Do you write for your reader? Or Yourself?

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   Susana Sposted 11 years ago

   If you want to be successful writing online, you're going to need to learn how to write for your reader. Period. Your reader needs to be in your mind at all times!
   
   This basic fact about writing was confirmed to me several years ago when I read Stephen King's book, On Writing. In this book he talks a lot about his love for his "dear reader" and how he imagines his "dear reader" sitting in front of him as he writes, reacting to his prose. I would predict that this is a big part of why he has sold so many millions of books!
   
   On the same theme, I came across a fantastic copywriting website that I thought would be useful to writers here: www.copyhackers.com
   
   You can learn a tonne there, especially about how to get into your readers mind and anticipate their needs and wants! If you sign up, you'll get a a free ebook called The 30 days of Persuasion which IMO is well worth reading.
   
   Enjoy

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      viryaboposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I used to write for myself, BUT recently, i have started to learn how to write for an audience - i've been practicing this elsewhere. Though i haven't written any new hubs in a while, but my next one will definitely be for my readers.
      Thank you so much for the link.

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      Millionaire Tipsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It looks like there is lots of valuable information on the site.  Thanks Susana.  I tend to stay away from sites that use "hackers" in their name. LOL

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         Dabby Lyricposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         I was thinking the same thing!  The original question brought me here so I had to see what was being said. Something to ponder.

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      amiebutchkoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Susan, S,
      I will have to check this out.  Internet writing is such a different concept than the writing we learned about in college (at least for me because it was so long ago!).  You do have to write for the reader now, in order to have any hope of actually being read.  I think Stephen King was before his time as well as being a genius at what he does.  I am going to try to picture my readers in front of me from  now on....

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      Cardisaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I believe in striking a balance, I write for both myself and my readers, if I don't then I feel like I'm losing my writer's voice or identity.
      
      When I write I make sure it's something I would like to read if I were looking for information or buying a book. I agree with Stephen King. I always picture the reader's reaction to my work whether it's here on HP or for a client.
      
      Let me give you an example. I am on the finishing of a novella which has taken me months to write. Something that would normally take me a month. I feel quite disconnected from the book because it's being written, not in my own style per se, but how the client wants it. It's not the way I would have written the story but he wants it exactly that way. I keep picturing readers' reaction and they are not great, but the client likes it.
      
      Now I have another novel I am writing for another client and I can't wait to finish so readers can get a copy. I picture how readers will react in awe...lol, because that's my own style/voice and I am writing for the reader.

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      MariaBrownposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Susan,
      
      I used to write for myself, but from now I will try to write for my readers. I will keep my readers need in my mind & then start writing. Thank you so much for sharing an information!

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   Kalmiyaposted 11 years ago

   This fact (needing to write for the reader/customer) is slowly sinking into my thick head. When I started at HPs I was thinking, oh, I can write about whatever interests me. Well, yes, but with a take/slant to the current trending interests out on the internet if one hopes to get views/sell/make money. So, I would say that I didn't use to but am definitely changing my ways!

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   Greekgeekposted 11 years ago

   I write for myself (and friends) on Dreamwidth/Livejournal/AO3; I write for the general public on money-earning sites like HP.
   
   That way, no matter what I feel like writing, I'm putting it in the best place for each particular kind of writing.
   
   Unfortunately, I've been writing for myself too often lately, as I've been having a bad spell with arthritis (it levels up like a video game monster) and need some comfort activities!

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   NornsMercyposted 11 years ago

   When I first started writing I wrote 95% for myself, but I thought in my little head that people would care about what I was saying. Found out quite quickly that THAT wasn't true at all. I've had to go back and edit/delete hubs while asking myself, "If I was someone else, would I care about this?"
   
   Now I write mostly for readers and have found that it's a better experience overall. I love the idea of helping other people.

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   einronposted 11 years ago

   When you write, you are addressing your readers, so focus on them. You are not talking to the wind, so naturally have a heart to heart talk with them.

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   ahorsebackposted 11 years ago

   I write equally for both I think . Although I just started writing on other sights , I've always loved it here !  The interaction is amazing !  Have you ever heard of "All Poetry "?

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   jansharesposted 11 years ago

   Yes, I write for the reader, something I didn't understand as a new online writer when I came to HP. But I also enjoy it so I get something out of it, too. I soon learned the value of writing for the reader, beginning with the title, which is where understanding what the reader wants begins. I also use experience from my profession to tap into what readers really want, need, and what gets under their skin. But when I write poems, it's mostly for myself. It's icing on the cake when readers can relate to them.

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   lady rainposted 11 years ago

   I write for myself most of the time and I get a satisfaction reading my own hubs

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   word55posted 11 years ago

   I write for the reader and myself. I've experienced it and or thought it and therefore, should be amazed or feel it 1st, then formulate it for the reader.

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