Loved this take. A question or perhaps a post for the next edition: how would you recommend reaching out to readers and really asking what they like? Is there stuff you’ve tried before outside of analytics
Great question. I'll tell you what's worked for me: engage with readers who engage with you and engage with them on a one-to-one level. So readers who comment or share, ask them whatever question you want to ask (why did you sign up, what did you stick around, am I meeting your expectations, etc.). I've tried sending out surveys and for whatever reason, my readers don't respond. Asking questions individually takes a bit more time, but not so much that I won't do it. Plus you usually get detailed responses.
And to be clear, I ask them these questions in DMs and individual emails, not in the comment section. Again, that's just what's worked for me. Other people have luck with surveys or other means.
I came to ask the same question Perzen did! Thanks for the honest response. My readers don't respond to polls or surveys either so I'll try 1-1 instead. That's so much more fun anyway! Thanks again!
I remember supersize me like it was yesterday. The salad craze was very real! I feel like all the fast food places came out with salads, but then slowly they retreated back to what the people wanted. I liked the analogy to writing...stay authentic and weather the storm.
Wonderful piece. The vulnerability that comes with authenticity is scary but also connects you with your people so it's truly a win win in the name of freedom and connection. Thank you so much for the roadmap, Kern.
“Writing is talking to yourself-with the hope of being overheard.” - Marty Rubin...that’s how you know you’re being authentic and will pop-out of the crowd...this was a great read!
No one has determined the secret sauce, not even the big 5.
Conglomerates have marketing resources at their disposal.So what does an energetic and keen writer have ? -- optimism ? hardly a marketing tool for breakthrough significant sales.
I recall, an old high school friend who won a Community literary prize, $15,000 a few years ago and was promised a publishing contract and was very happy.
But.
Would you believe, after several years revising his MS; twelve times, still no takers for a publishing deal.
But wait ...
In frustration, he decided to do something about it, and went direct and submit to a publisher, instead of seeking out the agent route.
He had a bite at last, the publishing Manager showed interest and asked for more chapters.
The executive read the MS and told my friend his writing made him cry and will do his best to give him a book contract, as it not up to him but his team and the boss for the final decision
The outcome ? Nothing. Zip, Nada, Nyet, only the sound of Crickets.
You read about the craft of writing to develop the skills for commercial reality and take courses in writing, but do they teach you if your Novel will be a block/best seller ?
Then you read something that irritates you but catches your attention, a new writer, submits a MS for the first time and receives six figure advance to launch her writing career; to live from her writing -- a magnificent start.
Go figure.
I think the lesson is, if you have been writing for a while, if you do not have early success or an impact right away, it can be a long frustrating slog. I also read recently a 77 year old had her first novel published LOL. Perhaps do not give up
So what is the secret sauce of the successful Stephen King, who makes $ 400 million, and Dean Koontz $ 500 million from their book sales ? Authenticity ??
what is their the secret sauce that the adoring reading public like about their ?
Publishing is a business after all, and any product or service the public has no interest in will not make sales.
And why write for nothing, as the saying goes, if you go in for a penny, you go for a pound, ought to be your writing motto unless you write for your pleasure and amusement only.
Wonderful essay! Authenticity requires risk, but you remind us that the rewards are worth it.
They certainly can be!
Needed this today. Thank you!
Glad you read it! You know what you gotta do now!!!
No that’s the thing we do and we don’t!
Oh, got you!
Loved this take. A question or perhaps a post for the next edition: how would you recommend reaching out to readers and really asking what they like? Is there stuff you’ve tried before outside of analytics
Great question. I'll tell you what's worked for me: engage with readers who engage with you and engage with them on a one-to-one level. So readers who comment or share, ask them whatever question you want to ask (why did you sign up, what did you stick around, am I meeting your expectations, etc.). I've tried sending out surveys and for whatever reason, my readers don't respond. Asking questions individually takes a bit more time, but not so much that I won't do it. Plus you usually get detailed responses.
And to be clear, I ask them these questions in DMs and individual emails, not in the comment section. Again, that's just what's worked for me. Other people have luck with surveys or other means.
I came to ask the same question Perzen did! Thanks for the honest response. My readers don't respond to polls or surveys either so I'll try 1-1 instead. That's so much more fun anyway! Thanks again!
Such a great tip! I’m going to try reaching out to a few of them, thank you
Enjoyed this essay Kern. This is a question I try to pose to myself each time I sit down to write - am I being authentically me?
It's a tough one, but one that needs to be asked and answered every single time.
I remember supersize me like it was yesterday. The salad craze was very real! I feel like all the fast food places came out with salads, but then slowly they retreated back to what the people wanted. I liked the analogy to writing...stay authentic and weather the storm.
Wonderful piece. The vulnerability that comes with authenticity is scary but also connects you with your people so it's truly a win win in the name of freedom and connection. Thank you so much for the roadmap, Kern.
You're very welcome. Thanks for reading!
Yeah! I know a post has some oomph behind it when I lose at least one or two subscribers.
Hahaha that's the barometer 🤣
It made me think of Fast Food Nation, another great film and the powers behind. I connect these two movies.
Yup, that was another one that made an impact.
This is mind blowing! Thank you. Cryptic… but mind blowing. There’s no one path we all have our unique style to follow truthfully.
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
“Writing is talking to yourself-with the hope of being overheard.” - Marty Rubin...that’s how you know you’re being authentic and will pop-out of the crowd...this was a great read!
Oh I love that quote. Thank you, and thanks for sharing.
Thanks for this thought-provoking piece of writing.
You're very welcome!
Love this take. Smartly written! Thank you
Reality bites.
No one has determined the secret sauce, not even the big 5.
Conglomerates have marketing resources at their disposal.So what does an energetic and keen writer have ? -- optimism ? hardly a marketing tool for breakthrough significant sales.
I recall, an old high school friend who won a Community literary prize, $15,000 a few years ago and was promised a publishing contract and was very happy.
But.
Would you believe, after several years revising his MS; twelve times, still no takers for a publishing deal.
But wait ...
In frustration, he decided to do something about it, and went direct and submit to a publisher, instead of seeking out the agent route.
He had a bite at last, the publishing Manager showed interest and asked for more chapters.
The executive read the MS and told my friend his writing made him cry and will do his best to give him a book contract, as it not up to him but his team and the boss for the final decision
The outcome ? Nothing. Zip, Nada, Nyet, only the sound of Crickets.
You read about the craft of writing to develop the skills for commercial reality and take courses in writing, but do they teach you if your Novel will be a block/best seller ?
Then you read something that irritates you but catches your attention, a new writer, submits a MS for the first time and receives six figure advance to launch her writing career; to live from her writing -- a magnificent start.
Go figure.
I think the lesson is, if you have been writing for a while, if you do not have early success or an impact right away, it can be a long frustrating slog. I also read recently a 77 year old had her first novel published LOL. Perhaps do not give up
So what is the secret sauce of the successful Stephen King, who makes $ 400 million, and Dean Koontz $ 500 million from their book sales ? Authenticity ??
what is their the secret sauce that the adoring reading public like about their ?
Publishing is a business after all, and any product or service the public has no interest in will not make sales.
And why write for nothing, as the saying goes, if you go in for a penny, you go for a pound, ought to be your writing motto unless you write for your pleasure and amusement only.
I liked this amusing post kern