5 Reasons a Writer Needs an Audience and a Good Editor

Why Writers Write

Most authors write for themselves and not for their audience. Especially newby writers. I never stopped to think about who I was writing for, instead I wrote the story that was hanging around in my head. Success comes from writing for your audience and giving that audience what they want to read. I am a science fiction fan with apocalyptic over tones.  Most women do not read science fiction and most do not read apocalyptic tales. So my number one piece of advice is: 

1. Find your audience and write for them. 

I like killing off my main character. My very first editor had a meltdown when she got to the end of my book. In fact, she had me rewrite the ending. Romance MUST have a happy ending, she said, so my second piece of advice is: 

2. Don't kill off your main character. 

I also like one book wonders. I wasn't big on serials. Nowadays, readers want serials, so my third piece of advice is: 

3. Try to write with another book in mind. Or a third or fourth if you can. 

 I went with a new publishing company because they offered me a contract! While they were in business for a few years, they eventually folded and I was crushed at the finished copy of Gemini Rising. The editing was horrendous, the story a complete mess. *shudder* So my fourth piece of advice is: 

4. Know your publishing company and the people behind it. Now, my editor was a great writer. She'd written more books than I can count. When she passed, the company was turned upside down and while they struggled to stay afloat, the editing was down right bad and their reputation shot. 

Every writer has a dream. We all want to make the best sellers list of any newspaper or magazine. While you may actually get placed, there is not a whole lot of money to be made. So, my last piece of advice is: 

5. Don't expect to make a million. You'll be lucky to pay for a vacation. 

I have made more money off articles than I have with my books. Gemini Rising is being re-released by a new publishing company and it has taken years to get it in shape. Most of the problem comes from formatting and differing editor viewpoints, but that's OK. I can wait. In the meantime, I'll keep writing.