Daya Kudari
asked
C. JoyBell C.:
In terms of writing, how do we handle the fact that there is a difference between what the market wants and what we have to offer? Can we do anything about it?
C. JoyBell C.
Hello Mr. Kudari,
Thank you for your question!
Indeed, this is a quandary that all authors face. To handle this fact, I think that a writer needs to reflect upon what his or her goals are, as an author. My personal goals are to bookbind the things that are inside of me, hence, I put the demand of the market second to my own internal demand. So for example, if the market demands romance trilogies, but at the moment I feel the desire to bookbind a compilation of esoteric poetry, then I will most likely go with my gut. On the other hand, I see nothing wrong with following the wishes of the readers in one's market and I don't think myself any "better" for following my gut. I feel that all authors have to make this choice and neither of the options are better than the other one. If I had it in me to follow the demand of the market— I probably would. The thing is, I am simply not wired that way! However, I do listen to my readers to a certain extent— only to test the waters to see if a book that I am already working on would be well-accepted or not. Furthermore, I listen to my readers strongly in certain areas of book cover design. For example, in the past I have asked my audience if they would prefer a matte book cover or a glossy finish, so on and so forth.
I think that what can be done about this practical dilemma is to make the weightier choice, the choice that is more meaningful to you as an author. I don't think there is a right or wrong when it comes to this; only a uniquely personal decision to make.
I hope my answer helps!
Thank you for your question!
Indeed, this is a quandary that all authors face. To handle this fact, I think that a writer needs to reflect upon what his or her goals are, as an author. My personal goals are to bookbind the things that are inside of me, hence, I put the demand of the market second to my own internal demand. So for example, if the market demands romance trilogies, but at the moment I feel the desire to bookbind a compilation of esoteric poetry, then I will most likely go with my gut. On the other hand, I see nothing wrong with following the wishes of the readers in one's market and I don't think myself any "better" for following my gut. I feel that all authors have to make this choice and neither of the options are better than the other one. If I had it in me to follow the demand of the market— I probably would. The thing is, I am simply not wired that way! However, I do listen to my readers to a certain extent— only to test the waters to see if a book that I am already working on would be well-accepted or not. Furthermore, I listen to my readers strongly in certain areas of book cover design. For example, in the past I have asked my audience if they would prefer a matte book cover or a glossy finish, so on and so forth.
I think that what can be done about this practical dilemma is to make the weightier choice, the choice that is more meaningful to you as an author. I don't think there is a right or wrong when it comes to this; only a uniquely personal decision to make.
I hope my answer helps!
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