This is pretty compelling! And it’s a novel? I would want to read more! Maybe you could include a smidge about what kind of memoirist she is, and/or why the child might be taken away?
"either has a quiet love for comic series like Batman, or would if they read them. They are fascinated by the lyrical genius of Hamilton, and know the full lyrics to Creep, but can name only a few other Radiohead songs, if any. They can endure the full Handmaid’s Tale series, and would’ve loved A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara if only it hadn’t leaned so much into being ‘trauma porn.’
This reader always carries a book for their commute, but they also enjoy scrolling on their phone and looking out the window. They track the books they read on Goodreads or similar, and they are happiest when a friend asks to borrow a book off their shelf so they can talk about it next time they meet over a brew coffee or sparkling wine."
I'm wondering if the titles above would work as comps, considering that not all are novels.
For comps, I'd find books that are similar to yours (but different!) that came out in the past 2-5 years and had some measurable success. And then you can include in your query package something like "For readers who love both comics and the Handmaid's Tale." Those tell an agent something about the vibe of your book! But they wouldn't necessarily be useful guidance about where to pitch your book or who might publish it. Ya know?
I loved this post. It really helped me clarify my ideal reader. I am already finding it helpful to picture them as I’m writing. Thank you! 🙏
Here is my ideal reader description:
I’m writing my novel for the outsider with a dark sense of humor and a tender heart. Someone who understands why we turn to art and music to survive, collects misfit friends, and believes in love despite everything.
This was one of the most helpful articles I have read. I know how to write (I think) but I don't know things like querying, finding an agent, etc. I have written four books since 2019, just as covid hit the U.S. All signing, etc. cancelled. When I was young (in my 30's) I wrote for True Romance, Intimate confessions, etc. Does anyone remember those? If not, you'll know my age. I've been published by a POD publisher, and my first book, an academic book, got great reviews.
Since then I've been writing medical mysteries, and I want to be a REAL writer. So I'm learnng, through these channels, how to start from scratch. Thank you.
Oh good, I’m so glad to hear that this was helpful! I’m sure you’re already on this, but I find the best way to learn about the world of each specific genre is by reading as much as you can of it! Best of luck 🙏
This was so hard! I first wrote too much, then too little. This is as close as I'll get to a logline today:
A memoirist dusts off her diaries to write a new memoir and gain sympathy before her child is taken from her.
This is pretty compelling! And it’s a novel? I would want to read more! Maybe you could include a smidge about what kind of memoirist she is, and/or why the child might be taken away?
Glad you found it interesting! And thank you so much for the feedback 🥰
My ideal reader:
"either has a quiet love for comic series like Batman, or would if they read them. They are fascinated by the lyrical genius of Hamilton, and know the full lyrics to Creep, but can name only a few other Radiohead songs, if any. They can endure the full Handmaid’s Tale series, and would’ve loved A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara if only it hadn’t leaned so much into being ‘trauma porn.’
This reader always carries a book for their commute, but they also enjoy scrolling on their phone and looking out the window. They track the books they read on Goodreads or similar, and they are happiest when a friend asks to borrow a book off their shelf so they can talk about it next time they meet over a brew coffee or sparkling wine."
I'm wondering if the titles above would work as comps, considering that not all are novels.
I love your ideal reader! This is so great.
For comps, I'd find books that are similar to yours (but different!) that came out in the past 2-5 years and had some measurable success. And then you can include in your query package something like "For readers who love both comics and the Handmaid's Tale." Those tell an agent something about the vibe of your book! But they wouldn't necessarily be useful guidance about where to pitch your book or who might publish it. Ya know?
Best of luck! This book sounds super interesting!
I loved this post. It really helped me clarify my ideal reader. I am already finding it helpful to picture them as I’m writing. Thank you! 🙏
Here is my ideal reader description:
I’m writing my novel for the outsider with a dark sense of humor and a tender heart. Someone who understands why we turn to art and music to survive, collects misfit friends, and believes in love despite everything.
Ohhh I love that. Sounds like I’m one of your idea readers!
This made my day! Motivation to get this book finished… 😀
This was one of the most helpful articles I have read. I know how to write (I think) but I don't know things like querying, finding an agent, etc. I have written four books since 2019, just as covid hit the U.S. All signing, etc. cancelled. When I was young (in my 30's) I wrote for True Romance, Intimate confessions, etc. Does anyone remember those? If not, you'll know my age. I've been published by a POD publisher, and my first book, an academic book, got great reviews.
Since then I've been writing medical mysteries, and I want to be a REAL writer. So I'm learnng, through these channels, how to start from scratch. Thank you.
Oh good, I’m so glad to hear that this was helpful! I’m sure you’re already on this, but I find the best way to learn about the world of each specific genre is by reading as much as you can of it! Best of luck 🙏