Target audience/Niche market

[Darkratus]

Sorry if this is the wrong area to post but it seems like the right one to me.

Hey there people I was starting some research on my Target audience/niche market for a book I wanted to write, and I thought the internet would be a good place to go. So I was hoping if my Target audience would be able to fill in a survey for me it would be really helpful, and thanks for those that do.

OK so I'm looking for mainly Teens/young adults for this around 13-16, 17 18 year old's are ok as well though. you don't have to be any political or religious affiliation. Now on to the survey I would like to know. The book will be a science fiction fantasy book

Your hobbies:
Thought patterns: (I know this ones a bit odd)
Likes:
Dislikes:
What you look for in a science fiction fantasy book:

 

[iansales]

Um, you should be working out what you're going to write before you work out who you're writing it for.

 

[Darkratus]

I already know that I have my ideas and stuff I know what I want to be writing, I just want to know more about who I would be writing it for

 

[J Riff]

Harry Potter fans. )

 

[Sapheron]

If you're aiming for thirteen to sixteen year olds... well I'm not sure how many are about to be honest. My take on the forum population (which may be entirely off) is that young teenagers aren't that numerous; most of us seem to be nearer the grave.

Could I suggest, perhaps, that if you want a handle of what that age group wants, then buy the books that they seem to appreciate and read them. That, right there, will be what they like and want.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

I suggest that you go to the library, ask what is popular in the teen or young adult section (the librarians will know, but you can also tell if you see multiple copies of a book on the shelves), take home an armload of books, read those, then go back and repeat the exercise. The only way to know what kids that age like to read is to read it yourself. A survey is not reliable. Partly because the sample would be too small, and partly because people are not always honest about their reading habits.

Besides, to get more than a superficial idea, you just have to read the books.

Also, as suggested, go to a bookstore, browse the YA section. See which authors take up the most shelf space (hint: Rick Riordan for the 13 year olds). Buy some of their books.

 

[Darkratus]

Hey guys thanks for the advice it should help ill try take a look at they book stores when I'm next down town which should be soon,and thanks for being helpful. Rick Riordan I love his books

 

[Sapheron]

In time you'll come to realise that almost (I did say almost...) every problem in your writing career can be solved in some way by a trip to a bookshop.

Don't get too worried about what is popular though. To a degree you can mould your muse towards a specific direction, but in reality each writer is an individual and goes about their business in a unique fashion. If you want to write and have, as you have confirmed already, your own ideas going for you, then why not just get down to it and put words to paper?

After all, almost all the problems that aren't solved by going to a bookshop are solved through the enlightening, embarrassing and often humiliating benefits of hindsight.

 

[thatollie]

It's a fair bet that you'll be a better writer when you finish the first draft than when you started. You'll learn stuff, gain experience and practice, as Sapheron mentioned.

And it's generally better to think about target audiences and markets after you've written something.

So, write it.

 

[yoyo123323]

Ian do you know anything about writing? If you want to sell a story, you have to know your audience. You have to know who you're writing for. It keeps you focused so your story doesn't stray away from what you want.
Do not listen to this man, he doesn't know what he's talking about.

 

[Susan Boulton]

Ian do you know anything about writing? If you want to sell a story, you have to know your audience. You have to know who you're writing for. It keeps you focused so your story doesn't stray away from what you want.
Do not listen to this man, he doesn't know what he's talking about.

Yes, he does. Ian is a published writer. That is he has been paid for his writing.

What are your credentials?

 

[Gary Compton]

Ian do you know anything about writing? If you want to sell a story, you have to know your audience. You have to know who you're writing for. It keeps you focused so your story doesn't stray away from what you want.
Do not listen to this man, he doesn't know what he's talking about.

Have you read the book, "How to win friends and influence people.' I'd reccomend it YoYo.

Also what gives you the right to come in and critisise one of the elder statesmen of Chronicles?

I suggest you get back in your cage and re-think your strategy of discussing this thread. Remember you're a Chrons Virgin and should be showing respect in your new enviroment and not coming in like a tsunami of arrogance.

Kind Regards Gary

 

[The Judge]

Let's keep it calm, people.

If a person has an opinion s/he is as entitled to offer it as much as the rest of us, whether s/he's been here a day or a year.

As a general point, please consider that a little humility doesn't go amiss in posting, particularly if your remarks may appear to contradict someone else's. And everyone would do well to remember that this is a forum for discussion, not one for giving offence, and we will not tolerate name-calling. Argue the point, not the person, please.

 

[Gary Compton]

I just say what others may be thinking your Honour. If I'm in the wrong (again) then I apologise unreservedly but I cant be bothered with throw away comments that arent thought out and may upset a fellow Chronite.

Anyway, back to the mental asylam

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Ian do you know anything about writing? If you want to sell a story, you have to know your audience. You have to know who you're writing for. It keeps you focused so your story doesn't stray away from what you want.
Do not listen to this man, he doesn't know what he's talking about.

Ian is right. And those of us who are suggesting trips to the library and to the bookstores are also right. Until a writer knows what a story is,* it's impossible to tell who it is for. Once you know that, then you can refine the story to suit a particular type or age of reader. Writers become better at figuring all of this out with much experience, and with reading many books.

Assuming that Ian doesn't know what he is talking about is incorrect.


*For beginning writers, sometimes it takes a draft or two to even find out that much.

 

[Yog-Sothoth]

I personally write what "I would enjoy" as a reader, or feel is missing in the world of literature. I don't know which age category you're aiming for, but if its any specific number, try recollecting what you enjoyed reading at that age, or felt was missing. Otherwise I would follow Teresa's advice at post; #6

 

[Jake Reynolds]

Absolutely agree that its better to write something first. I have spent the last twenty years umming and aahing about minutae that are meaningless until long after a writer puts pen to paper (or finger to keyboard as the case may be). Finish something first, learn your style, find out what suits you as a writer. Trying to fit to a set ideal that you may be less skilled at is like a master painter forcing himself to sculpt. Once the writing is improved- and believe me, no class or website can teach what actually writing a novel can- then go for it. Open a blank word document, learn who you are as a writer, and see what happens.

Just my opinion though