Writing Information

Top Seven Ways to Select a Book Topic That Sells

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.

Judy Cullins, 20-year book and Internet Marketing Coach, Author of 10 eBooks including "Write your eBook Fast," and "How to Market your Business on the Internet," she offers free help through her 2 monthly ezines, The Book Coach Says...and Business Tip of the Month at http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml and over 140 free articles. Email her at mailto:Judy@bookcoaching.com