Honesty in Marketing

While I am not as prolific in my fiction writing as some of you (so far) I have learned over the years that it is best to be honest about who would and would not like a specific book I wrote. This is especially true when I am in person at an event selling books.

I have a YA-Adult fantasy trilogy and book 1 has a dragon on the cover. That attracts parents looking for books for their 8-12 year olds. When a parent comes to my table I ask, “Does your kid love to read or are they a reluctant reader?” If they say reluctant, or even say they like to read sometimes, I tell them the books are not for them.

Middle Grade kids who love to read often say this trilogy is their favorite books they have ever read. But reluctant readers find them too slow and deep. I no longer fear turning prospective buyers away when I know their kid (or even an adult) would not like the book. I am okay missing a sale to someone who will be disappointed when they read. We cannot write a book that everyone will love.