Hey Reader,

Back in May, I lost my sweet cat, Hemingway to a bobcat on my farm. I had NO IDEA we even had bobcats, until I saw one on our farm camera video footage. I've had cats all my life, and, as many a writer will tell you, cats are an essential partner to any writer. They are great company, and I really missed my boy. After my summer travels, I set out to find another companion. A sweet furry, family member, who could be my new writing partner and type ffffgghhahhaidlllllll repeatedly without regret (or without editing as she typed along.)

So I did some research and found an awesome no-kill shelter for cats only, appropriately named CATS. I walked in and found this beautiful baby, who stole my heart with her gorgeous ice blue eyes, and her tabby and Siamese mixed colors and patterns. She is a highly-energetic girl, running from here to there, and loves paper balls, twist ties, and feather toys.

Her name is Narra, after the National Tree of the Philippines. It means "resilience" which I thought was a perfect name for her. And she absolutely loves sitting in her new furry, cozy, window hammock and watching the outside world.

Look for her at an upcoming Zoom workshop or meeting inside my Skool community! 🦫

Let's talk about targeting the right audience... 🎯

Here’s a mistake I see authors make all the time: they want their book to be for everyone. It makes sense on the surface. More readers means more sales, right? But a book written for everyone connects with no one. When you try to appeal to the widest possible audience, your message gets so watered down that it stops resonating.

The authors who build loyal, engaged readerships are the ones who know the avatar they’re writing for. They understand their reader’s struggles, questions, and what keeps them up at night. That clarity gives you a focused target to write for: you know what to write, how to position your book, and where to show up so the right people can find you.

So before you write another page, ask yourself: who is this really for? The answer will sharpen your message, strengthen your platform, and connect you with the readers who are waiting for your book. 🦫

Why It's Essential to Know Your Avatar When You're Writing Your Book

✍️ Writing for your avatar shapes every word you write. When you know exactly who you're writing for, your content practically writes itself. You stop second-guessing your tone, examples, and stories because you're speaking to one specific person instead of a faceless crowd. Your writing becomes clearer, more confident, and far more compelling because it's built around real needs you understand deeply.

🎯 Understanding who you're writing for makes your marketing effortless. Knowing your avatar tells you exactly where to show up and what to say once you're there. Instead of scattering your energy across every platform hoping your message sticks, you can focus on the spaces where your ideal reader already spends time. Your message lands because it's speaking directly to the person who's been searching for your book.

💛 Knowing your avatar creates readers who actually care. When your book speaks directly to someone's specific struggles and desires, they feel seen. That connection is what turns a casual browser into a loyal reader, the kind who finishes your book, leaves a review, tells their friends, and comes back for whatever you write next. You're not just selling a book, you're building a relationship.

Want to give the gift of writing a book to a friend?

I recently published "From Idea to Outline in One Weekend," so that new and returning authors can take the right steps to find out their niche. It's a great gift to that special someone in your life who "has a book in their head" and never stops talking about it! Now they can take action, and stop wasting their time overthinking. They can complete their outline and be ready to write their rough draft in as little as three days!

​Get the complete playbook (for a friend!) that walks you through every decision, every exercise, and every step from concept to finished outline in three days.​

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💡Final Thoughts:

Your avatar isn't about shutting people out, because the goal is to speak so clearly to the right person that they can't help but lean in to your book. When you write for one specific reader, you don't lose the crowd, you gain the people who matter most: the readers who will buy, read, and champion your book. When you niche down and write for your avatar, you build a more loyal and engaged audience, and that matters even more if you're planning a trilogy or a series of books. When readers feel like you're writing directly to them, they don't just finish one book, they come back for the next one and the one after that. So get to know that person deeply. Picture them, understand them, and write every page with them in mind. The clarity you gain will transform not just your book, but the entire way you connect with your audience. 🦫

🔰💪🔰 Want to learn more about the other common mistakes authors make? 🔰💪🔰

🎙️ If you're getting ready to publish your first book, Episode 28 on YouTube is a must-watch. I walk through the top 10 mistakes new authors make, from skipping target audience research to ignoring the competition, with real examples and strategies to help you avoid these costly errors. I also dig into what makes nonfiction writing work: knowing your "why," keeping your themes focused, why over-relying on AI can backfire, and how the right editor becomes your greatest ally in protecting your unique voice.

From there, I cover the behind-the-scenes essentials most new authors overlook, like professional cover design, formatting, and legal considerations such as forming an LLC, plus stories of authors who leaned on book coaches to save time and boost their credibility. By the end, you'll have a real roadmap for turning your expertise into a published book that reflects your brand. 🎥 Watch Episode 28 and subscribe for more publishing insights.

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🤝 Client Testimonial of the Week

Thank you Lynn. I truly appreciate the clarity you helped me to reach today. The most valuable part surrounded the self publishing and design options you shared. I look forward to becoming a member of your online community to focus on other topics you have to share.

-Reygan Bourgault

Ready to get your book professionally formatted?

I'm currently running a special package for book formatting, cover design, and kdp upload for indie authors. Interested? Reply back with "Send me your deal!" and I'll send you the information. Only six spaces left, so reply back today!

Happy writing! 🦫

Your Publishing Partner,

Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis

P.S. – Are you looking for a fresh set of eyes on your manuscript for a review? Grab a spot on my Self-Publishing Discovery Call calendar to find out how quick and easy this process can be!