This is a REALLY important piece of research for me. I don't usually get into asking for your assistance, because I know everyone is so busy, but I really need your feedback. I also encourage you to forward this note to anyone you know personally who might take the time to respond to me.
Some of you may know that I am working on a book with a literary agent. Each of the following three (3) options has a different target audience and approach. My question is, which of the following options do you think would sell and why? First, I'll list the audience that I would be targeting and the context of the book, with the pros and concerns of each. Be honest. Also, please state if you are a parent and how old your kids are. I will be forwarding your feedback to the Agent.
1) The target audience is young people ages 12 to 18 - A book that gives an overview of Justin's story, but that talks to teenagers about making the right choices; avoiding the "Domino Effect of Poor Choices"; to include statistics, etc. The scenario is that parents would buy the book for their teenagers and the school districts would buy them for the schools. I would have them for sale on campus at each speaking event. Educators please respond!
- Pros: No nonsense book reminding kids that they don't always get a "do over," if they make the wrong choice.
- Concerns: Will parents buy this book for their kids? Will their kids read this book? Will the kids that need it most...read it? Given budget cuts in all school districts nationwide, will the Districts purchase this book for students?
2) The target audience is parents - A book about the experiences in my life, and how from my own challenges and the choices I've made; I’ve become a stronger and more confident person; which translates to being a better parent.
- Pros: A book to let parents know that they aren't alone in their struggles in life and with kids, and through their experiences they can encourage confident choices in their own kids.
- Concerns: Could be perceived as my trying to tell parents how to be parents.
3) The target audience will be those looking for hope and inspiration as they face life’s toughest challenges - This book will be more of a Memoir and will chronicle my long term struggle with addiction, and how (and why) I got clean and sober. Sadly though, only a few short years after conquering my addictive demons, my faith and sobriety are put to the ultimate test when I receive the most devastating call imaginable; my son Justin was killed. Following his death, the readers will find out what kept me from falling back into a world of self-destruction; how I found the courage to take on the State Attorney’s Office, and step into the Legislative arena, like a pro; and how the choices I made to make the difference in the lives of others, enabled me to become whole again.
- Pros: Raw, honest, tragic and inspirational. A book to touch many lives. You don’t have to be rich and famous to write a book that will touch people.
- Concerns: Will anyone really read a book like this if it isn’t written by someone rich and famous?
Thanks everyone, your help with my research mean a great deal! Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. My life, is an open book…lol!
Hi Jamie, First I would like to say....I am so sorry for your loss ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteTarget all three groups!
Most literature I read.....are by folks that are not famous. But, if that is the road you would like to travel, you might find a sponsor. Send the end result to Oprah (as an example). David Lohr is a writer, and is very well known, you might drop him a note and see if he would be your emotional sponsor. Not many have laws created, your already a hero! :) It wouldn't hurt to go straight to the top. A one liner from our past Pres..would go a long way.
Best of luck to you! I can't wait to read your book.
Suzan
Thank-you so much Suzan. I do intend to go with all three (3) approaches eventually...but I have to have a focus at this point, hence the reason for the blog. There is a whole history as to how I ended up talking "book stuff"...I attended the California Women's Conference in Long Beach last year and attended a breakout...How to Write a Book and Get It Published. This agent was moderating, along with another author...and I submitted a proposal. I was runner-up out of 250+ submissions. They indicated that they still wanted to work with me and that is where we are at.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment. It means alot!
Jamie~
Sometimes opportunities.. are one in 250! I would love to attend such a seminar. I have plans to write one day, (Criminal psychology) your an inspiration for sure :) Be sure and include your journey to write in your forward of your book!
ReplyDeleteIf I had to pick one of your ways first out of the three..I would go for hope and inspiration. As that is how I felt while chatting with you :)
Wow Jamie, where to start. I too thought target all 3. Your story has great inspiration, strength, courage and most of all hope. So many people today need hope and to realize things are not as bad as they seem. Someone somewhere has lost more, or is more destitute. Many times over the past several years I've thought of you and Justin while having problems with my own children. I have my faith and know that Jesus suffered and died for me, but sometimes hearing how another mother has suffered and lost her child, well that can put things into perspective. Forgive me I'm thinking while typing and keep changing my mind as to which group you should start with. Option one could work and involve DARE or MAD with the schools.?. The more I think about it, a lot of parents out there are looking for hope and inspiration so my choice is to combine 2 and 3. A book about your journey that inspires AND helps parents. Good luck Jamie, and thanks. ~ Caroline
ReplyDeleteJamie,
ReplyDeleteI would choose Option 1 because I think it best fits with what the organization is all about. It is about teaching kids how and why they should think twice about the decisions they make and how those decisions can effect the rest of their lives as well as others.
I myself would read the book too, and then talk to my kids about it and really get them thinking about what they took away from the read. It's all about teaching and I really feel that this option would work the best.
Congratulatons on this opportunity to touch and change so many lives..I will be waiting to read this book myself!
Hi Jamie, I would go with Hope and Inspiration, in the world today, with all that is happening, we all need hope and inspiration to continue on our paths. Sorry for your loss, but want to give kudos for staying clean and sober.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you in your writing endeavors.
Blessings,
CBreeze