6 Ways to Lose a Reader
It happened – the idea of the decade. There’s an electric buzz in the air– it’s a book for sure. You’ve been praying to the creative wizards for this blessing and boy, did they deliver.
After spilling every thought onto the page – which must happen or they’ll slip out the backdoor – it’s crucial to ask yourself one important question:
Who?
Who is this for? Who will this story inspire to think, feel, act, or escape? If there’s no immediate answer, the “who” is you.
There’s nothing wrong with writing for number one – on the flip side there’s everything right about it. Visionaries like Albert Einstein, Anne Frank, and Mark Twain poured their brilliance into a journal. Crimes occur when we throw a party, serve our guests food that only we like, and shove our vacation photos in their face – all 5,000.
Authors have a responsibility to take care of the reader. When they pick up your book they’re handing over control – and if you didn’t write with them in mind…. [*whisper] They know.
Just like you know the person chatting you up at a party hasn’t asked you one question, yet you know their occupation, they got a great deal on a renovated condo, and their mother’s name is Irma.
Writers are creative, beautifully sensitive creatures and the world needs you.
Below are 6 avoidable traps to keep you on the giving end of reader relationships.
- Demographic Doppelgänger
If your book’s demographic is just like you – forge on. A strong voice and POV is nothing to water down. But if you serve a wider audience, don’t assume everyone has the same religious believes, political opinions, values, pet peeves, and hair texture as you do.
Storytelling brings others into a world they wouldn’t otherwise step into – of course they should feel like a fly on the wall. Just be aware when you’re using language the reader might not understand and keep it intentional.
Non-fiction writers: mix in universal analogies to connect with a wider audience.
Fiction writers: create diverse characters to help tell your story.
Hop into someone else’s ballet flats, kung fu shoe, or construction boots. It enriches your story and expands the reader’s viewpoint – including yours.
- Roadblocks
Crafting word combinations that transport your message to a reader can feel like cracking the Da Vinci code. When you’ve finally done it, don’t let anything muddy the waters.
Nothing kills a party like tiny, hard to read font with page-long paragraphs and choppy sentences. Misleading language or visuals that don’t align with your story can distract the reader from your message.
If it’s a how-to book, structure is your BFF. Dump ideas like a child, then organize your content in applicable chapters so messages are aligned and clear. This is especially important if you cover a lot of topics – one rabbit hole at a time.
After your work is absolutely perfect (in your eyes) bring in a rock star editor. Even if you’re an editor, there’s no way to see the big picture from where you’re sitting. No. Way.
- Dumbing it Down
Readers are smart. Insulting their intelligence is enough to turn anyone off. Communicate your content in a clear way but don’t dumb down your message by reminding them of it again. And again.
Some of the best stories challenge the reader. Why do you think escape rooms are so popular? They’re filled with puzzles, locks, and riddles to decode with a ticking clock.
People love rising to the occasion. You’ll be praised for dropping clues and not spelling everything out.
“Look here! I’m foreshadowing.” “Here’s the definition of that big word I just used!” “That’s the sister character I mentioned in chapter one.”
Invite readers along on a journey – don’t carry them through it. Although this mustn’t be confused with
- Show Boating
Snooze. We get it, you know big words. There’s a fine line between speaking in an educated way and talking over your reader’s head. Save the fancy sentences for a Medieval Times dinner.
- Fact, Fiction or Autobiography?
Authors usually (hopefully) have some authority on the topic of their non-fiction book. While personal experiences are a stellar motivational tool, if stories are shared to make you look smart and accomplished for no real purpose, the reader will drop you like a hot potato.
Unless you’ve achieved celebrity status (and even if you have), most aren’t reading to learn about the author’s life – save that for your autobiography.
- False Advertising
Like a blind date who looks nothing like their picture (tip: if they never show their teeth, there’s a reason!) know what your book is and what it is not.
A catchy tag line and book title can lure in new readers, but if you don’t deliver the goods you’ll never earn their trust back. Let curious readers know exactly what they’re getting. You want a quality audience pumped to read your book.
David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing