Episode 20 - From Niche to Mainstream: The Bullseye Method for Marketable Writing

This episode dives deep into strategies for authors to make their books more marketable while staying true to their creative vision. The hosts, including Russell, Lee, and Monica Leonelle, discuss the "bullseye method," a strategy where authors start with core, often niche, ideas that are closest to their hearts but might not be widely marketable. Over time, these ideas are gradually expanded to appeal to a broader audience, aligning more with market trends without losing the essence of the original concept.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Bullseye Method:

   • The hosts introduce the "bullseye method," which involves starting with the most personal, sometimes quirky or niche, ideas and gradually expanding them. The idea is to maintain the core identity of the work while adding elements that make it more marketable to a wider audience. Russell shares how he used this approach with his own projects, starting with highly personal works and evolving them to incorporate broader, more commercially viable elements.

2. Understanding Market Trends:

   • The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding market trends. Authors are encouraged to pay attention to what is currently popular in their genre and to consider how they might incorporate these elements into their work. This doesn't mean completely altering the original concept but rather finding ways to blend popular tropes or themes with the author's unique voice.

3. Psychological Triggers:

   • Monica talks about the power of psychological triggers in storytelling. These are basic human emotions or situations that resonate with a wide audience, such as wealth versus poverty or the rags-to-riches narrative. By identifying and incorporating these triggers, authors can make their stories more compelling and relatable, even if the original concept was quite niche.

4. Balancing Creativity and Marketability:

   • A significant part of the discussion focuses on the balance between following one's creative instincts and making strategic decisions to enhance marketability. The hosts stress that it is possible to do both: an author can stay true to their vision while making adjustments that increase the work's commercial appeal. For instance, slight changes in setting or character types can make a big difference in how a book is received by a broader audience.

5. Collaboration and Learning:

   • The episode highlights the value of collaboration and learning from others, especially for authors who might not be as skilled in marketing. By partnering with someone who understands market trends or has experience in a particular genre, authors can enhance their own skills and make more informed decisions about their work. This collaborative approach can also help authors who might be hesitant to venture too far from their original vision.

6. Rebranding and Market Adjustment:

   • The discussion also touches on the importance of rebranding and adjusting the marketing approach as trends evolve. The hosts encourage authors to be flexible and willing to update their branding, covers, or promotional strategies to align with current market trends. This might involve changing how a book is positioned or marketed to better fit what readers are currently looking for, even years after its initial release.

Final Thoughts:

The key takeaway from this episode is that while following your passion as a writer is essential, understanding and adapting to market trends can significantly enhance your success. By using strategies like the "bullseye method," authors can start with their most personal ideas and gradually expand them to reach a wider audience, balancing creativity with commercial appeal. Collaboration, continuous learning, and a willingness to adjust marketing strategies are also crucial components of building a successful writing career.