Your book should do something for the reader.
Books in the fiction realm offer a thrill or an escape. They paint vivid pictures of worlds and scenarios we normally wouldn’t experience and draw us in through the main character’s journey. Books in the non-fiction realm need to share information of interest, teach something, or solve a problem.
It cannot be information for information’s sake.
One of the biggest conversations I have with my clients is around their book topic. Some come to me with very specific topics in mind, others have a general idea, but don’t know how to make it stand out in the market.
And this is normal. Unless you have been immersed in the world of books like I have, the idea of trying to make one that stands out, and figuring out how to narrow down your topic, can be difficult. Especially with my clients who usually have years of experience on their given subject under their belt.
When you are stuck trying to pick a topic for your book, here is what I recommend.
Look at your audience. Study the people who you want to read the book then ask yourself WHY you want them to read the book.
For example, I had a potential client tell me he wanted to write about his professional sports journey. An interesting topic to be sure but, very broad and not necessarily easily marketed unless you are in the top 1% of athletes in the world. So we dug into who he wanted to talk to, and what he wanted them to get from the book. Then he said the golden gem.
“I want people to know about the underbelly of professional sports and how it takes advantage of the players.”
What a topic! Now the book has a specific purpose that captures the interest of those who love sports, those who want to get into sports professionally, and those already in sports.
By identifying who his audience was, and what he wanted them to get from the book he quickly gained a very clear direction on the subject matter.
It’s rare that someone picks up a book which has nothing to do with something they like or are passionate about. And on the crowded non-fiction shelf, you have to pinpoint your audience and resonate with them.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when trying to narrow down the topic of your book:
- What do I know that others could benefit from?
- What do I want the reader to get out of my book?
- Who do I want my readers to be and why?
Some of the best books are broad topics with a narrow focus. Think of books on communication:
- Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
- How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss
Or books on sales:
- Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount
- Power Phone Scripts by Mike Brooks
- The Sales Development Playbook by Trish Bertuzzi
Each of these don’t cover the entirety of sales or communication. Instead they drill down into a specific aspect of these topics which can improve the overall strategy.
The key to a successful book, especially in the non-fiction realm, lies in its unique angle.
Your expertise and experience are invaluable, but it’s the specific lens through which you present your topic that makes your book stand out. This unique perspective not only helps define your target audience but also positions your book as a must-read in its category.
As you narrow down your topic and find your unique angle, you’re not just creating a roadmap for your potential readers; you’re also charting a path for your own growth and understanding.
This journey is what makes writing a book both a personal and professional triumph!
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