Setting the Stage for your Reader
As a book coach working with nonfiction authors, I find that many of my clients know their subject so well that they forget to "set the stage" for their readers, leaving their readers feeling lost or disconnected from the content.
What do your readers need to know so that they will feel welcomed, included, engaged, and valued as they read your book? Here are some of the perspectives that readers want as they begin a new book to build their expertise.
- I need to know that this book will address my needs and concerns, and that it will be worth my investment of time.
- I need to understand the context for the information you're offering. How does your story and information mesh with my problems and issues?
- I need to know that I will be engaged throughout the process, and that your book isn't a narcissistic "it's all about me" story. Don't forget to include me and my concerns as you write.
- If you're offering a process or solution, I need to know how you came to this solution. What happened that caused you to be in this situation? How did you resolve this issue? What did you learn that will help me?
- I need to know that your ideas are the result of your experiences, but I also want to know that there is a solid foundation for your ideas. I want to know who has influenced your thinking and your perspectives.
How do authors set the stage for readers?
- Begin with an introduction or letter to the reader to speak directly to your readers. What do they need to hear? What should they know about you?
- Let the reader know about the problem you help them solve. This gives your reader a reason to read the entire book.
- Watch for jargon or "insider" language, and include definitions that may be helpful. Some authors include a glossary when there are many new vocabulary words.
- Begin with a story, and use them generously throughout your book. Stories are sticky, and they are engaging. Stories can be about you, about your clients, or others, say, from current events or literature.
- For every point, include a story, an example, a quote, an anecdote, or other description so that your point is brought home to the reader.
- Include information in About the Author that helps your reader understand your unique perspective on the topic as well as something personal that connects with readers.
Ensure that you're a good host for your readers by introducing the important elements so they will be engaged throughout your book.
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July Retreat Info
Are you thinking about Cathy's next three-day virtual retreat, scheduled for July 9 - 11? Listen to what Michelle Villalobos was able to accomplish when she attended.
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| Hear what Michelle Villalobos was able to accomplish in her three day retreat! |
Register today! Limited seats available!
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Author News!
Congratulations to these authors who are now a part of Cathy's Hall of Fame!
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Opportunities for Authors
If you are interested in talking about your book and gaining media coverage, contact host Sheryl Mays to schedule your interview. Sheryl has interviewed authors Eric Williamson, Stacey Olliver-Knappe, Melinda Kelly, and Cathy Fyock.
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Upcoming Learning Events
Master Class:
Solving the Publishing Puzzle
With Everett O'Keefe
Tuesday, June 9
2 pm Eastern
NOTE: YOU WILL LEARN THINGS ABOUT PUBLISHING YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE!
What do Stephen King, William Golding, John le Carré, Margaret Mitchell, Louisa May Alcott (Little Women), Frank Herbert, and James Joyce all have in common? They were rejected over and over by traditional publishers!
What do Margaret Atwood(author of The Handmaid's Tale), Andy Weir (The Martian), Mark Twain, E.L. James (Fifty Shades of Grey), William P. Young (The Shack), and even Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit) have in common? They all turned to self publishing to bring their books to the world.
The publishing "nut" is a hard one to crack, and there are many variables to consider. Format, ISBNs, distribution rights, launch strategies, printing costs, cover artwork, interior design, editing, and intellectual property rights are only a few of the variables that must be addressed. Publishing It can get overwhelming.
So how should you proceed? Your manuscript is complete (or nearly so!), but now what?
In this masterclass, international #1 bestselling author and publisher Everett O'Keefe will demystify the world of traditional and self publishing and provide a clear analysis of the pros and cons of both methods. He will even take you inside the fine print of a traditional publishing contract so you can understand the "gotchas" that sometimes hide therein. Everett will also show you the wonderful world of "print on demand" and how you can get copies of your book for a fraction of what a publisher might offer you.
This will be a highly interactive session, so bring your questions and challenges! If you are starting, finishing, or even considering republishing a book, this masterclass is for you!
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If you're working ahead on your blog posts, then why not write your next month's post now? If you need a little inspiration, look at this image, think about your topic, set the clock for 10 - 15 minutes, and write. Don't edit. Don't think too much. Just write. See, that wasn't so hard!
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If you've been thinking about writing a book, why not schedule a complimentary strategy session with Cathy to discuss your idea?
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