I created A Writer’s Journey to help readers writers, independent “indie” publishers and self-publishers navigate the universe of publishing. Like our own starry cosmos, it is expanding at warp speed toward an immense, unknown ultimate size and population. I’m basing this column on my own journey, that of my fellow writers and collaborators and anyone else who has something to contribute to this complex story . In this chapter, we’ll explore ways to identify your work with a particular genre, market and audience, navigate the publishing world and find a niche unique to you.
Genre, platform and audience
What genre, that is, kind of writing, do you want to create? In my own case, It was easy to identify my genre. I have to admit I stumbled into this writing world as the son of two writers. My father was an advertising man and World War II Marine, who created promotional concepts and advertising copy for a living and scooped the big news of World War II’s ending with Japan’s surrender from his Guam radio station outpost. My mother,a news feature writer, wrote heartfelt and humorous newspaper columns on interesting musical personalities. You might say I was born into my second career, that of a writer. Each of them attempted creative writing in their day and left hundreds of wartime letters, essays and humorous commentary on their lives. I was able to find my niche in wartime literature by writing their humorous biographies: Ben’s War with the U. S. Marines and Radio: One Woman’s Family in War and Pieces.
If you’re a psychologist and want to share your knowledge to help people improve their lives, you might find your niche in a nonfiction, self-help book. You may have professional status, such as an advanced degree, a professional license or recognition by a professional society, which qualifies you to write about it . This professional standing in your field is called a “platform,” which can develop into recognition by the general public as an expert. Such status can lead to a public following, another aspect of your author platform.
Pub.2.1 Claim your Author Platform
Pub 2.2 The Right Genre Can Boost Your Story
Pub 2.3 Locate the true audience for your work (Coming soon)