NICHE MARKET

If an editor were to ask you who the audience is for your book, don't say, "It's a book for everybody." While this may be true in a case like Harry Potter, even that series was originally marketed to middle-grade boys. As Idaho author N.D. Wilson explained to me, you first have to be put into a box before you can find a way to break out of it. Here are three niche markets I'm currently working on with Borderline authors in hopes that word of mouth will spread to a broader audience.

1) Jonathan Craig's motivational memoir YOU ARE THE REASON. Jonathan is an intellectual and spiritual teacher who has been living with HIV for 27 years. And while his book would touch all who read it, there is definitely a specific community looking for a message like his. For his international book tour, I'm scheduling him to work with AIDS Walks, speak at Universities, tour research facilities, teach at spiritual centers, and do book readings at gay and lesbian bookstores.

2) Todd Bennett's self-help book 90% RIGHT CAN BE 100% WRONG. Again, a book that would benefit everyone, but because of his Christian background, his launch party/dessert will be held at a church, and I'm working on getting him booked for Christian radio interviews. Beyond that, he will start taking his marriage seminars nationally and is currently working on another book for marriage specifically. Having endorsements from well-known personalities in his field and a platform with iquestions doesn't hurt either.

3) John Cline's book THE LAST CONFEDERATE BATTLE. While a fascinating story that would make an amazing movie, Borderline is going to focus on marketing to history buffs for the moment. John wants to hit reenactments and write articles for historical journals. We are also going to get copies of his book into the giftshops at museums.

So where does your writing fit in? Could you speak at sci-fi conventions in costume like Lynn Hardy? Or do you have a connection with New Age boookstore buyers like Sherry Cotton? Consider all the possibilities. Then make it happen.