How to Write a Market Analysis for a Book

Writing and publishing a book is many a writer´s dream. However, the task can be a difficult undertaking, particularly if the author is not as well-versed in marketing as she may be at being a wordsmith. Most agents require a brief market analysis along with a conceptual outline of the book project before they even start reading manuscripts. A solid and well-designed market analysis enhances a book´s chances to get published.

Instructions

Book Marketing

1. Define your target audience. Do you believe anyone out there would like to buy and read your book? If so, why? Do you write about a contemporary problem that moves a lot of people? Keep in mind that not everyone will want to read your book, no matter what it is about. However, your prime target audience is key to your book´s market success. Try to gather as much information as you can about this group of people and make sure your book will give them as much reading pleasure as possible. When you write a market analysis, show your literary agent and your publisher that you understand your potential readers´ desires and wishes. Keep it brief, though, do not write more than one page about the target audience.

2. Show your understanding of promotion and distribution, the two most important factors in book marketing. Provide a detailed plan as to how you intend to raise interest in your book, for example by traveling across country and engaging in reading sessions at book stores or using funds to advertise your book in commercials. It is always a good idea if you can get a famous person to endorse your book, either by writing a foreword or by speaking about your book at public appearances. Many celebrities will probably consider writing a few lines if your book supports a good cause, for example.

3. Decide early on how you plan to package your book. Cover design is an important aspect of book-selling. Provide ideas on whether you prefer a drawing or a photograph and explain the reasoning.

4. Draw up a budget as best you can. If you know how much a cover design artist may ask for his services, add the amount to the total. Include costs for additional marketing endeavors, such as travel expenses in order to seek support from people who might be willing to endorse your project or fees and licensing rights for photographs you may wish to use when you seek publicity for your book.

References

• "1001 Ways to Market Your Books, 6th Ed."; John Kremer; 2006