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 
Wonderful article … loved it. Thanks for the perspective and words of wisdom.
Thank you Pamela, glad to hear it… and I appreciate the kind words.
Have a wonderful week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Great perspective! Thanks for the time and effort to help those of us who are trying to find our way.
Thank you Deb, the pleasure is mine…
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Before I finished reading this article, I was thinking the exact same thing you wrote in the end, Mark. If you’re writing only for yourself and not for others, then you should just write in a journal or diary. Very true.
Writing novels, just like any business, is about what we give to the world. The more contribution we offer it, the more it’ll give back to us–so then we have the ability to offer the world more of it.
Hi Adam, well said!
Have a great week and thanks for continuing to be part of the dialogue!!!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks, Mark. I see that my exclamation mark barrage has infected you Lol.
Thanks again for that advice by the way. That was definately a much needed change in my novel, ha ha.
I’m excited to be having the novel self-published soon. Hopefully I’ll have the print book in hand before my book signing event on May 21st.
Also working on that 5th book I mentioned in the questionaire. It’s coming out really great so far and I’m super optimistic that it’s going to be the one to get me an agent. 🙂
Hi Adam,
Yes, I’m the same way at times.
And you can go crazy with exclamation points in comments… just not query letters and books. 😉
LOL
Good hearing from you, by the way, and I’m glad to know you’re getting all your promotion going.
Much success!!!!! (I gave you extra)
Have a great week,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark, Update:42,750. You guessed it! It’s me, Vickie. Just read your article re. “It’s Not Your Book”. We actually discussed these issues via phone. It seems much clearer to me now. I think that what you said is right-on re. how new writers tend to want to “get the story out there” or at least on paper.I have discovered that since building the foundation (written)I have been able to go back and hopefully accomplish this. Did another partial trial-query and referred to it as reader friendly.
Hi Vickie! Sorry I’m slow getting back to you. Right after you posted your comment, I had some website issues that caused me some problems. But now I’m back. Always email me directly for any coaching-related issues or updates, to make sure you get a prompt response. 😉 Glad to hear you’re continuing to make progress. One day at a time. One page at a time. Right? Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be there before you know it. Lots of time still left to make this your year!
Have a great week,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hello Mark:
“It’s Not Your Book” is an interesting idea that reminds me of a philosophy and practice that I learned from working with the Jesuits. They approach life with a belief that in order to “find yourself” you first must give yourself away to others. Comparatively, the idea of “your book” as with “your life” belongs to all who embrace its essence.
Hi Ernest! Thanks for posting this. I’m very much looking forward to more dialogue with you about your book. Until then, have a great weekend!!! Mark
Hopefully tomorrow my ringer will be well.
Hi Colin, not sure what you mean??? But wishing you a great weekend. Check out this week’s article, by the way, I just sent it out… reveals the world’s top-earning authors of 2015. Some things there that might surprise you. Enjoy. Mark
So all those times I said I can’t wait to public my book, i really mean, I can’t wait to published my fellow reader’s book? Weird. And yet I’d be getting the money
Hi Phylicia, don’t worry… it’s your book, too. You simply have greater bestseller potential if your bring your reader with you. 😉 Mark
Mark:
Thank you for everything. I learned so much during our call, and am looking forward to learning more and getting published.
Hi Dennis, does this mean you got my other email as well? I hope so. Mark
This is a wonderful article for me, as I had not previously considered this perspective. It will definitely improve my writing moving forward, and help in re-writing some of my previous drafts. I write children’s books based on years of journaling my children. I can definitely make them more relatable, rather than just a cute story of our shenanigans!
Hi Tonya, hope it helps. This is one of those things that all writers need to keep reminding themselves of. Including me. 😉 Mark
Yes! Your new work has really logical specific teaching. Thank you Mark. You have inspired more research and new rewrites to accomplish.
Hi Evelyn, glad to hear it. Anything involving inspiration is a good thing. 😉 Mark
Hi Mark
Great article. Gives a different perspective from the all encompassing ‘me..me…me’ when one is writing. I always tell myself to write from the heart; that whatever I feel, the reader will feel. But also write with restraint. Thanks.
Hi Saw Lian, glad you liked it. And thanks for posting your comment, you made me think of something I should have added: “Write with your heart, edit with your head.” That said, if you’re able to write with your heart AND your head at the same time, you don’t have to spend as much time editing! 😉 Have a great day and thanks again for visiting my blog. Mark
Mark:
Thoughtful insight.
Perhaps you could juxtapose this with the concept of not writing for a specific,narrow audience?
Early on,I was writing for a specific group/individuals within my mind.Then came a DUH moment,when I pulled my head out of my…ah,the sand.
The STORY is what is important,not playing to the crowd.Individual readers will take what they will from the Story,well-crafted,refined,presented.
Hi Doug, great comment. I did hit this topic from a different angle in this article: https://literary-agents.com/literary-agent-blog/. Not exactly what you’re saying, but still on point. Finding the right focus for a book is really complex. At the end of the day it’s about sifting through a bunch of different variables that have to do with you personally, your target market, and the competition. I use all of those things to help people find their way. Look for another article on this soon. Mark
Years ago a friend was pursuing his MFA in classical music.We were discussing music genre and personal taste.He remarked that if it was well written,well rehearshed,well performed then it was good music.
I think the same holds true for writing,regardless what genre.The reader wants,and for their investment of time/$$$,deserves our best effort.
My efforts are cross-genre(upmarket).I can’t bring myself to ‘Target’,and merely concentrate on (trying to) bring my little world to life.
Hi Doug, the best comparison that I can come up with for target market consideration is an author trying to improve story structure. There is usually a way to make a story tighter and/or more interesting if the author understands how. Same things goes with target market. There is almost always a way to make a book “bigger” and/or better and give it more success potential… by simply thinking more about book buyers and readers. Will elaborate more later, think I’ll write some case studies. Mark
Oh, hey… and congrats on winning the Amazon gift card for posting a comment last week. I’m going to send it to you now. Check your email. 😉 Mark
you can laugh– I just got UnFriended on FB for telling somebody that if they can’t trust me to read their “precious mss” then they ought not to bother me by talking about sending it to me. If you can’t trust somebody to review your work without plagiarizing it, it’s not possible to publish. It belongs in strongbox, locked away forever.
and then there was Max Brod.
Dunno. publishing a book, puts it on market where anybody can plagiarize or steal. paranoid authors must be wonderful clients.
That’s one of my pet peeves. I recently refused to set up an introductory consulting call with someone for that same reason (refunded his money). He was nervous about me reading his material, wanted me to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Even after I explained that people in my position don’t do that. We deal with so many people, it would be easy for someone to think another person copied them. No thanks. I don’t do paranoid. Mark
Whoa– that’s virtually what I wrote! I can’t deal with it. If you don’t trust the person, walk away but don’t pester with precious mss. He wanted nondisclosure agreement to review of work. Is bs. If you imply that someone is a plagiarist or thief, why are you querying to them? I find it insulting. So he wrote back and told me I have “bizarre attitude.” Bizarre? getting upfront implication I am a thief is not offensive? Now that’s bizarre. Copycat Gen who think everybody steals but them.
pragmatics–how advisor/ agent function if Yoyo demands nondisclosure? Whether reader, editor, reviewer or agent, it reveals complete distrust in integrity of other and destroys ability to do serious work.
There are those who spend lots of time talking about their “next best thing”, bring you an empty sheet of unformed ideas and get prickly when you tell them clouds are nicer hanging loose in the sky.
DeFriending editor/agent/reviewer on FB is just childish. 5yr-old tantrum.
Great minds think alike. I know, another cliche. Ha ha ha. I definitely need to write an article about the non-disclosure thing. Here’s the short version. Copyright your work. And lawyer up. Then send out your stuff and stop worrying about it. There’s only so much you can do. And you’re much more likely to hurt yourself insulting agents and publishers than you are likely to help yourself. Mark
maybe you have great mind, mine not. I don’t much appreciate being called a thief. It seems crazy to me to hang onto a “book” for 10years as it is not yet thoroughly cooked. Could be in oven and sold on market in that time. Not my problem that Yoyo doesn’t trust me or anybody to review his precious work. It will survive another 20years in footlocker.
I don’t like it either, but I just chalk it up to ignorance. I do get irritated, but I also feel sorry for people like that because you’re right… most likely their books will never be read by anyone except themselves. Mark
Rather reminiscent of “Hello Dolly” : no good unless you spread it around.
I am as sympathetic for such people as I am for the pigeons outside. They’d come over, take up hours with their precious mss, chatter about being the next great novelist, borrow my books and vanish. If I cleaned up the gibberish, they got angry because syntax isn’t necessary for style. Prague is full of such people. They bring chocolates or useless flower which I can’t eat and I’d rather have potatoes or cash for work
Not that I’m unappreciative of flowers; they have their place. When somebody spends hours straightening out gibberish or revision, reviewing materials, the person deserves to be paid. It’s crazy that DoDo can show up with expensive bon-bon box, but not pay for editing work. It’s also very uncomfortable to have such things dumped on you by a man because it’s a little like sexual bribery. I didn’t review/edit the work for sexual entrapment; I did it because I love English and money useful. aargh
Editor’s dream… the writer that’s talented, trusting, coachable, and willing/happy to pay for a job well done. Those are the kind of 1-on-1 coaching clients that I look for. Unfortunately you have to kiss a handful of porcupines to find a few princesses. (I was going to say kiss a handful of frogs to find a few princes but your cliche alert would have gone off.) 😉 Mark
One thing I remind my students is stories, even personal ones, need a universality to engage the reader.
Hi Laura. Happy snowy Saturday (we’re getting blasted here in Boulder). How do you explain that to them, your students? I always think of it as focusing as much on the themes and emotions of a story (since those things are universal) than the setting, description, physical action, etc. which often is not. Mark
Snow isn’t here yet. Supposed to start tomorrow around noun.
I try to get my students to use more concrete detail. Such as instead of saying he drove a nice car, which is a grammatically correct sentence, but the adjective “nice” is too abstract. Instead, say something like, he sped by in a red Porsche.” The details give the reader a mental movie, and also say something about the income bracket of the character.
I like concrete details. Enjoy the sunlight while you can. 😉 Mark
Good job, Mark. That’s a lesson appropriate for the book, its back cover blurb, and all its promotional copy. It’s definitely something for me to think about in all those areas.
Hi David, good point. You also just made me realize that the best writing training I ever had was trying to sell things… including books. When you need to communicate effectively in order to feed yourself (or take that next vacation), you start putting yourself in the other person’s shoes quickly. Or you end up going hungry (and never leaving home). Thanks for your comment. Mark
Right again, Mark — about sales. I’ve heard that before but often forget, while it comes naturally to my wife.
HI David, I want to compliment the female species here and say that they are naturally much better at sales than men… but then I’d be accused by some as being a sexist. Hmm. I think I better stop while I’m ahead. Have a good weekend! Mark
Hi Mark — I’ll go on that limb and say women are “naturally” better at sales than men, from the standpoint of putting themselves in another’s shoes. Women gain such empathy as part of motherhood, while men’s roles in our society have been directed toward conquest. You can’t “conquer” someone and at the same time imagine yourself in his shoes or — more difficult — in HER shoes. But men do learn.
(Sexism is an underlying themes of my “Escape!” novel, set in 1995. So I’m on that limb already.)
Well said. I don’t see how you could possibly get in trouble with other gender by putting it that way. 😉 Mark
Sometimes, you want to write art. You want to make the words soar. Then, its not fofr you either – its for Art, and let all who appreciate Beethovens Late Quartets or Rachmaninovs Piano Concerto #2 join in its appreciation.
Hi Ronald, I probably should have said that books can be art also… because I certainly do believe that some books are art. But so many authors are already thinking that – too much – and it gets them in trouble. Sometimes art touches people in deep ways, but it can be accidental. I guess if I’m going to say that books are art, I believe they’re better books if they are “consciously” created (or at least edited) art. Make sense? Thanks for posting. Mark | PS – Your Twitter pic is upside down. 🙂
Right you are, Mark – this is going to be the year that I can find the money to go to a few conferences, and I want agents to come up to me and say, “Hey, aren’t you the guy with his picture upside-down?” I’ll respond, “Yep, that’s me. Did you know that a love triangle between thirty- and forthysomethings is inerently more interesting than 90% of the love triangles in your slush pile?”
As long it’s intentional (your photo) it’s all good. By the way, every love triangle is probably interesting. I find them much more interesting when I’m not in the middle of them. Some things are better enjoyed from afar. 😉 Here’s to your success. Mark
Does this go along the lines of divorcing your book once its complete to head into editing? ‘Cause at that point, you go into shaping it as the reader sees it and not as your creation…
Hi Becca, I hadn’t heard that term before… but I think it’s probably the same idea. How an author arrives at the point where they have a reader-friendly book can be different. Some authors figure it all out before they even begin writing (usually more seasoned writers). Others have to simply get it all out first, then they have to try and distance themselves from their own stuff and get in the head/heart of their reader and do a rewrite. At least that’s how I see it? How do you do it? Mark
I don’t think of me while I’m writing. I try to get into the mindset of the characters and actually become them. The most important thing to me is that the characters seem as real as possible so people can related to them and also become them while they’re reading.
It’s said that if you don’t feel anything while you’re writing, your readers won’t feel anything while they’re reading. I believe this to be true.
Good point. I didn’t bother making a distinction in the article about dealing with this principles when writing nonfiction vs. fiction. That does change things a bit. And I love the quote about the author needing to feel something. I remind myself of that every time I sit down to write a new blog post. If I’m bored, everyone else will be also. Happy Sunday and see you again soon. 🙂 Mark
Mark: your GREAT article “It’s Not Your Book” is true to its core given my experience writing “The Wedding Garden.” From the very first words the characters positioned in my head, I knew I was writing a story but the characters were telling it. I honor their voices and work diligently to keep my thoughts to myself. Yet, and on the other hand, they did choose me. In the three years I’ve been working on the novel, their voices directed me throughout. I love them for their patience and their bravery in choosing a novice and instruct her how to proceed.
Hi Janet, makes me think of another article about whether novelists write their stories… or the characters that live within them. Hmm. Good stuff. Thank you for sharing, and I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Mark
I get it! I GET it! I don’t need to write for me … I already know the ending. I need to write for you because you don’t. Now, stop free reading “your book”, put down that croissant, finish your coffee, and go to the B&N check out and buy the damn thing! After all, it’s yours!
Hi Garland, you are too funny. FYI, I looked longingly at the steak burritos and scones through the glass at the coffee shop this morning, across the street from my house. But my willpower won. I decided to be healthy and only order a tall skim black chai, extra hot. 😉 Thanks for always brightening up my blog with your good humor. Mark
think you improve each week, but maybe because afraid of my whip. Of the two blurbs, I would have taken the top one and not the second. I am happy being a spectator and not so involved. The top one is far better written is another reason. Second is a bit loose.
If you had only dealt with #1 it as enough sufficient to chew on. When a book becomes egocentric, it’s just as stuffy and overbearing as standing with a pompous overstuffed clown in the room. We fall asleep or head for exits to escape.
hi pogo, thank u… should have said excerpts are drafts. i don’t mind saying that part of the reason is i’m continuing to grow as a writer and find my own voice… in this format, anyway… i’m now comfortable with my format and style for these articles so i’m now more focused on my readers… an example of me trying to practice what I just preached in this article. it also helps knowing that i have highly critical people (a good thing) like you, reading and commenting. 😉 Mark
At first I wasn’t very convinced by you. It seemed superficial, but now there is quite a bit of grit. I think the first point can’t be overstated. Perhaps it was a frustrated teacher who held up a messy exam paper–not mine– and exclaimed that all writing is intended as communication. If you can’t read it, it doesn’t communicate. It’s not just the handwriting, syntax or goobledygook, illogical structures and confused paragraphs and chapters, but whether an audience can read it. If not, trash
hi pogo. the grit comes and goes. authors have so many different needs that i try to mix it up. some “meatier” content like i believe i put in this article. and then lots of stuff about the mindset that author needs to be successful. that’s half the battle. i also want people to have fun when they read my posts and find hope. much of the other info i see/hear is boring and/or negative. i like the words of the frustrated teacher. thank you for sharing it. others will like it as well. mark
no– think not so true. not to flatter you, but look to Willy and Mozart, when the tension is high w/ serious theme, they introduce comedy. They know the drone and boredom of gravity. Cherub. is foil to the absent Graf lending tension, albeit he adds comedy. W/o Cherubino, there’d be no drama. Same in writing. We like sonatas because they give us different movements of equal weight, but the shift from the Allegro to Grave makes us appreciate each more.Is Cherubino less gritty? No.
Cherry Orchard and Cosi are both comedies, but both disturb us and make us think. Sometimes the only way to communicate serious thoughts is through comedy or humor. From Aesop to Thurber. We left out Aristophanes, Frogs. There has to be frogs somewhere.
I like how you mention great literature “disturbs” us. Yes. It takes us out of our comfort zones.
Which part not so true (from my last reply)? I just want to make sure I understand what you mean. Mark
“the grit comes and goes”. sorry to be obtuse. See it is good that I am not an author, for I would lose them within the first two sentences. On other hand, sending food in not quite daily. Somebody will bite, if only for the pictures.
Thought so, just wanted to be sure. 🙂 Maybe what I should have also said (your comments are helping me clarify my thoughts) is that I look at my body of blog posts as a combination of two types. Pieces that stimulate lots of thought. Others that stimulate lots of feeling. My favorites, of course, are those that do both. But not every topic lends itself to that type of treatment. Mark