On a Quest for Readers

photo by hudsononthego (Flickr.com)

You might think, "ON A QUEST FOR READERS" is a funny topic for a blogging post on a writing site. But let's just ask ourselves, all of us--who have books, short stories, blogs, poems online and more--what is it that you want? And most of us, after we dream big and mention the NYT bestseller's list, will say, "We want readers."

Really, isn't that what you want?

I'm going to be honest with you. I want readers. I write for children. I have three books, and my audience ranges from 3 to 18+, but I will take any reader from 1 to 101. I just want some.

Okay, so I'm exaggerating. Yes, I have some readers. I have been blessed with super loyal and wonderfully generous friends (and parents!) as well as a few cyber followers and strangers who have found my books at random events. And yet, I still feel like I am on a quest for readers.

So I thought I would start my quest today .There's nothing like a lovely Sunday when daylight savings time is over and a chill is in the air, to find some new fans and readers to love my books.

But how do I do this? This is where I need help. According to several authors who have done live events, there are random people that come to their tables and then confess, "I don't really read."

Yesterday, I was in the most lovely bookstore in Warrenton, MO, The Village Bookstore, and the owner confessed that "people just don't buy books." And these books were used--mostly $1 to $2 a book, AND the profits went to raise money for people in Africa.

So where are the readers?

I know they are out there. I mean, tons of books are sold a year. I see people get SO EXCITED about a book they read that becomes a movie--John Green (Fault in Our Stars) is now a celebrity. But WHERE. ARE. THESE. READERS?

So, I am on a quest, and I will periodically share my quest with you. At this time, I would love to hear from you if you are a reader and what you like to read OR if you know where I can find some. I would also like to invite you to sign up for my monthly FREE newsletter, where I will share my own news about my books and events and also news for people who like to read and write. You can do that here.

Until then, readers of the world--be strong. Stay a reader. And find your writer.

Margo L. Dill is a children's writer of novels and picture books. She is also an instructor for the WOW! Women On Writing classroom.

6 comments building a readership, Margo L. Dill, marketing, writing struggles