifestyles and preferences. While there’s no definitive “which one is better” conclusion, there are pros and cons to both eBooks and physical books. These critical factors impact reader buying decisions. So, which one should you choose? Let’s take a look at some advantages of each.

eBook Pros

Portability
Nothing beats the convenience of eBooks when it comes to taking a book (or more) with you wherever you go. Whereas physical books are heavy and cumbersome, eBooks take up only a little space. As a result, they’re great for travel and people who read a lot of books in a short time. So load up your eReader, and you’re ready to go!

Night reading
If you’re the type who likes to read before bed but doesn’t want to keep the light on, eBooks are a great option. Most eReaders are backlit, meaning the screen is bright enough to read without an overhead light. However, artificial light has a downside (see below), which is something to consider.

Storage
Many people love the look of books on a bookshelf, but for those with limited space, eBooks are a way to collect and save books. eReaders can hold up to 500 books per gigabyte of storage—so with that Kindle you have, you could potentially store thousands of books on a single device.

Eco-Footprint
Printing physical books requires a lot of energy and natural resources. On the other hand, eBooks need none of these things, as they are all digital files (aside from the eReader itself). As a result, switching to eBooks could lower your carbon footprint and greatly reduce deforestation.

Less expensive
A big pro for many readers is that eBooks are generally less expensive than physical books. Whereas hardback books can reach up to $30, the same title eBook often taps out at $12.99 (many are much lower, including frequent promos for $0.99 or even free books). This lower pricing is because there are no printing costs associated with eBooks, allowing them to retail at a lower price point.

Features
Some eBooks have special features like bookmarks, highlighting, and even adding notes. In addition, the hyperlinked text means users can click to look up definitions of words or even visit outside sources on the internet, then quickly return to the book. All of these technological features have increased the functionality of eBooks in today’s market.

Availability
eBooks are available at the click of a button, which means you can buy and start reading a new book without leaving your home. They’re never out of stock and aren’t subject to shipping concerns. In a nutshell, eBooks are ideal for instant gratification.

eBook Cons

Connectivity
Most eReaders do not require wifi to read a book—however, you need to be connected to the internet to download a book. Therefore, if traveling, it’s best to load up your eReader before you leave so that the books are there and ready in case you find yourself in an area without wifi. Similarly, you must charge eReaders, and you run the risk of running out of battery right when you’re getting to the good part!

Artificial light
As mentioned above, eBooks are an excellent option for nighttime reading. However, the artificial light produced by many eReaders can strain your eyes and interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle. Even with improved lighting and anti-glare technology, you might still need frequent breaks to rest your eyes.

No touch and feel
Perhaps one of the main reasons eBooks turn readers off is the lack of “touch and feel” compared to holding an actual book in your hands. Reading is very much an experience for some people, and eBooks may not align with that.

Print Book Pros

“Traditional” reading experience
Print books allow readers to touch the pages, feel the book in their hands, and smell the cover. It immerses them in the reading experience through physical substance, something eBooks can’t do.

Screen-free
For those who are wary of screen time, print books can give you a break. In today’s world, where people are on their devices all day, reading a physical book is a great change of pace, is easier on your eyes, and helps you disconnect.

You don’t have to be tech-savvy
There’s no learning curve to reading a book—simply open and start, which is good news for people who find eBooks confusing or overwhelming. No buttons to push, nothing to download.

Sharing
When you have finished a book, what do you do with it? Many people donate or pass it along to a friend. Sharing is much easier with print books and helps support the second-hand book market.

Better Illustrations
For picture books and novels with illustrations, the print version will often be of higher quality when it comes to images. Illustrations are crisper, richer, and in color, whereas some eReaders are only black & white.

Print Book Cons

More expensive
Price is one of the most significant downsides of print books. Due to printing costs (paper, production, shipping, etc.), physical books will always be higher priced than eBooks. The average price for hardcover books is $24.99–$27.99, significantly more than an eBook.

Portability and size
Physical books take up more space both during and after reading. Taking multiple books on vacation can fill up a suitcase quickly, and storing all the books you read requires space some people may not have.

Less economical
Printing physical books uses a lot of natural resources and can take a toll on the environment. An excellent way to combat this is to buy used books, borrow from the library, or consider eBooks.

The Takeaway

Reading is a personal preference, and while there are pros and cons for both physical books and eBooks, there’s no overall right or wrong choice. Weigh the advantages of each to make a choice that suits your lifestyle and needs. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you’re enjoying a great book!

In a world where time is precious and attention spans are short, audiobooks have emerged as a game-changer for both readers and writers. Whether you’re a busy professional on the go, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who loves to multitask, audiobooks offer a convenient and flexible way to consume literature. But it’s not just readers who benefit from this trend.

For writers, audiobooks represent a new and exciting way to reach audiences and connect with readers on a deeper level. By combining the power of storytelling with the intimacy of the spoken word, audiobooks offer a unique opportunity to bring stories to life in unexpected ways. In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of audiobooks and why they are quickly becoming the ultimate win-win for readers and authors alike. So, whether you’re a seasoned audiobook enthusiast or a curious newcomer, get ready to hear why audiobooks are taking the literary world by storm.

The Rise of Audiobooks

In recent years, audiobooks have risen in popularity and have become an increasingly popular form of entertainment for many people. The pandemic further bolstered this trend as more people spent more time at home looking for ways to stay entertained. With just a few clicks on a smartphone, audiobooks have become easily accessible, allowing people to enjoy books while on the go or doing other activities.

As technology advances and consumer demands change, the definition of books and publishing is evolving. Audiobooks are now an integral part of the publishing industry, offering authors and readers a range of benefits. The rise of audiobooks will continue as more people discover the advantages of this exciting and innovative form of storytelling.

Benefits of Audiobooks for Readers

Audiobooks offer a unique and convenient way for readers worldwide to enjoy books. Here are just some of the benefits audiobooks provide readers:

• Convenience: Audiobooks allow readers to listen to their favorite books while doing other activities, such as driving, exercising, or cooking.
• Improved Comprehension: Listening to books can improve comprehension, particularly for those struggling with reading or learning disabilities.
• Wider Selection: Audiobooks allow readers to access a broader selection of books, including those that may be out of print or hard to find.
• Improved Pronunciation: Listening to audiobooks can help improve pronunciation, particularly for those learning a new language.
• Enhanced Experience: Audiobooks can enhance the reading experience, particularly for books with multiple characters or complex plots.
• Time-Saving: Audiobooks offer a time-saving option for busy readers who may not have the time to sit down and read a book.

Overall, audiobooks offer a convenient and enjoyable way for readers to access and enjoy books.

Benefits of Audiobooks for Authors

Audiobooks have become a popular addition to the publishing industry, and they offer several benefits for authors, including:

• Increased Audience: Audiobooks offer authors access to a wider audience, including those who may not have the time, ability, or inclination to read a physical book.
• Additional Revenue Stream: Audiobooks provide authors with an additional revenue stream, as they can earn royalties on sales of both the physical book and the audiobook.
• Enhanced Visibility: Audiobooks can increase an author’s visibility, as they are often promoted alongside the physical book and can help to generate buzz and interest.
• Improved Engagement: Audiobooks can enhance reader engagement, as the narrator’s voice can add an emotional depth to the story that may not be present in the physical book.
• Increased Accessibility: Audiobooks can make books more accessible to those with visual impairments, learning disabilities, or other conditions that may make reading difficult or impossible.
• Brand Building: Audiobooks can help to build an author’s brand, as they offer a unique opportunity to showcase an author’s voice and style.

Audiobooks offer authors a wide range of benefits, from increased audience and revenue to enhanced engagement and brand-building.

The advancement of audiobooks has been a game-changer for both readers and authors, offering a convenient and enjoyable way to consume literature while also providing a unique opportunity for authors to connect with audiences on a deeper level. The benefits of audiobooks for both groups are numerous, from improved comprehension and enhanced engagement to increased revenue and brand-building. As the demand for audiobooks continues to grow and technology advances, it’s clear that this exciting and innovative form of storytelling is here to stay. So, whether you’re a long-time audiobook enthusiast or a newcomer to this trend, there has never been a better time to explore the world of audiobooks and experience its many benefits.

A Guide to Common Book Formatting Terms

Formatting is how your book looks on the inside. It includes aesthetic choices like fonts and chapter headings and technical decisions such as spacing and margins. They may sound minor, but these things all add up to the whole package that is your professionally formatted book. Whether you’re self-publishing and doing the formatting yourself or working with a professional, you’ll probably come across terms that may be unfamiliar. However, it’s essential to understand the language of book design to make the right choices for your work. Here is a list of common book formatting terms authors should know:

Ascender / Descender

Ascenders and descenders are parts of letters that extend beyond the cap height. For instance, lowercase p, g, and y are descenders because they have a “tail” that hangs down, and lowercase h, l, and d are ascenders because they extend up.

Baseline

The baseline is the invisible line on which the text sits. Descenders will extend below the baseline. The baseline is important for keeping text straight, and it is also used for spacing purposes.

Bleed

Bleed refers to a printed design that goes to the edge of a page (or runs off the page). It is a term mostly related to picture books or books with illustrations and book covers. If a book has “no bleed,” the image stops short of the edge of the page, leaving a white border.

Blind folio

A blind folio is a page number that is not printed on the page. For instance, the first few pages of a book that contain the front matter (copyright, title page, dedication, etc.) typically do not have page numbers. In this case, Page 1 would start on a later page.

CMYK vs. RGB

Both CMYK and RGB are color modes but for different end uses. CMYK is intended for printed materials and is a combination of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. RGB blends the primary colors of red, blue, and green and is used for screen display. Because of the way the colors mix, CMYK can produce a darker, richer result. When it comes to book formatting and printing, designers will use CMYK.

Crop marks

Crop marks are the physical or digital lines that indicate the final trim size. They can be used as cut lines in the printing and binding process or as guides for the digital cover design.

DPI & PPI

DPI stands for dots per inch, and PPI for pixels per inch. Both terms describe an image’s resolution but are used in different contexts.

DPI describes the resolution of printed images and refers to the number of ink dots per inch. PPI describes the resolution of digital images and refers to the number of pixels present per inch. A higher number for either results in higher-resolution images with more detail. Books should strive for images that contain a minimum of 300 DPI.

Drop caps

A drop cap is when a paragraph or chapter’s first character (usually the first letter of the first word) is enlarged. Drop caps give your book an elegant or professional feel.

Folio

A fancy word for “page numbers,” folio comes from the early days of printing. A few rules for page numbering include:

• Odd numbered pages on the right
• Even numbered pages on the left
• Never page number the front matter (referred to as blind folio)
• Start page 1 with the first page of text
• Don’t place page numbers near the gutter

Grayscale

Grayscale is a color mode that uses only black, white, and shades of gray. Some novels that contain images like maps use it. When it comes to printing, grayscale is less expensive than color printing.

Gutter

A gutter is the blank space between two facing pages of a book or a magazine, where the pages are bound together. The gutter is where the spine of the book or magazine is located, and it is usually the area that is most difficult to read because the binding partially obscures it.

Considering the gutter when designing a page spread is vital. If the content is too close to the gutter, it may become lost or obscured in the binding process, making it difficult to read or appreciate.

Margin

Margins are the blank perimeter around the text of a book. There are four types of margins: top, bottom, outside, and inside. Margin size often depends on the trim size and the number of pages in the book. Typical margin sizes for books range from 0.5 to 0.75 inches. The exception is the inside margin, also called the gutter, which requires a larger margin to accommodate readability.

Justification

Justification refers to the edge of the text and whether it is straight or jagged. Most text is left justified (or left flush), meaning the left-hand side is straight. If a text is Justified, the words have been spaced out so that the left and right edges are straight.

Kerning

Kerning refers to the space between letters. Adjusting the default kerning can make the text more visually pleasing. It can eliminate awkward gaps and improve legibility.

Leading

Leading is the white space between lines of text. It’s a fancy way to refer to spacing. Having a proper leading size will make readability easier. Most novels are published with single-spaced lines. However, you can adjust the leading for additional space after the baseline. To give each line some breathing room, consider a 1.1 to 1.5 leading.

Page, Leaf, Spread

A page and leaf both refer to a single sheet of paper, either the right-hand or left-hand side of the book. A spread is the two facing pages when you open the book flat. For picture books, planning the spread for visual purposes is important.

Serif vs. Sans Serif

These terms refer to the style of the font. Serif fonts have decorative “tails” (lines/tapers) at their ends. They’re often considered more ornamental, sophisticated, and traditional. Sans serif—from the French meaning “without” —do not have these finishing strokes. They are cleaner and simpler. Times New Roman is an example of a Serif font, and Arial is an example of a Sans Serif font.

Trim size

The trim size is the final size of the finished book. Common trim sizes for novels include 6” x 9” and 5.5” x 8.5”. Some genres or categories may lean toward a larger or smaller trim size. For instance, mass market books are typically around 4.25” x 6.5”, whereas children’s picture books can be all sorts of sizes.

Widow / Orphans

Widows and orphans refer to the last line or word being left alone at the bottom or top of a page. It’s “stranded” or separated from the rest of the paragraph and is considered visually unappealing.

Writing a book is no easy feat. It requires dedication, research, and the ability to craft a compelling narrative. For those struggling to put words on paper, speech-to-text or dictation software can be helpful. Dictation software allows you to dictate your thoughts and ideas into a computer and have them automatically transcribed into text. It can be a great way to get your thoughts out quickly and with minimal effort. However, there are both pros and cons to using dictation tools to help write your book.

On the one hand, you can save time and energy by not having to type out your story, and you can capture ideas as they come to you. However, on the other hand, you may run into some technical difficulties. Therefore, it is important to weigh your options carefully and decide whether dictation software is right for you and your book.

Pros of Using Dictation Software

1. Increased Productivity: With dictation software, you can quickly and accurately create books with fewer distractions or errors.
2. Enhanced Creativity: Dictation allows for better ideas to flow uninterrupted and be captured on the spot as soon as they come to mind.
3. Cost-Effective Solution: Compared to hiring someone else, dictation software is a more affordable way of writing your book without sacrificing quality or speed of production.
4. Reduced Stress Levels: Writing your book with the help of this technology eliminates the need for typing up drafts manually, which can take time away from other vital tasks like research and editing, which are also essential parts of creating a successful publication.
5. Improved Accuracy: When converting speech into text, the accuracy rate is usually much higher than any mistakes that may occur while typing.

Cons of Using Dictation Software

1. Inaccurate Recognition: The biggest downside to dictation software is that it can often struggle to recognize the words you’re speaking accurately. It can lead to misheard or changed phrases, which will require a great deal of proofreading and editing for the book to be ready for publication.
2. Limited Dictation Capabilities: While some dictation software may understand basic commands such as “delete that sentence,” these are limited capabilities compared with manually typing out your work using a keyboard and mouse combination instead.
3. Technical Difficulties: As with any technology, there might be technical issues occasionally. Something outside of the user’s control has caused problems and could delay progress on their writing project by hours or days while they wait for assistance from customer service teams at tech companies.
4. Noise Distraction Issues: Many dictate programs rely on noise filters, but even then, background noise will always come through if you’re not in an isolated environment when recording your voice – this could impact accuracy too.
5. Increased Editing Time: Even after making use of many features included within transcribing programs like grammar correction tools etc., it’s likely that users will have more editing time required compared with traditional methods.

Tips for using dictation software

If after weighing the pros and cons, you decide dictation software could be beneficial to you, be sure to make the most out of it by following these quick tips:

• Choose a dictation software compatible with your computer/device and tailor it to your needs.
• Slow down your speaking rate when using the software to ensure accuracy.
• Speak clearly and use natural pauses in between phrases and sentences.
• Make sure to include punctuation in your speech.
• Check the text generated by the software for accuracy and make corrections as needed.
• Utilize the software’s built-in features and settings to get the most out of it.
• Use the software in short bursts instead of one long session.
• Take regular breaks between dictation sessions to avoid fatigue.
• If possible, record yourself speaking and listen to the playback to improve accuracy.

Dictation software is excellent for those who want to write their book but don’t have the time or experience to adequately express their thoughts by typing them out. Having the ability to speak into a device and have your words typed out for you can help save time and boost productivity. It’s also a great way to record your ideas and get them on paper. While it is important to be aware of its limitations, it’s also important to remember that there are ways to work around them. With some practice, you will be able to produce great results and have it transform your book into a professional piece of writing.