Dipping your toe into the waters of essential research

While you are in the process of conducting the required tests on your chosen topic, there in no better way of dipping your toe into the waters of essential research than to survey the produce of fellow writers in the how-to genre.

This will give you an initial feel for:

The various categories covered by published authors.

The miscellaneous topics occurring in each category.

Comparison of writing styles.

Which titles have progressed to a second edition.

How many and which have been successful in attaining multiple editions.

The impact of all of this on the prospects for your chosen topic.

How to undertake your survey

Start by sending off for a copy of the current catalogue of each of the mainstream publishers specialising in the how-to market (see Chapter 10 for a simple access route). Spend some time studying these promotional pieces so that you become acquainted with the genre from the viewpoint of:

1. The publishers
2. The authors
3. The booksellers
4. The book buyers

Zero in on those categories that are even remotely connected to your area of special interest and endeavour to gauge their impact on the market. How many titles have reached the second edition stage? Are any on their 3rd, 4th, 5th or even 6th edition? If you can spot a few results, the omens are looking good. And while to have your category represented would be advantageous, it might prove equally advantageous if it is not. It could just be that no author has yet come up with a proposal on an acceptable approach.

Should you be successful in so doing you may well persuade a publisher to introduce a new category to match your chosen topic.

Next item on the agenda

Purchase one or two titles (or borrow them from your local lending library) and read the books through from cover to cover, noting style, content, execution, and the appeal of front and back covers.

This exercise will serve you well before you start writing your own book.

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