Who Are You Serving?
Long ago, when I first became conscious of readers, and asked myself what they would expect or hope for, I realized that writing, at its core, is a service occupation. We’re entertainers, performers, but also guides through difficult topics. In some cases, we’re a voice that expresses ideas and opinions for readers, who nod in recognition. In our words and our tone, we demonstrate our respect for readers and the reasons they likely have our books or articles in their hands.
No one has read any of the healthcare books I co-authored or ghosted for the fun of it. My one and only job was to give them the information they sought when they chose the book in the first place, often defined as honest facts presented without sugarcoating. They want greater understanding about what they’re going through. They don’t care that I edited a sentence six or ten times to make it clearer, or that my doctor-client, for example, has little in the way of good news to offer.
But those readers are why I’m in the chair in the first place. Those readers and their needs defined my calling.
Enter fiction. Individuals of all ages who read fiction don’t care about much except being drawn into the story and their emotional response to our fictional characters. That’s the essence of our job. Generally, readers don’t care how many craft workshops we’ve attended, or how many rejections we’ve accumulated. And they don’t care who published any given novel. Traditional or indie? To most readers that’s a distinction without a difference. Wow. That’s the best news.
Apparently, some readers do care about authors’ pets and gardens and trips to the Grand Canyon or the state fair. Those who read historical fiction might enjoy hearing tidbits authors discovered on research trips. Currently, social media, book clubs, and online and in person appearances provide vehicles for authors to stay in touch with their readership. In some cases, these strategies also are part of the service, although they don’t replace the writing itself.
