It’s not your book – the one you’re writing or you’ve already written (although you probably think it’s your book).
You see, one of the main reasons authors write bad books is that their entire premise is wrong.
They think their book belongs to them (when it doesn’t).
They think their book is about them (when it isn’t).
Let me explain…
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What Is a Book, Really?
Books are not art (even books about art, are not art). Books are a means of communication. And not just any communication. You see, a great book isn’t designed as a monologue. A great book creates an intimate relationship and dialogue.
No matter what genre your book falls into, your book isn’t about YOU. If you’re writing a memoir, autobiography, poetry (or something else very personal) it’s still not about you. Even if you’re a celebrity writing a book about your life, and you have millions of fans that want to read about your life, your book isn’t about your life.
It’s about your READER.
Let me qualify that; it’s about your reader…
…if you want to impact lots of people and be commercially successful. That can be a subtle (but powerful) distinction. Now, let me give you two examples to help you understand this on a deeper level, and make it possible for you to apply this principle to your book.
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WARNING: IF YOU’RE ONE OF MY COACHING CLIENTS, DON’T GET UPSET AND THINK THIS ARTICLE IS SPECIFICALLY ABOUT YOU – BUT PLEASE DO TAKE IT TO HEART! THE TOPIC OF THIS ARTICLE IS AN AREA THAT MOST WRITERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF AND IMPROVE.
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Example #1 – It’s Not Your Book
Nothing is potentially more “self-indulgent” or “about the author” than sad love poetry about a relationship gone sour. But Peter McWilliams didn’t think so. He’s one of my favorite love poets of all time, and he’s one of the most commercially successful poets of all time.
The reason?
Peter realized that the best way to get other “lovers” (his target market) to fully understand (and appreciate) his poetry was to write it in a way that would let them:
1. Understand it
2. Relate to it
3. Get as much out of reading it as he did writing it
That was Peter’s mindset from the very first page to the last.
How do I know?
First, because I had a long talk with him on the phone during my sophomore year in college when I was just starting to write my own love poetry (another story for another day). Second (and more important), because of nine little words on the first page of one of Peter’s books. It was the dedication that he wrote for all his readers. Even though Peter’s book was a collection of autobiographical poems, he said:
“These are your poems, I only wrote them down.”
Peter understood that, as much as they were his poems, they were also everyone else’s. The poems weren’t just about his struggles in love. They captured and communicated the common themes that we all experience in love.
Because Peter was conscious of this concept, he worked really hard to make sure that he was always writing in a way that would let his readers feel what he was feeling. He didn’t let himself be seduced by his ego (or too many fancy words).
Instead of trying too hard to make himself different, Peter tried to find common ground. That takes discipline and practice for new authors because they’re usually trying too hard to impress their readers… show them how special and unique they are. New authors are also preoccupied with simply trying to get their story out. That’s a great starting point, but then you have to go back and revise your book and make sure it’s appealing (not just accurate).
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Example #2 – It’s Not Your Book
Here’s one more example (some details changed or omitted for confidentiality).
One of my current coaching clients is a publicist in NYC. She’s gotten press for more famous people than you can imagine. She’s also had relationships with some of them. And she’s a stand-up comedian. You can just imagine some of the dirt she’s going to dish in her memoir. Stories to make you blush…
When we were developing the book, I wanted to make sure we didn’t “lead” with celebrity gossip and/or sexual escapades. That would have only provided “entertainment value,” plus it would have been too predictable. So we kept talking until we got to the heart of what the book was really about. Here are just a few of the questions that I asked to figure it all out:
* Have you changed during your time in NYC? If so, how?
* What was most important to you then? What about now?
* What are you the most proud of? Ashamed of?
* Would you do anything differently if you could do it all over again?
* What did you learn from your experience?
* What do you think other people could learn from your experience?
I wasn’t trying to change the author or make her something that she wasn’t. I simply wanted to find out who she was, and make the most of that. When I take an author through that process, it usually leads to a “bigger” book.
In this case, I discovered that the author is really just a soft-hearted romantic looking for (and longing for) her soul mate… underneath her witty and often outrageous exterior. That created a rich contrast, a protagonist that’s more likable, and a story that’s easier to relate to.
Don’t you think?
The original book would have been too predictable – just another tell-all memoir filled with celebrity gossip (and sex jokes). Shock and awe. Sure, it might have gotten an agent and publisher (but it might not have).
The new book is bigger. Yes. It’s still celebrity-driven, sexually provocative, and wickedly funny. But it also has heart. Once you get past the humor and excitement, you’ll see that it’s ultimately a story about a woman’s ongoing search for true love.
Plus, it’s being written in a way that will inspire other women to keep believing in love. It will show them how to have more fun while they’re trying to find it. And it will show them that it’s okay to fail along the way.
This book isn’t just about the author, is it?
And that makes it more readable.
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Parting Thoughts…
Remember that you and your book have the potential to transform people. Even if your book is “just” a book of sad love poetry, “just” a novel, “just” a gift book, or anything else. If you try to give your reader a valuable experience, you’ll be successful. If you try to give as much as you get, you’ll be successful. If you care about your reader, you’ll be successful.
If your only goal (or your main goal) as an author is “self-expression” or “writing as therapy” that’s okay. But you should write in journals, instead of writing books. Remember, it’s not your book. It’s your reader’s book. And these aren’t my tips on how to write a better book and get published.
They’re yours.
I only wrote them down. 😉
For more information about getting published, click here to read my free 15-part Guide to Finding a Literary Agent. Then click here to see the 3 different ways you can get 1-on-1 help from me (free to fee) as your Book Marketing Coach. You can ask me questions about writing a “bigger” book or getting published on my blog, or via phone or Skype during an introductory consulting call.
Now, leave a question or comment below!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
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MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
I think I already do this, lol. When I used to write stories with no intention of publishing, it was fast, fun, and I just dished them out. Now that I am trying to get published and aiming for a specific audience, it takes longer, and I always have the questions on my mind… “Is this going to hold their interest?” “Is this clear enough for them to easily understand?” It is more time-consuming, but it is the most important mind-set.
Amen, sister.
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Great article Mark. I think being an obsessed reader makes me a better writer.
Thank you JoDee, it certainly can’t hurt. 😉
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Great Advice, I needed that and think it will make my writing much better. Thank You!
Betty C. Dudney
“Equal Rights From God”
www.Amazon.com/dp/151148148x
Thank you Betty, and have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thank you for that reminder. It keeps one focused on the greater value of any kind of writing. My book may not be as enlightenmening as a how to or love poetry but I want people to get something out of it anyway.
Thank you P Jared, and well said…
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I thank you Mark for your shared wisdom! I am applying all that you are sending me. I am researching more as you have helped me to overcome my ignorance about writing, as well as about the publishing business. I am so glad that there are parts that are for free to help me to grow. I just wanted you to know that I am learning so much from your service already and the timing was perfect on finding this web page as I thought my novel was ready when it wasn’t. Thanks to how to write a query letter.
Thank you David, that’s very kind of you and I’m thrilled to know that my work is making a difference for you. Don’t be intimidated by the process, just take your time and be persistent. If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also (if you haven’t done so already) get access (no cost) to all the valuable resources in our private, members-only area here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Very good advice. Loved your picture with your cat. Pegge
Thank you Pegge, and Ginger is sitting here beautifully… enjoying what you said. 😉
Have a great night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark, read some of the comments before making some of my own, interesting. I was told early on to “be” the person who was going to read what I was writing. I have kept that mindset and I think it works very well. If the goal is to educate then don’t pontificate. When making an image use the best artistry that you can create. I believe that it is my job to stimulate your thinking and tell the best story that I can. The rest is up to the reader.
Hi Jim, well said… hopefully other authors will read YOUR comments. 😉
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Nicely said. I’ve tried to follow that philosophy in my writing. I based my historical fiction on my grandfather’s memoirs – and believe me, he did NOT follow that philosophy. Fortunately, by fictionalizing many of his experiences, things came together fairly well.
Now to find an agent – one of them said a publisher looks for a YA to be about 80,000 words. Mine’s only 35,000. Zheew! – doesn’t content count for something? Maybe I should try to tweak it into a MG.
Thank you Carl, and true life is rarely interesting enough to warrant following the trail of truth completely. A little embellishment goes a long way when it comes to making a book more marketable! And there’s a wide range for YA length, although pitching your book as middle grade would be a good backup plan if needed… but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
what if my books are so complex that only a few readers who have had the same training/education as me can understand my ideas, but, given their (pretenses to)intellectual competence (i.e., their degrees or academic status) should be able to understand
in other words, how do you present subtle, sophisticated ideas to ignorant people with closed minds who claim (pretend?) to be intellectuals? i have complained to a friend that my books will never be popular because they lack a necessary quality,
I am currently writing a novel that presents complex ideas. I elucidate these ideas explicitly through dialogues and I allude to them via events in the story. My soon to be completed novel is titled Shards Of Divinities
Hi Nissim, welcome, and let me know if I can ever help you.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Ron… be content with writing for a small audience… or change your work in a way(s) that will make it accessible to a broader audience.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
First,novels that lead readers spend the most valuable thing any of us has–their time–are certainly art. But I understand the point you’re making: writers who don’t consciously write to communicate with an audience other than themselves shouldn’t bother publishing.
But here’s the rub for me: if you don’t write for readers whose wants and expectations are defined in terms of specific genres, how do you locate your audience? I’m reduced to calling my work “literary crime fiction for women.”
Correction: novels that lead readers TO spend, etc. Sorry.
No worries Barry… perfection is important when it comes to queries… not online comments. 😉
Have a good night,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Barry, thank you for that and… yes… of course… books (some of them, anyway)… are art… and I was just making a point. And I don’t see a problem with that description of your work. As long as it’s accurate… it will immediately give agents a sense of what you’re pitching.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com