Part of the writing journey involves figuring out your target audience–well, it is if you want to be read, which I do. The answer to “Who is my audience?” has taken me YEARS to figure out…probably because I haven’t tried very hard. I’m still not certain if I have a grasp of it or not.
I’ve found her, I think. Yes, her. She’s a thirty-five-year-old woman, single, self-employed and self-motivated, is involved with the kids in her life, even though they aren’t her own.
That isn’t to say that she is my only ideal reader. On the contrary. She is, as you will see, the bull’s eye. (But, man, this sounds so clinical, like readers aren’t people. They are people, not just marks on a target.)
I write in so many different genres and for at least two different age groups. I want all the groups I cover to read my work…and will market to them the book that I meant for their demographic. In a Pickle‘s primary audience is ages 9-12, while Lady Catherine Says: 365 Tweets of Condescension is intended for an older age group, namely those who are Twitter and enjoy Jane Austen.
I still have a lot to figure out, obviously, but here’s the heads up: The tone of this blog will not change–at least, that’s not my intent. But some of the content might. Gradually, you might start seeing things a 35-year-old independent woman who works from home and is involved with kids would want to read.
I’m hoping to have something for everyone, but I know I can’t please everyone. Eventually, I might have to use my pen name, S.M. Tinker, for my fantasy books. This should help ease anyone’s confusion. “Oh, Beth Overmyer wrote this? It must be contemporary romance…or wait, is that middle grade adventure? No, no, maybe this is her fantasy line. Hmm…I have not idea what I’m going to get.” is NOT the experience I want anyone to have. I might have to use a third name, but we’ll see.
Anyway, this is just me being open and honest with you. I’m still on my journey, trying to figure things out.
What are YOUR struggles when it comes to branding and marketing? Or are you in beginning stages, focusing mostly on creating? All stages are awesome, and I wish you the best with your writing.
Keep your pen on the page,
Beth
Beth Overmyer 