When setting yourself up as a niche nonfiction author, there’s much more to the trade. With the accessibility nowadays of publishing written content, especially for those who want to make money from writing, it’s only expected that competitiveness has increased and it’s important to find your strength and set yourself apart from the rest to succeed. Unlike fiction writing, there’s a bit more early strategizing involved when it comes to nonfiction books; however, once you’re able to do the necessary preparations you’ll be on the right path to make a serious living from your writing career.
With that said, here are 14 tips on how to establish yourself as a niche nonfiction author.
AMPERSAND E-TABLOID ISSUE #008
1. Identify Your Niche
Identify something that you feel you can play with to the maximum, it may be art, work, or your particular skills and develop long content on it. Consider a niche that you are enthusiastic about with as many readers as possible.
2. Research the Market
Examine the level of rivalry in the market. Understand whether the information that you can offer is something everyone already knows and is there a different way to attempt to give the same old things in the form of new content.
3. Develop Deep Expertise
Increase your expertise and credibility more within your niche. Attend multiple events but always be ready to acquaint yourself with the new sources of information.
4. Craft a Unique Voice and Perspective
Professional Speakers present information in a way that it comes with different views and draws attention of the listeners. It is for this reason that the most valuable content comes from the fresh alternatives to worn-out methods.
5. Start Building Your Platform Early
Not only as a conventional way of promoting what you do, one should consider practices like blogging, podcasts, social media, or newsletters. The reason this works well for niche nonfiction authors is because it helps you prove your authority and allows for the formation of a community around your content.
6. Write Consistently on Your Topic
Develop a method through which you can interact constructively with your audience. This can be through different channels like social media comments, emails, Q&A either in the form of list building or through asking questions on a webinar, for instance. Urge your readers to come up with topics for you to write about if you run out of your own. Every writer who is really interested in writing to earn does indeed desire because he or she knows the benefits of having an engaged audience.
7. Engage with Your Audience
Additionally, by interacting with your readers or potential readers through the comments box in social media, email box or various existing questions-and-answers sessions, you solidify your connection with your market. Distinguishing yourself among your audience is a must to remain and grow in the particular industry as a niche author.
8. Leverage Thought Leadership Opportunities
Gain influence by being a guest speaker at established industry events, or producing webinars and interviews for relevant target audiences.
9. Network with Other Experts
Make virtual connections with other professionals, writers and social media personalities available in your area. Engaging in partnerships, working together or being part of performative discussions are good approaches in this context.
10. Publish Shorter Works First
Since this is the case, one can understand why it may be beneficial even for the new niche nonfiction author, who is just about to make a debut in a rather particular field, to start with smaller, straight to the point, articles, essays, and e-books; all to ease the nerves of the readers. This also serves as proof that the book shall be written sooner rather than later, considering that shorter articles are generally short-lived. And whether or not to self-publish or find a publisher deserving of trust is the golden question.
11. Optimize Your Online Presence
Examine and rectify any holes in your website design, social networks, or any web materials that may confuse your online visitors. You should complement your online representation with specific pages explaining your activity and practice.
12. Develop a Signature Offering
Come up with a unique product type or series such as a specialized e-book, training manual, or an analytical piece revolving around the subject that builds your brand and defines who you are. One good example is James Clear’s 3-2-1 Newsletter, wherein every Thursday, the author of Atomic Habits sends to his newsletter subscribers a short email on a specific topic composed of 3 insights from him, 2 quotes from other individuals, and 1 question for the reader to ponder on.
13. Utilize Reviews and Testimonials
As you develop your profile, request reviews from readers, colleagues or experts in your field. Constructive criticism can help build respect and pull in new followers.
14. Stay Authentic and Consistent
Maintain your voice, and your core audience while assuming your role as a niche writer. Be clear in your brand promise, both personal as well as professional, delivering content that is up to the standard.
Again, by applying most of the suggestions listed above, anchored by a vast knowledge of your chosen focus, you’ll be on your way to succeeding in becoming a niche nonfiction author.
Caret Publishing is a small press and imprint of niche non-fiction books, including self-help and business books. Feel free to send us a book proposal if you have an idea for or have completed a book. Go to Submit Your Work for more details.