The survey asked women questions about where and why they buy their books, what influences their decisions, how often they buy books as gifts, and other such questions. It also asked how often and what type of non-fiction books they purchased as opposed to fiction. They survey then goes on to ask how many women intend to write a book. 43% responded that they intended to author a book and that the most helpful advice for them as writers would be to know what readers want. That's why this survey is so important. It defines the likes, dislikes, and influences on the largest sector of the book-buying marketplace-women.
The survey was comprehensive in its questions. The results are equally in-depth and compelling. The average woman in the study spent $280 on non-fiction titles and $157 on fiction books last year. The survey found that 54% of women were likely to recommend titles to others and 41% received recommendations. They were asked about how they were influenced in their purchases by other factors, such as titles, book jackets, publishing companies, etc. They survey also looked at demographics, age, income, education, and other factors.
This kind of study is not just useful to publishing companies who need to understand their market better, but also to bookstores, agents, and authors looking for the right niche in order to establish themselves as published writers. It's quite apparent in this study that there is a growing place for women writers in the non-fiction marketplace. It's also clear that women want more non-fiction to buy and read, and other women can access what their interests are from a more fundamental point of view than men.
Non-fiction doesn't have to be dry, dusty tomes that are boring and hard to read. There are more and more books written by people who simply have a passion and a good foundation of knowledge in certain subjects, such as cooking, parenting, sports, fitness, and more. Women writers might want to consider pitching a non-fiction book as a way to land an agent and break into the publishing world on a firm foundation. It could lead the way to a lucrative and long career if you follow the basic rules of writing: write what you know, have solid writing skills, and revise constantly. If women writers keep writing those query letters to agents and read this survey for some insight into the marketplace they might find the right fit for their style and interest. You can access more information about this survey from the provided link.
Published by Laura Brady
Laura is a freelance writer with a wide variety of interests and expertise, such as: food/cooking/cuisine, health and fitness, travel, fiction writing, and much more. She is also a certified personal traine... View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentThis is excellent advice. Thanks for writing this.
Thanks.Good advise
This is a really good article, Laura. Writing for a target audience is important.
Sophie