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3 Ways to Research the Genre You’re Writing

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If you are a writer, chances are you hope to get some readers—and a lot of them. Of course, gaining a reader following involves many steps, but one of the very first comes down to knowing who your readers will be—even before you’ve started writing.

Successful writers know their readers. They are familiar with their readers’ particular desires regarding plotline, character development, tropes, etc. And successful writers write books that fulfill their readers’ wants while also adding unique and thrilling angles.

But, you might ask, why write the same as what has already been written? Why not break the rules of the genre or create my own?

It all comes down to reader expectation. If a reader is expecting one thing and receives another, you can bet that they won’t be pleased when they close the book. Let’s say I pick up a book that claims to be a cozy romance, but the love interest leaves in the end. A tragedy is not what I was expecting, and my (negative) review of the book would reflect that.

Furthermore, if readers don’t know what to expect in the first place, they likely won’t even open the book. Most readers know what genres they like and will be looking for books that fall into those genres. If there’s not a clear genre represented, very few will pick the book up. This is why New Adult Fiction is struggling to gain hold—merely because readers (and writers) haven’t yet nailed down what it entails.

Thus, fulfilling reader expectations is a large part of creating a successful story.

To pull the appropriate readers in, you must know the main qualities of your book’s genre and employ similar structural elements and techniques. So, how do you find out what your reader expectations are? Here are three steps to research your planned genre.

1. Read at least five books in your genre—or, better yet, your subgenre.

Once you have your great idea for a story, it’s time to start reading. Research what genre your idea falls under and then check out as many books in that genre as you can. The more specific you can nail down your genre, the better. For example, instead of just reading five books in science fiction, find five books in your subgenre of science fiction, whether that be time travel, alien invasion, space opera, or any of the other many subgenres.

If I were to write a post-apocalyptic dystopia, one subgenre out of the long list of sci-fi subgenres, I would read books like these:

  • The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Atom Bomb Baby by Brandon Gillespie
  • Divergent by Veronica Roth
  • 1984 by George Orwell

As you compare the five books you’ve chosen, write down common traits you notice between all of them, such as the tropes that appear over and over (e.g., a hero with a sidekick or love at first sight), the pacing of the plot (e.g., how long it takes to build up the story or get through the climax), or the resolution at the end (e.g., happy ending or cliffhanger).

You can also learn from the differences between the books you read. How did each book make itself unique? Did those unique aspects still stick to genre expectations? If they didn’t, was there a purpose or message behind any step out of expectations?

The more books you can read in your subgenre, the better, but five should give a starting scope for your genre.

2. Read the three most recent bestsellers in your book’s genre.

Now that you’ve read five general books in your genre, you have a good idea of plot and character expectations. Next, focus on reading the most recent bestsellers of that genre. Find the top three and sit down to take notes.

To continue studying post-apocalyptic dystopia, I might choose the current bestsellers on Amazon:

  • Sponsored Apocalypse by Blaise Corvin
  • First Necromancer by Coldfang89
  • Walk the Vanished Earth by Erin Swan

Just like you did in the first exercise, note what similarities these three books have as well as what differences. Do you see anything noticeable between the new releases compared to the books that you read before?

Reading three recent bestsellers will give you the most insight into what readers want right now. Trends change quickly, and what may have been popular for a genre ten years ago could be out of style today. Pay attention to the tropes used, characters depicted, and storyline developments. 

Consider the vampire character over the past fifteen years. After Twilight came out, vampires became huge in romance (not thrillers). Eventually, though, the vampire craze started to fizzle out, and a new shift in how vampires are portrayed is putting them back in genres other than romance.

Changes in the market can happen fast, and making sure your book keeps up with the current bookscape will make it much more likely for a publisher or buyer to pick it up. Even better, you may be able to predict what readers will want in the next few years. For example, AI has been an interesting subject in many sci-fi books, but now that it’s in the real world, it will likely start showing up in all sorts of genres outside of science fiction.

3. Read a classic and compare it with a new release.

Finally, as a last exercise, you can choose two books to compare: one from the classics of your genre—a book that has withstood the test of time and is considered worthy of literary critique—and a new release of your choosing (preferably one with high ratings). 

Of my chosen genre, here are two that I might compare:

  • Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
  • The Extinction Trials by A.G. Riddle

It’s highly likely that you will notice significant differences in the writing style of the two books, which can give you an idea of how to incorporate both a timeless feel to your story as well as a new and trendy tone. Mark down the aspects of the classic story that you think still stand as strong, worthy elements of your genre, and then list ways the newest book either adds to those elements or involves new writing tools.

After such a thorough study of your readers’ expectations, you can now write or revise your book, knowing that you are fully prepared with the knowledge of your genre. Pulling common themes from all of the books you have read and incorporating those themes into your story will ensure that your readers stay satisfied as they read your unique and inspiring tale.After such a thorough study of your readers’ expectations, you can now write or revise your book, knowing that you are fully prepared with the knowledge of your genre. Pulling common themes from all of the books you have read and incorporating those themes into your story will ensure that your readers stay satisfied as they read your unique and inspiring tale.

We would like to thank Christina Crosland and our friends at Ever Editing for allowing us to share this article with you. To read the other great articles they’ve written, click here.

A headshot of Christina Crosland.

Christina Crosland

Editor

Christina’s editing experience started as an academic writing tutor over ten years ago. Since then, she’s helped both nonfiction and fiction writers with developmental edits, line edits, copyedits, proofreads, typesetting, and cover design. She’s been published in international magazines and has edited for a world-wide organization. She has a BA in humanities with an emphasis in foreign literature and a minor in editing. She loves being right-brained, homeschooling her daughters, and cuddling with her cats.

    Networking and Pitching to Agents (Even When You’re Scared to Death)

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    I have the world’s greatest critique group. Not only are the members super smart and talented, they are fun to be with. So why is it that every Thursday night I have to convince myself to get up and go to writers’ group? They don’t even care if I show up in my pajamas, so that can’t be it! The answer is, I’m a huge introvert. I love my down time, hidden in my room, not having to worry about socializing with anyone but Lizzy Bennet and Mr. Darcy, Katniss and Peeta, or my favorite characters of the week (which this week happen to be Anna and St. Clair!). If you’re an introvert like me, you know this feeling. Maybe that’s why we choose to be writers. We don’t get distracted by parties and events, and we’re fine staying home on a Friday night to type away. Writing appears to be a very on-your-own type of career.

    Until you finish your novel and actually want to get noticed.

    Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, had this same awakening after she finished her book. In an interview on Marie TV, Cain, a proclaimed introvert, said: “I spent seven years happily writing a book in splendid solitude and since then my life has been all about being public.”

    I’m sure there are hundreds of writers out there who would love that type of a “problem,” but for those of us who walk into a room and look for the nearest exits and the quietest corners, it can be a scary thing. Especially when you’re at a con or writing event and you not only need to talk to perfect strangers, but you also have to get them to want to read YOUR book.

    Never fear! Whether you are planning on pitching or just want to network confidently, we’re here with five great tips to keep in mind as you set out to your next con.

    1. Listen to Me.

    Many times, we look at our introverted personalities as a barrier, when actually they can be an advantage. One thing that introverts are usually great at is listening. Just because we’re quiet doesn’t mean we don’t know what’s going on. Listening to others—especially to an agent or presenter—can benefit your career greatly. Half the reason you’re at this particular con is to learn—so don’t be afraid to soak in all the advice you can. You’re sure to find great writing tips. Remember: Agents have hundreds of people who want to talk to them. When you take the time to listen to what the agents really want, you’re sure to be ahead when it comes to the pitching game.

    2. Pitch Perfect.

    If you’ve been listening, you’ll know the right time to bring out your pitch. But when that right time arrives, what should you say? On the introduction page of her website, Cain says, “I like to think before I speak.” This is another great introvert trait. Use it. Nothing is worse than being put on the spot. Knowing what your book is about doesn’t count. Even if you’re the most extroverted person out there, when you’re standing in front of your dream agent, anxiety will kick in and it’ll be nearly impossible to sum up your book in one brilliant sentence. Think about what you’re going to say. Plan out exactly how you want to present your book and yourself before you even leave the house! If this sounds as daunting as actually having to share it with someone, check out this article on writing pitches by our in-house expert Elena Johnson.

    3. Don’t Overdo It.

    Depending on which convention you’re attending, you may have the opportunity to talk to several of the presenters and pitch to several agents. If this makes you want to go back to your room and crawl under the covers, then don’t force yourself to do it. Cain advocates having a quota system. Tell yourself you’re going to network with one, two, or three people. Pick a number you feel comfortable with and stick to it. Wouldn’t you rather give one really great pitch or have one meaningful conversation on improving your skills than stress about having to live through five or ten mediocre ones?

    4. Agents: Big Bad Wolves or Fairy Godmothers?

    Agents are people too, and some of them are as introverted as you are. One member of our writing community, a solid introvert, wrote this after his first-ever pitch session: “This was going to be my first time actually interacting, in person, with actual agents. I follow some agents on Twitter, subscribe to some of their blogs, and read what others say about their experiences, but this was going to be my first pitch. Needless to say, I was extremely nervous—to the point I was worrying over how I should greet them. Did I go with the ‘Hi,’ the ‘Hello,’ or the ‘Nice to meet you’? I think I finally settled on ‘Hi’; it was all a blur. So what happened? All the agents were extremely friendly, open, willing to let me ask questions, responsive to my comments in their classes, and basically made me and the other aspiring authors feel at ease. Some people see agents as the big bad gatekeeping wolves, but for me they are now gracious fairy godmothers doing their best to create happily-ever-afters.”

    Don’t be afraid to look for a kindred spirit among the agents and pitch to that person. He or she may, after all, make your wishes come true.

    5. This, Too, Shall Pass.

    Just because you’re at a con, you don’t have to spend all your time pitching. But if you’re there, chances are you love your book enough to give it a shot. So do it. Make the pitch. According to Cain, we can act out of character for work we really love. But we should do it mindfully and then restore afterward. If you’ve practiced your pitch and set your quota, then you’ll be all right. Make the pitch. Break the shell, then give yourself a break. As Marie Forleo, who interviewed Cain and is, herself, often overwhelmed by being in the world spotlight, says, “When it’s time to fly, don’t deny.” Go ahead and let yourself restore when you need to.

    Trying to convince someone else that your book is the greatest thing since sliced bread can be hard and scary. But it doesn’t have to be. So stop trying to talk yourself into it and get the skills to feel confident. Follow these steps and you, too, “can shake the world in a gentle way.” We believe in you!

    Do This Now

    1. Write your pitch. Check out our How-to Guide.
    2. Start seeing your introversion as an asset to your career and learn how you can be successful without changing yourself. Check out the Susan Cain interview on Marie TV.
    3. Believe in yourself just the way you are. You don’t have to be swinging from the chandeliers to get noticed at a con.

    This article was written by Sabine Berlin and was republished with permission from Eschler Editing.

    A headshot of Sabine Berlin.

    Sabine Berlin

    Editor

    Sabine Berlin is a senior editor at Eschler Editing, where she has worked for over twelve years to help writers bring their stories to life. She is the co-publisher of Mad Cat, the young adult imprint of Roan and Weatherford Publishing. Sabine has also successfully self-published (Oh My Oppa!) and traditionally published (And the Sky Full of Stars). 

      Simple Online Marketing for Creators

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      Many of us feel called to create, whether that’s writing books, launching podcasts, building businesses, or coaching others. But there’s one challenge that shows up across all of these efforts: “I love what I do… I just wish I could get it into more people’s hands without burning out.”

      Sound familiar?

      You may feel like you’re doing everything—such as selling, marketing, emailing, networking, creating, and more—but still struggling to get consistent sales or clients. Let’s break down a simple sales and marketing system that works while you sleep so you can focus more on your vision and less on the hustle.

      Most creators think they have a marketing problem. In reality, they have a systems problem. They’re doing the work—showing up on social media and getting the word out—but serving their audience feels random, reactive, and exhausting.

      What they’re missing is a repeatable path that takes a stranger from “just found you” to “bought from you” in a way that’s consistent and not dependent on the creators being online 24/7.

      The Simple 3-Part System to Attract, Convert, and Deliver to More Buyers

      This system works whether you’re a coach, author, podcaster, or small-business owner. It’s built on three simple principles—attract, convert, and deliver.

      Attract Your Ideal Buyer or Client

      This is where you stop relying on random content creation and start using intentional value content plus lead magnets (or reader magnets).

      Action Steps:

      • Create a simple free resource (lead magnet) that solves a specific problem or creates curiosity.
      • Offer this freebie in your posts, bio, email signature, or podcast outro.
      • Use 3–4 social media content topic pillars to keep posting consistently at least weekly without overwhelm (e.g. content pillars like stories, tips, behind-the-scenes, and Q&As).

      Stop creating content for content’s sake. Start offering value content that earns attention from your ideal buyer or client.

      Convert Attention into Buyers

      Fish can be sneaky, nibbling the bait without taking the hook. An experienced fisherman can sense the right moment to set the hook so the fish doesn’t swim away. Once someone opts into your email list for your freebie offers, it’s time to build trust through your emails and invite them to buy from you without seeming pushy. This is where many people drop the ball. Failing to follow through on these leads means missing valuable opportunities to gain a new customer.

      You need a simple email nurture plus offer sequence, which is 4 – 10 emails (minimum) set up within your preferred email marketing CRM service.

      • Welcome + What to Expect

      The purpose is to set the tone, build trust, and open the loop. It’s the handshake before the sale. You’re laying down the rules of engagement.

      Example content:

      Hey [Subscriber],

      Welcome to the Creator’s Community Email Newsletter. I’m excited you’re here! Over the next few days, I’m going to send you a few short emails that will help you learn about our community and how we support one another. You can expect real stories and strategies with zero fluff.

      This first email is not the place to pitch. You’re warming up your reader. An open loop equals curiosity. Curiosity hooks them into opening the next email, and the next one, until BOOM! Your email open rate starts to skyrocket.

      • Your Story

      The purpose of telling your story is to build emotional connection, establish authority, and create context. This is an “I was where you are” moment, the bridge between you and your consumer. Tell them where you started. Share a relatable example, and then tell them your solution.

      People don’t buy information. They buy transformation. Your story gives them a reason to believe that you have all the solutions to their problems. No trust? No sale.

      • Value Bomb: Tip, Insight, Belief Shift

      The purpose of this step is to deliver value, flip beliefs, and establish your way as the way. This is the content that causes your reader to think, “Wow, if the free stuff is this valuable, their paid content must be amazing!”

      Most people offering a valuable service hold back. Don’t! Delivering high-quality content free of charge tells your reader that the paid content will have a significantly greater value.

      • Invitation to Buy Your Service or Book a Call

      The purpose of this step is to make the ask. Pull the trigger. This is not a “sale”—it’s a prescription. You’re the doctor, and you have the cure for their problem. For example, you could say, “Click here to book a free 15-minute call.”

      If you’ve done these steps correctly, this email will feel like the natural conclusion, not a hard pitch. Your job isn’t to convince—it’s to invite. Sales come from email follow-ups, not just first impressions, and email automation systems like Hubspot, Kit, or Active Campaign can do most of the heavy lifting.

      Think of the email sequence like a movie. Email #1 is the trailer. It hooks attention. Email #2 gives backstory and builds depth. The climax comes in Email #3, delivering action and excitement. Email #4 is the satisfying resolution that promises a happily ever after.

      Give people reasons to keep opening your emails, to trust you, and finally, to act.

      That’s leverage. That’s how you hook your ideal buyers, turn strangers into superfans, and transform content into cash. Don’t overthink it, and stay consistent.

      Include a call to action (CTA) in each email: “If this resonates, grab [the book/ program/call link] here.”

      Deliver—Reel in Your Catch Without Snapping the Line

      Our fisherman friend knows when to reel in faster and when to slow it down. Serve your buyers without snapping your line or burning out—which will prevent you from providing future satisfying customer experiences.

      Now that you have buyers, how do you serve them without becoming the bottleneck?

      • Turn private coaching into group coaching programs to scale your business and get more of your time back. Group coaching resolves this by reducing the number of private coaching calls filling your calendar time slots.
      • Deliver more value to your buyers and keep them around longer by using some of your book value points and expanding them into online learning courses. Meaningful quotes from the book can be repurposed into an email message series.
      • Save time and deliver more to your audience by scheduling a content recording day. Create short video reels out of your long-form content and utilize calendars on social media platforms to schedule your content release in advance.

      Once you set up some of the extra value delivery systems above, they will help you get more of your time back. If your business can’t grow without you working harder, it’s time to rethink how you deliver value to your buyers.

      Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs, Coaches, Authors, and Creators

      We strive to live with purpose. But it’s easy to confuse hard work with smart work. Putting in the effort should not come at the expense of our families, our health, or our true purpose.

      This sales and marketing system isn’t about hustle. It’s about establishing routines to help you get more buyers, buy back your time, and optimize your business.

      When your business or creative work is organized around systems and not stress, you can show up more consistently without the chaos and make more income without compromising. It’s not about working less—it’s about working with clarity and purpose. When you implement what I’ve laid out to attract, convert, and deliver, you’ll have something most entrepreneurs, coaches, and authors never build: a system that results in buyers or clients rather than burnout.

      Headshot of Jason Majoue.

      Jason Majoue

      Jason Majoue is a Business Coach and Digital Marketing Agency owner who helps entrepreneurs, coaches, authors, and creators grow and scale their businesses with proven, repeatable strategies. With 10+ years of experience in business growth, offer creation, paid ads, SEO, sales funnels, AI, systems, email and social media, Jason has helped hundreds of clients increase revenue while simplifying their marketing. He provides strategic guidance through Private Coaching, Group Coaching, and Guided Online Business Courses, empowering purpose-driven entrepreneurs to build profitable, scalable businesses.



        A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Online Business

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        Megan LaFrance’s journey into entrepreneurship started during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was home with her three young sons and facing a never-ending cycle of messes. She found that the towels she was using were ineffective at absorbing spills and cleaning sticky surfaces. On top of that, their boring, one-sided designs left much to be desired. These insights sparked the idea for Bloom Towels, a line of efficient microfiber dishcloths with vibrant patterns printed on both sides. Through research, hard work, and determination, Megan has grown her passion into a thriving business that supports her family and employs other moms of young children.

        Bloom Towels owner Megan LaFrance

        Here are the steps Megan recommends to start your own online business.

        Step 1: Choose Your Product

        To start, Megan had to think of a problem that needed to be solved. She first tried selling tiered trays and wall decals, but she wasn’t passionate about the products. Dish towels proved to be a perfect fit, as they are lightweight, easy to ship, always in demand, and they solve an everyday need.

        Step 2: Research Suppliers and Order Samples

        After brainstorming an idea, Megan had to source her supplies. She ordered towel samples from various suppliers and tested them at home to compare quality and functionality. She prefers to buy through Alibaba— a business-to-consumer (B2C) platform that keeps prices low by requiring a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). The MOQ is usually higher for custom designs and lower for items they already have in stock.

        Step 3: Design and Brand Your Product

        Megan, along with her mom and sister, comprise the design team that shapes the aesthetic of Bloom Towels. They brainstorm pattern ideas based on seasonal themes and customer feedback, drawing inspiration from places like Pinterest and other image sites. Together, they develop cohesive design themes like bright pinks for Valentine’s Day or neutral tones for autumn, creating three to five trendy towel designs for each launch.

        Step 4: Start Small and Test the Market

        Megan recommends starting small when launching an online business. Instead of committing to a large inventory, focus on a limited selection of products. Test the market and assess customer interest without overextending your finances. Selling out of your products can benefit your business, as “out-of-stock” products create a sense of urgency and exclusivity among your customers. As demand for your product grows, you can gradually increase your orders. If the product you are trying to sell isn’t successful, you can pivot to something else. However, Megan cautions against switching products too often. “I’ve seen many businesses jump from one product to another, leading them deeper into debt without becoming successful,” she says. “Make sure to sell your initial batch of products before moving on to the next.”

        Step 5: Build Your Online Presence

        Megan uses Instagram and her website as her primary marketing channels. She has also expanded to Facebook and TikTok, but she advises focusing mainly on one platform to avoid spreading yourself too thin. She says, “Put up a lot of videos and pictures on whatever social media platform you’re using because when you reach out to influencers, that’s the first place they go. If you have no images or videos to show them, they won’t want to represent your brand because they can’t see what you’re selling.” She sends samples of her towels to a professional photographer who takes “flat lay” photos for the product catalog. Her sister oversees content on her social media sites, including stop-motion animation, lifestyle videos, and slow-motion clips of people using the towels.

        Step 6: Use Influencer Marketing to Grow Your Audience

        Influencer marketing played a significant role in growing Bloom Towels. Megan markets to influencers in the cleaning and home organization niches who resonate with her target audience. She uses an outreach strategy to get influencers to notice her messages by commenting on their posts before sending direct messages to ensure her message goes to their main inboxes. She explains, “I’ll leave a message that says, ‘Hey! We have these cute towels, and we’d love for you to try some. Let us know if you’d like more details.’” She then offers influencers affiliate marketing opportunities, allowing them to earn a commission from sales generated through their posts.

        Step 7: Create a Reliable System for Affiliate Marketing

        Affiliate marketing systems help business owners facilitate partnerships with influencers who promote their products. Megan uses UpPromote to streamline her affiliate program and organize her sales data. The software tracks sales, assigns discount codes, and calculates commissions. She says, “When an influencer signs up to be an affiliate, the software will assign them a coupon code that gives their followers a 15% off discount. The system will track sales for us so when we pay our influencers, we know exactly how much we owe them.”

        Megan likes to reach out to influencers a couple of weeks before her launch days to get them on board. Influencers will share sneak peeks of the product leading up to the big launch party when the towels become available, including their unique affiliate link.

        Step 8: Engage with Your Customers

        Megan listens to customer requests and suggestions to guide her designs. She uses her email list and social media to engage with customers, build customer loyalty, and decide on new products and themes.

        Step 9: Invest in Coaching and a Support Network

        Megan credits much of her success to using a business coach and following their process. She explains, “I used the program ‘0 to 100K’ from Alison Prince. She was also a mom who started a business selling online and then taught others how to do it too.”

        As her business grew, Megan sought out different coaches who specialized in areas she wanted to improve, such as wholesaling to retail stores. Networking with other business owners also provided her with valuable advice and support that helped her when her business reached a plateau in sales. She shares, “When I started my business, it helped to have a group of other business owners I could talk to all the time who were on the same level as me because we could grow together.”

        Step 10: Adapt and Evolve Your Strategy

        Over time, Megan expanded her product line, tried out new opportunities, and fine-tuned her influencer marketing strategy. She also started selling her towels on Faire, a wholesale platform where retailers can buy products to sell in their stores. By earning a “Top Shop” ranking, Bloom Towels got a huge boost in visibility. Then a team of sales reps reached out, wanting to represent her products. Today, customers can find Bloom Towels in 180 brick-and-mortar stores.

        Step 11: Celebrate Your Progress

        Megan enjoys running a business that allows her to support her family financially, explore her creative side, and give other moms the opportunity to earn extra income. She says, “Starting out slow has been a gift. It took me five years to get to where I am now, and I’m growing steadily and doing well, which is exactly what I want. I don’t want it to be overwhelming for anyone. Don’t measure your success against others—just focus on yourself. If your business is growing even just a little bit each month, you’re doing great.”

        Headshot of Kami Pehrson.

        Kami Pehrson

        Kami Pehrson lives with her husband and five teenage children in Stansbury Park, Utah. She recently finished her master’s degree in English and creative writing and has written three novels—but is still trying to figure out what to do with them. She loves editing, reading, and playing word games on her phone. She also enjoys listening to audiobooks while half-heartedly doing Pilates in the living room.

          The Five P’s to Pitching Your Book

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          With LDSPMA coming up this week, many of us are looking forward to the classes, keynotes, and interactive sessions—which include pitching! Pitching is an incredible opportunity to chat with an editor or agent about your work and can frequently lead to opportunities for representation and publishing.

          But pitching can also be incredibly scary and super intimidating. You’re putting yourself out there and sharing what’s in your heart that you’ve been working on for years. So many worries and fears can fill your brain: Will the agent/editor even like it? What if you say something wrong? What if you never find a home for your book? What if the fire alarm goes off in the middle of your pitch and you’ll never get to finish what you started?

          Well, I’m here to reassure you that it’s unlikely the fire alarm will go off, and while it can be scary, pitching is not the end of the world. As someone who has pitched at multiple conferences, I know it can be overwhelming, especially your first time. But there are things you can do to make pitching a positive experience—and increase your chances of landing that dream publisher! So, without further ado, here are the five P’s to pitching.

          1. Prepare

          The first thing to remember is that you need to prepare for your pitch. This awesome article gives you plenty of resources to help you prepare and walks you through how to build your pitch. As part of preparing, you need to give yourself time to focus on your story to distill it into your three-minute pitch. Write everything out (your hook, your synopsis with the stakes, your comparable titles, and your author bio) and then print it. You can just read your pitch at the conference—that’s totally acceptable. Just make sure to print off two copies—one for yourself that you can mark up, and one for the agent/editor to give them if they ask.

          2. Practice

          Once your pitch is written out and ready to go, practice saying it, and practice with a timer to make sure you’re staying within your allotted three minutes. Practice in front of the mirror, practice with your spouse or children, and practice with your dog, too. Go over it as many times as you need to so that you’re comfortable reading it in the time you have. If you need to write yourself reminders in your pitch such as “pause here for effect,” “breathe after this sentence,” or “eye contact here,” do so and then practice those cues. You want it to be well-rehearsed—but not perfect. (Notice that “perfect” is not one of these five P’s!)

          3. Presentation

          The day of your pitch, you want to dress for success. This doesn’t mean you need to be super formal like you’re going to a dance, but you should dress professionally and on-brand for your book. If you’re writing fantasy, maybe dress in something a little more whimsical, like a cute nature dress, or a fun plaid jacket with nice slacks. If you’re writing middle-grade horror, maybe don a leather jacket if that’s part of your brand. If you wear makeup regularly, then do your makeup for your pitch. If you’re someone who never wears makeup, then don’t. You want to feel professional, but you also want to feel like yourself. I’ve worn penguin earrings to pitch my book because they’re on-brand for me and my stories, and they make me feel happy and comfortable. Dress for success, but also dress comfortably to best represent yourself and your book to the agent/editor you’re pitching to.

          4. Pacing

          Because you’ve practiced your pitch, you know how long it’ll take. But here’s a little secret: we all speak way too fast when we’re nervous. Every single time I’ve pitched, I speak too fast because it’s nerve-racking and exciting to put yourself out there. That’s why practicing beforehand is so helpful. You know exactly how long it’ll take you to read your pitch, so give yourself permission to slow down. If you need to write yourself a reminder on your pitch, do that too. Slowing down also helps calm your racing heart, making it easier to say the words. And don’t worry—agents/editors are humans too, and they totally get being nervous. Many of them teach classes for their job, which can put them out of their comfort zone too.

          5. Patience

          I know, patience can stink. But here’s the thing: not every agent/editor you pitch to is going to be the best fit for you or your manuscript. You’re interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. If they say no, which happens, don’t give up. If they say yes, but then later reject your manuscript, that’s okay too. Publishing is constantly changing, and while your story may be pristine and polished, it may not be the right publisher or the right time. Don’t be afraid to try again and pitch at a different conference to a different agent/editor.

          That’s it! Remember to follow the five P’s by preparing, practicing, presenting yourself well, pacing yourself as you pitch, and practicing patience with both yourself and the agent/editor you’re presenting to. And remember, at the end of the day, even if they don’t accept your book, you still took a brave step forward into the unknown, and that is praiseworthy.

          Headshot of KaTrina Jackson

          KaTrina Jackson

          KaTrina Jackson loves penguins, cross-stitching, chocolate, and piano music, and spends much of each day trying to fit those loves in around her jobs as a freelance editor and as a project manager for Eschler Editing. She graduated with a degree in editing and publishing from Brigham Young University because she couldn’t get enough stories in her life. She’s also a member of three different writing groups, attends and teaches at multiple writing conferences yearly, volunteers with LDSPMA and has since 2021, and is currently working on publishing her first novel. When she’s not writing, editing, or reading, she can be found practicing yoga, teaching piano lessons or performing with her husband, or watching Disney movies while working on a cross-stitch project. She and her husband live in Olathe, Kansas.

            Top “Quali-tee”: Launching a T-Shirt Design and Printing Business

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            Alexa and Eric Allred are the dynamic duo behind the hip and successful Gem Rose Design Company. As a stay-at-home mother, Alexa found herself with spare time during her children’s preschool hours. She decided to use this opportunity to learn how to make personalized T-shirts for her young family. Meanwhile, her husband, Eric, began refining his art and design skills—a passion he’d developed in college but temporarily stowed away to focus on fatherhood and a demanding career in marketing. With Alexa’s eye for detail and Eric’s artistic skills, they now run a well-oiled machine. However, their journey has not been without challenges. Through years of trial and error, they learned valuable lessons they now share with creators looking to start a T-shirt design business of their own. 

            Alexa and Eric Allred

            Hone Your Digital Design Skills

            Eric transitioned from traditional markers and paper to digital graphics using the Procreate app on an iPad, teaching himself to use the program through online tutorials and YouTubevideos. Procreate uses natural media simulation, like painting with a standard paintbrush, to create pixel-based art. This step-by-step approach helped him make a smooth transition to digital design. 

            For higher-resolution designs, Eric made the switch to vector-based graphics. Vector images can be blown up without losing quality, making them ideal for signage, logos, and T-shirt design. Vector-based art involves manipulating points and curves instead of freehand sketching. He began using a limited vector software called Vectornator (now Linearity), then moved to Adobe Illustrator. To help make the switch from traditional brushstrokes to vector shapes and lines, Eric challenged himself to copy standard designs and logos to create graphics that remain sharp on any scale. 

            Understand which files to use when saving your designs. PNG files are raster files made up of pixels. They maintain high resolution while supporting transparent backgrounds, but enlarging them can stretch and blur the image. JPEG files are also pixel-based. They are often used for images on websites and digital platforms but lack the transparency feature crucial for T-shirt printing. The image will usually print on a white square background. Lastly, SVG files are preferable for T-shirt designs, as their vector-based nature means they can be enlarged without the blocky appearance of pixelated images.

            Choose a Method to Transfer Your Image

            Vinyl: Alexa began by using a Silhouette electronic vinyl cutter to create simple designs. However, cutting and weeding (removing extra material from negative spaces) was time-consuming and impractical when fulfilling large orders.

            Heat Press: heat press transfers use a thin, paint-like medium printed onto transfer paper. The flexible material melds onto the shirt upon application via heat and pressure. However, this method requires bulk orders with a minimum quantity of shirts featuring the same design to keep costs manageable.

            Sublimation: sublimation printing offers an option that doesn’t require a minimum print run. The technique involves transferring ink onto a film that remains wet until pressed onto the shirt, resulting in a vibrant and durable design. This process is limited to 100% polyester fabric, and the T-shirt must be white or light-colored.  

            DTF: Direct-to-film printing allows for more fabric and color options. Ink is printed onto a film material coated with powder and baked, creating a protected layer pressed onto the shirt. Many different designs can be printed on a single gang sheet, a long roll of film priced based on the square inch. Alexa has found this method to be ideal.

            Devise a Marketing Plan

            Alexa first began selling T-shirts at craft fairs, where she prepared thirty designs, including seasonal/holiday themes and year-round options. She brought her heat press, along with a selection of blank shirts of various sizes. Attendees could browse the designs, choose their favorite, and select a shirt color from the available options. She would then press the design onto the shirt. While a good portion of the shirts remained unsold, selling at craft fairs helped her gain visibility in the community. Handing out business cards and engaging with attendees allowed her to spread the word about the business. 

            Additionally, personal connections played a significant role in their marketing efforts. Through word of mouth, particularly from friends, family, and acquaintances, they attracted a steady stream of custom orders. Many of these orders came from people they knew through various aspects of life, such as sports teams, dance studios, or educators. Eventually, their customer base expanded beyond personal connections.

            They now advertise their designs on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. They use a “drop” marketing technique, offering specific designs for a limited time. For instance, during their “Easter drop,” they provided various Easter/spring-themed designs. To order, customers left a comment under the picture of their preferred shirt and design combination. Customers who purchase a T-shirt during a drop must place their order within the week. This method allows the company to place one big supply order and finish all the T-shirts by a specific date.

            Provide Exceptional Customer Service

            Eric and Alexa work closely with clients to customize designs. This process often involves adjusting colors, sizes, or other elements to match the customer’s vision. For instance, team events frequently require custom logos or artwork to represent their theme. They collaborate with the customer to gather details about their requirements, such as preferred colors, imagery, or quotes, and incorporate the elements into the design. Then they share the design with the customer for feedback, making revisions until they are satisfied. Customers can also choose a premade digital design from online sellers. They most often purchase from Etsy, but several other platforms offer artwork in PNG or SVG files. 

            Always communicate with the customer if there are delays or other issues with their order. Explain the situation without making excuses and present solutions to fix problems quickly. Your customers will appreciate your honesty and professionalism. Be approachable, flexible, and consistent in your services. Establishing trust with customers will encourage repeat orders and boost business prospects. 

            Look for Opportunities to Use Your Talents to Bless Others

            Following the tragic loss of a young boy in their town, Eric and Alexa offered their services to design a few shirts for a fundraiser to raise money for the boy’s family. They initially expected to produce around 200 shirts but ended up creating over 800 and raising over $13,000. The experience reminded them that designing T-shirts is more than a hobby or business venture—it has the power to make a meaningful impact on the community.

            Help others on their journeys. While it may seem counterintuitive to share hard-earned knowledge, they are happy to help when people seek advice and believe there’s room for everyone to be successful. 

            Eric and Alexa find joy in working together and bonding over their projects. They love knowing their designs have made a difference in people’s lives, take pride in seeing them in the wild, and aim to inspire others who want to cultivate their creative gifts.

            Headshot of Kami Pehrson.

            Kami Pehrson

            Kami Pehrson lives with her husband and five teenage children in Stansbury Park, Utah. She recently finished her master’s degree in English and creative writing and has written three novels—but is still trying to figure out what to do with them. She loves editing, reading, and playing word games on her phone. She also enjoys listening to audiobooks while half-heartedly doing Pilates in the living room.

                  Creating Your Music Brand

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                  You’ve heard the term “branding” thrown around, but let’s talk about what branding really means, how to find yours, and why it is the essential first step to building a sustainable career in the music industry (or any creative industry, really).

                  “Branding is what people say about you when you’re not in the room,” states Stephen Linn of AmpliFLY Entertainment. Linn also explains that you can’t control it, but only influence it. Your brand secures your identity and makes you unique in a very crowded space.

                  Steps to Creating Your Brand

                  1. List 3 to 4 words that describe your personality. Using these words, create (or hire someone to create) your:
                  • Logo
                  • Photos
                  • Clothing style
                  • Fonts
                  • Wardrobe including jewelry, makeup, clothes, shoes, etc. (on and off stage, yes they can and should be different)

                  2. Write down your Mission Statement and Elevator Pitch. Music changes the world one song, one artist at a time. Write down your goal for giving back to the world. Whenever you have options, doubts, or decisions to make, referring back to this mission statement can keep you aligned with your brand and will even strengthen your brand identity.

                  Your elevator pitch is a thirty-second summary of who you are and what your music is like, as well as who it will appeal to. You should have this concise and clever summary not only figured out, but memorized. Avoid statements like “unlike anything you’ve heard before” or “the best music you’ve ever heard.” I once heard someone’s music described as “It sounds as if Keith Urban and Taylor Swift had a baby and that child was raised in San Diego.” You can envision what that would sound like, right? Be clever!

                  3. Define your vision. What do you see when you envision success? Will you be performing to a stadium full of fans? Will you be living comfortably as a songwriter? Will you be creating 24/7 in your own massive studio space? What does success look like to you? Spell it out in detail.

                  4. Make a list of all your favorite products, hobbies, restaurants, social spots, etc. Brand extensions and/or partnerships can become part of your brand identity. Not only this, but brand partnerships can become a source of income for you as well as a way to extend your reach. If you have a hobby of skateboarding or yoga or kickboxing or knitting or have a love of Hallmark movies, include this in your list. You will be able to connect with people with similar interests who may not have otherwise come across you and your music. This approach can also prop you up into the visual space of the brands you use and love.

                  5. Write your story. The contents of your story can later be shaped into an artist bio for your website, press kit, and other sites. What parts of your story make you special and unique? Why do you feel called to be a public figure? What was the defining moment in your childhood when something spoke to your soul and clearly stated that music is what you are destined to do with your life?

                  6. Make a Brand Binder. This is for you and your team and not for fans or the public. It should include:

                  • Personality traits you narrowed down in the above exercise
                  • Phrases, thoughts, statements, and quotes that you find inspiring and represent who you are and what matters to you
                  • Mission Statement and Elevator Pitch
                  • Vision
                  • Brand Elements – Colors, fonts, pictures, Logo (variations, colors), Look and feel (mood/aesthetic) using pictures, off-stage wardrobe using pictures

                  Remember, you are not obligated to share every detail of your true personality with the world, only those parts you want them to see. Even if you are enhancing some qualities or hiding others, you are in control of what influences your brand. If you don’t want people to know that you personally have an obsession with collecting mini tea sets, then pull all photos of that down from your social media and pray that doesn’t get out. Or, you could embrace it and make that part of what you share. It’s up to you.

                  I like the idea of having a physical binder for this, but you could also use something like Pinterest or Trello to organize it.

                  Using Your Brand

                  Honestly, I think creating and using your brand is really fun. Who doesn’t like talking about all the things they love? Use your binder to guide every decision you make about what photos are best, what album cover looks best, what you should post on social media, etc. Be patient. Building brand awareness is a marathon and not a sprint. Stay on brand. Create consistently. Contribute always.

                  A headshot of Becky Willard

                  Becky Willard

                  Becky Willard’s music career spans nearly three decades working in nearly every corner of the music industry. Her passion is in finding and working with the most determined artists who are ready to take control of their artistic career.

                  She’s coached, mentored, and developed a number of artists who’ve been featured on The Voice, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The X-Factor, and more. You can learn about her here.

                    Using YouTube and Social Media to Inspire and Help Others Grow Spiritually

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                    The social media community can be overwhelming, negative, suffocating, and even toxic, but it doesn’t always have to be this way. If we remember we are all children of God with the light of Christ in our souls, social media can become a connecting, encouraging, and uplifting place.

                    Almost every person I know is somehow involved in this online world. Some people thrive on posting about their lives while others are bystanders who just like to consume content. When I decided I wanted to build my own space on YouTube, I had two goals in mind:

                    1. Inspire people to start living life to the fullest.
                    2. Share my testimony with the world.

                    That is how Never Ends Now, my YouTube channel, was created.

                    My husband and I were driving from Utah County to our home in St. George. This drive was very familiar to us, and we often used the time to talk about how we wanted our channel to go. I told him how I wanted to take the fear out of living and persuade people to find the good in their current situations. I wanted us to be unique and adventurous and take full advantage of our time on earth. That’s when my husband suggested that we do things we have never done and call the channel Never Ends Now. I fell in love with the concept, and now, that is what we do weekly!

                    YouTube started out as a fun way to document our growing family, but when our channel took off, we decided to make a career out of creating and publishing videos of our experiences. Our platform consists of us starting a family, traveling the world, and everything in between. Our biggest hope is that others will go out and try things they’ve never done and appreciate the joy in life.

                    Staying Grounded

                    The more engagement you receive, the more profit you make, and so it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers when you’re relying on your social media income. I often find myself consumed by questions like, “How many views did I get?”, “Why didn’t people like this post as much as the other one?”, or “What’s trending, and how can I follow along?” Remembering my two goals keeps me grounded when I find myself wandering down those paths. As long as I’ve inspired people and shared my testimony in every video, I’ve learned to be satisfied with whatever the resulting numbers may be.

                    Shining Authentic Light

                    I’m an all-or-nothing kind of person, so I tend to get carried away sometimes. In the beginning, I would try extremely hard to bring up God or a principle of the gospel in any way that I could. I wanted to make sure I shared my testimony with the world. My pure intention was there, but honestly, it didn’t feel authentic. I felt like a child being told what to say in a fast and testimony meeting. I came to realize that I don’t necessarily have to speak my testimony for others to hear, but I can show my testimony where others will see. I stopped trying to force it and just shared my beliefs through the way I lived. This understanding brought me joy and creativity instead of pressure.

                    Showing Your Testimony

                    When my daughter was born, I remember editing the video and feeling so anxious about posting it to the world. Her birth was one of my most sacred experiences, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to share something so personal. I didn’t want to pollute it by letting the world have access. After praying about my decision, I decided to move forward and upload it. It became one of our highest-viewed videos. I received comments and messages from complete strangers about how much the video impacted them. I realized that the Spirit was able to testify to everyone watching without me even opening my mouth. I believe in eternal families. I believe that bringing life into this world is a sacred thing. I believe that the veil is open, and heaven is so close when a child is born. None of my beliefs were spoken aloud, yet the Spirit was able to touch people’s hearts about these truths.

                    You don’t need a formal testimony to be a light on social media. God magnifies efforts and the Spirit always testifies of truth in any form. Living a life patterned after the Savior’s example is testament enough for the world to notice.

                    A headshot of Aspen Bailey.

                    Aspen Bailey

                    Aspen Bailey and her husband, Drake, are popular YouTube creators documenting their lives as Latter-Day Saints, parents of their daughter, Rainee, and having new adventures. You can see their channel here.