Connecting With Readers

Readers are the most important part of writing. Without them, you can not succeed as an author. If they like what you’ve written, they will share it with people they know, expanding your readership. They will write reviews that others will see, which may lead potential readers to become readers and lovers of your work.

Figuring out how to connect with your readers and potential readers isn’t easy for everyone. I struggle with this all the time. Most of us write posts to sell our story ideas and generate interest in our next title. That is not the same as connecting. That’s selling.

To connect with a reader, you have to get to know them. Find out what they like, enjoy and expect. Save this information and return it when you need to. Research may be needed. Look at comments that are left in the reviews. Check the posts and comments in the groups you belong to. Find out what people wish they could see in a story. Learn what kind of characters people want to read about.

Once you know your audience engaging with them becomes easier. Support their opinions and validate their thoughts and opinions. Knowing that the author of the stories they read is listening is the biggest compliment you can give a reader. Acknowledge interesting thoughts and ideas in your blog and social media posts. Ask them to tell you what they are thinking.

Readers will hear you when they are sure that you are listening. That is the beginning of making a real connection with your audience.