People who love their jobs may not like to hear it, but being a writer is rather hard work. It can be a lonely job. Few people ever really appreciate what you go through to create content. Most of the time, it feels like you’re banging your head against the wall because no one ever wants to read your work. Well, that’s how it feels from the inside. From the outside, though, it seems like you’re on the right track. Your efforts may even lead to some profitable outcomes. Let’s take a look.
The Great Recession
Unfortunately for the writer, the Great Recession of 2008-2010 changed everything. The e-commerce industry crashed, and traditional publishing houses shut down altogether. As a result, a lot of people were out of work and had little interest in reading as they watched their bank accounts dwindle away.
Then, along came the COVID-19 pandemic, and voila, instantaneously, everyone had a new interest in reading. Suddenly, people were craving novelties, and the e-commerce industry sprung back to life. As the world ventured back onto its feet, so did readers’ attention spans. They wanted to get back to what they knew, and nothing seemed to fit the bill better than a good book.
The Digital Reader
The e-reader has been the savior of the literary world. Suddenly, with the press of a button, readers could enjoy the feel of a real book in their hands. This novelty alone might help revive the sagging book sales. That, and the fact that reading on a tiny screen is so much more convenient.
Even so, the traditional book publisher has not yielded to the e-reader. While e-readers have undoubtedly helped to drive the market, it is the traditional book publisher that still holds the key to success. If you want to thrive as a writer in today’s world, you need to understand the importance of reaching audiences where they are. You cannot rely on the kindness of strangers any longer. You need to embrace the power of the digital consumer and attract potential clients where they’re at.
The Digital Consumer
Thanks to the internet, the world is no longer restricted to your local library. If you want to find a good read, all you have to do is navigate to your favourite online retail store and choose a book that takes your fancy. You can do this from the comfort of your home. You don’t even have to get up!
The convenience of the internet has driven most people to purchase online as much as possible. If you want to find a good book, all you have to do is enter the search bar on your favourite retailer’s website and type in the book’s name. What you’ll soon discover is that most big-name bookstores and online retailers offer a full range of literary fiction, from young adult novels to historical epics. There is something to suit everyone.
This is precisely why the digital consumer is such a vital audience to connect with. The more you know about their interests, the better you can tailor your content and present it to them where they are. This is important because, with the exception of youth, all demographics are largely online. Everyone has a device in their hands, and they use it to access the internet.
The Growth Of Video Content
While most people turn to books to learn new things, those who prefer to enjoy content as video typically watch lectures, performances, and documentaries. These kinds of videos allow viewers to follow along and keep up with the flow of information.
The trend towards learning through video content is evident. From Khan Academy to Udemy, companies are stepping in to facilitate knowledge attainment. For example, Codecademy provides a platform for learning through video and interactive quizzes. With the click of a button, students can learn any subject and receive a certificate once they’ve mastered the content. Similarly, the software company Canva has created a whole video course around designing a wedding magazine. While you might need to spend a little more effort to create your own video content, the convenience of a ready-made course can’t be overstated.
Attracting The Right Audience
The literary world was turned on its head when e-books became a thing. Suddenly, everyone had a way to read, and the number of people reading literary fiction decreased. When you become a publisher, one of your first jobs is to find your book’s audience and cultivate it. This is a much harder job in today’s world than it was in the past.
The vast majority of readers now use their internet connection to access content. As a publisher, it’s your job to ensure that your book is brought to the attention of as many people as possible. To achieve this, you need to find the right platforms and communities for your audience. When done correctly, a good social media strategy can help to drive traffic to your blog and drive sales of your books. It’s also worth considering whether or not to create content of a nature that fits within existing platforms or has the potential to expand into a new niche.
If you want to become a writer, you need to embrace the changes that technology has brought. Not only can you find an audience, but you can also connect with them and help them to engage with your content. This will lead you to success. Good luck!