Have you read every book in this world?

Of course not. Even as an avid reader, I’ve probably read less than 1% of all books ever written.

Why? Is it because of poor writing? Or is it because the book failed in marketing? Or failed to capture readers with its cover?

No.

We don’t read books because they’re written by “famous” authors. We read them because they speak to where we are right now.

For example if you just had a heartbreak? You’ll grab “When Things Fall Apart” by Pema Chödrön.

Fresh into marriage? “Fifty Shades” might be on your nightstand.

Struggling with habits? James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” suddenly feels like it was written just for you.

See the pattern? The book doesn’t find you.

Your life situation finds the book.

But what does this mean for a writer like you?

Why Great Writers Don’t Write For Themselves

Reading this heading might boil you up. You might be thinking “Why the hell should I write for people.” “Writing should come from within.” “I should write what I want.”

You’re not wrong. Most writers want to write based on their taste and creativity.

But the difference between great and average writing is simple: Great writing is penned for the reader.

Pick The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Read any paragraph. You’ll find yourself in those pages.

Look at the most successful writers today.

They don’t just write and hope someone reads. They understand their audience. They know their fears, their dreams, their problems. They write solutions, not just sentences.

If writing is your hobby, write what you want.

If writing is your career, write what others want.

This applies to every form of writing where money is involved:

• Content marketing? Know your customer
• Social media? Know your followers
• Copywriting? Know your buyer
• Blogging?

I understood this the hard way. Writing for others doesn’t mean losing your voice. It means using your voice to speak to someone specific.

Target a Specific Audience that Shares a Connection

I am a fan of Gary Halbert’s copywriting. If you will read the Boron’s Letters (GarryHalbertsLetter) you will understand what I am trying to say.

When I discovered his letters, I realized his letters weren’t just well-written, they were written well for someone.

He wrote his letters for his son, from a prison cell in Boron, California.

They were written with pure love, from a father worried his son might make the same mistakes he did.

I was finding myself on those pages as if my wise old uncle was sharing his life secrets. Each letter felt like it was written just for me.

And that’s why I believe in targeting a specific audience.

Gary wasn’t trying to speak to everyone. He was speaking to his son. But by being so specific and so personal, he ended up touching everyone who wanted guidance, wisdom, or just a voice of experience in their life.

Find Your Reader Before Your Topic

I used to be very confused about what to write. I started a general blog 5 years back and shared everything I knew. Health tips, tech reviews, life advice — you name it, I wrote it.

Did it for a year and guess what?

Nobody ever read my work.

That’s when I decided not to first think or brainstorm what I’d write next. I started brainstorming for whom I’d write.

Let me show you how this changes everything:

Say you have decided to write to your new parents. Suddenly, your topics appear naturally:

• How to survive those sleepless nights
• What nobody tells you about the first month
• Simple tricks to soothe a crying baby
• Budget hacks for baby supplies
• Ways to keep your relationship strong with a newborn

See what happened? Once you know your reader, the content creates itself.

Now, the best part is that if one parent reads your work, they will share it to many more.

Not because you asked but because you helped. They share it in their WhatsApp groups. Their parenting forums. Their Facebook communities.

Look at the most successful writers today:

• Mark Manson writes for no-nonsense millennials
• James Clear writes for habit-builders
• Tim Ferriss writes for life-hackers

They didn’t start by asking, “What should I write?” They started by asking “Who needs my help?”

So here’s your roadmap:

1. Pick a specific audience you understand or care about
2. List their top 10 problems
3. Solve one problem thoroughly
4. Share it where they hang out
5. Listen to their feedback
6. Repeat

Help one person solve one problem well, and that’s how you build a career.

That’s how you make an impact. That’s how you become the writer you always wanted to be.

Choose your who. The what will follow.