What I’m about to say is going to be unpopular. You may disagree with it. In fact, it will probably go against everything you’ve read about writing and marketing recently.
So many writers today repeat the mantra, “Diversify, diversify, diversify!” They say you need to write in every market you possibly can. They say you need blogs in many different areas. They say you need to become knowledgeable about everything, so you can write about everything.
STOP. 
RIGHT.
THERE.
Don’t allow your writing to become scattershot. You’ll be shooting ammunition everywhere, but never hitting the target. You will be wasting your time.
Take a minute to think about successful writers today.
Ken Follett. He’s the richest writer in the world, earning millions every year. Why? Because he has a niche. He writes thrillers. He has honed his angle of the craft down to an art.
Now think of J. K. Rowling. Undeniably, she is the most successful writer in children’s fantasy.
Stephen King. Without a doubt, he is the master of the horror genre.
Norah Roberts is an icon of the romance genre. Her alter ego, J. D. Robb is just as successful in suspense. Norah found a niche and stuck with it, and when she found a second niche, she used a pseudonym and stuck with it as well.
Now, think of one author who writes in more than three genres who is as successful as the authors I just mentioned.
I dare you.
Yesterday’s teaching tip was about the seven-step REFOCUS process to help teachers invigorate their habits and avoid burnout. The same concept applies to writers, and the beginning of a new year is a perfect time to evaluate what you are doing as a writer.
Success comes from finding something you do well, and doing an exceptional job of it. You need to find your niche and stick with it. Focus your writing.
That doesn’t mean you can only have one niche. You might have two or possibly even three. Once you establish yourself in a niche, people begin to think of you as an expert in that area. They will be drawn to you for advice, entertainment, and education. You’ll develop a following, something you’ll never do if you continually diversify.
Focus your writing goals on the two or three main areas you want to write in this year. Write those goals down and keep them in front of you. Pin them on your wall where you write. Whenever you sit down to a new project, ask yourself, “Does this fit into my focus for writing?” If it’s outside of your focus area, stop.
Stick with your chosen area of expertise, your niche, and create a following.
Your following will lead you to success.
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
