Monday, August 27, 2012

What Are You Doing to Stand Out?

My favorite author-blogger (Author, James Scott Bell), said this in a recent post:

"So here is what you ought to consider as you write: what are you doing that is "more" than what you've read before?"

Now, let's give that some serious thought (and trust me, there's a practical reason for this):

1. What are you doing that's unique?
2. What are you doing that a reader hasn't seen in another book?
3. What are you doing that no one will see coming?

Now, once you've answered at least one of those (if not all three), make sure it's in your pitch, your query, your blurb, etc, etc, etc.

These are the things that will make readers gush about your story. These are the aspects of your character, plot or premise readers will talk about with their friends. These are the things that will sell your book.

If you can't identify them, how is the reader supposed to?'

Your Turn: Name a book that took you by surprise. What was it, and how did it change your expectations of future reads?

No comments:

Post a Comment