Reader persona: who is going to read your book?
Who will read your book? A precise portrait to write for them, and to know where to find them.
Now you know who you're writing for. Makebook helps you build the outline of the book that answers them, then write it in full.
Write for my readerThe guide
A book that speaks to everyone touches no one. Before you write, pick one specific person: their age, their situation, what they do in the evening, what makes them doubt. The more concrete the portrait, the truer your text will sound, and the more your reader will recognize themselves from the first page.
To build this portrait, start from problems rather than demographics: what are their fears, their obstacles, what have they already tried? Then note the words they use. That's often where the best titles and hooks are hiding.
To check your portrait, go where they are: discussion groups, forums, comments under videos on your topic, reviews of competing books. Note the questions that keep coming up. If your persona doesn't recognize those questions, adjust it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a reader persona for?
It helps you write for one specific person instead of everyone. A good persona guides the tone, the examples and the promises of the book, and also helps you write your sales page description.
Is a persona reliable?
It's a working hypothesis, not a fact. Check it by talking to real potential readers and by watching the questions asked in groups and forums on your topic.
Should you give your reader a first name?
It helps a lot to write as if you were speaking to someone. Keep that name in mind while you write: you'll know better what to explain and what you can skip.