Lately I’ve been reading tips on writing for your ideal reader. That’s the person who feels like the book was written specifically for them—the one who connects with the themes, characters, and style.
The best tip I’ve heard is: Think of one person (a friend, a cousin, your nephew, even yourself) who appreciates your writing and write as if the story is meant for him or her.
Now describe that person…write a bio. Consider age, gender, lifestyle, interests, and reading habits. For example, a cozy mystery writer might target women in their 40s–70s who enjoy puzzles, light humor, and community-driven stories. A fantasy author may seek readers who value immersive worlds and long series. An author of crime novels should target people who want to fix things and put the world right (nurses, teachers, etc)
Think about what problems, desires, or emotions your book satisfies—escapism, comfort, thrill, inspiration. To see an example of the bio I created for my ideal reader (age 40-90, suburban or rural, active, nature-loving….) scroll to the end of this post.
How do you reach that ideal reader? Go where they already gather. This could mean joining Facebook groups, book clubs, or forums dedicated to your genre. Create blog posts, newsletters, or social media content that resonates with their values and interests. Use keywords they would type into search bars.
Everything you do online like your logo, photos, cover design, and the way you speak should echo those same values you identified. Imagine a children’s writer posting on Facebook and swearing like a drunken sailor. She would lose readers. Always be aware of the image you want to portray.
Don’t spread yourself too thin trying to reach everyone. Instead, target those who WANT to buy your book. Define and seek out your ideal reader and strengthen that connection. Readers who feel seen and understood may become loyal fans just waiting for your next book.
My Ideal Reader for my cozy and adventure mysteries:
| Age | 40 – 80 years old |
| type of Home/neighborhood | Small towns, rural, and suburban, |
| Relationship status | married or happily single or widowed |
| current Family | retired or empty nester |
| Family background | middle-class, working class, successful |
| Friends | a few close friends, mostly in groups |
| Other close relationships | spouse, children, grandchildren |
| Occupation | retired, volunteer, teacher, nurse, any mid-level job- not too professional |
| Education | Some college; two year degree, or 4 yrs from local college |
| Responsibilities | motherhood, grandmotherhood, clubs, teams, volunteer positions, household |
| Dress style | casual, comfortable |
| Religion | general christian |
| Attitude toward Religion | open , spiritual |
| Favorite pastimes | outdoor activities, sports, tennis, golf, pickleball, hiking, bicycling |
| Activities | reading, baking, gardening, genealogy, quilting, crossword, wordl |
| Favorite foods | healthy, fruits, vegetables, homemade, tea |
| Strongest positive personality trait | intelligent, witty, optimistic, friendly, gentle, kind |
| Strongest neg personality trait | needs more self-esteem, homebody |
| Other traits | joiner, influencer, willing to share news of things she likes |
| has time to relax and read, | |
| Would rather read about adventure than have one. | |
| traditional – reads rather than listen to podcasts and movies | |
| Sense of humor | puns, contagious laugh, subtle humor |
| Temper | even-tempered |
| Consideration for others | helps friends, thinks of birthdays, etc. |
| How other people see him/her | fun, intelligent, well-read |
| Opinion of herself | just okay, a little too heavy, getting old, not as intelligent as others |
| Traits she’d like to have | strength in an emergency, ability to write a book, |
| ambitions | travel, write a memoir |
| Philosophy of life | live life well, Be brave. Do the very thing that scares you. |
| Most important thing to know about this reader | Her likes and what motivates her. Why does she read? social media habits |
| what makes her most happy | new places, new achievements, experiences, |
| Talker or quiet? | Talker, willing to talk about my books |
| What are his/her fears/ | Losing her family; getting old |
| Most cherished possession? | Books, pets, |
| Social Media | posts regularly on FB, Instagram, leaves comments and shares |
Jeanne Meeks ~ Fiction Author 