To Write for Oneself or the Audience?

Writing is a solitary process. It is often one performed while cloistered away in a dingy attic with a stiff glass of brown. Within these walls, writers delve into their deeply personal and creative endeavors. As much of an introverted experience it can be, one cannot help but think of those for whom they are writing. Are you writing for yourself or for an audience, and how much consideration should be given to those whom you seek to reach? Let’s discuss meeting readers’ expectations vs. staying true to your vision.

The Case for Audience Consideration

Considering your audience while writing a novel is a process known as “writing to market.” When you write with a specific audience in mind, it will often guide your narrative choices. If you’re interested in catering to the middle-aged romance community, your focus will be tailored to their idealized view of relationships. Your plot will need to incorporate the expectation and conventions of the chosen genre. This is not to say that this is a bad thing. Some people prefer to write within established limits. Furthermore, when you write for an audience, you increase the marketability of your book. Literary agents and publishers look for manuscripts that home in on a clear target audience.

The Case for Writing for Oneself

Prioritizing your own visual and artistic integrity is crucial to developing as a writer. When you start writing, you want to express yourself without limitations. Constantly worrying about what others will think dilutes your work, creating a derivative result that strays far from your initial vision. Despite not catering to any specific audience, there is always someone eager to read your story. Authenticity resonates with readers, and straying from formulaic genre norms can often have big payoffs. Just take Katherine Dunn’s Geek Love for example. After reading her work, I doubt she had any particular audience in mind, yet she found massive success.

Finding a Healthy Balance

The most pragmatic approach is likely to find a healthy blend of the two. It’s not unfathomable to write a novel that is both personally fulfilling and appealing to readers. Write your draft, staying true to your original intent, and if you have an audience in mind, edit it in a way that might attract readers of the genre. I’m not saying to strip your story of its core meaning, but rather, fine tune the elements that will enhance readability, such as pacing and dialogue. Employing beta readers is likely the best method to discover the marketability of a story that stays true to your personality and creativity. They will provide valuable perspectives on how to improve your novel without compromising your vision.

So, when it comes to the question of whether to write for oneself or the audience, rather than an either-or situation, you can approach it as more of a balancing act. Being mindful of how your work might be received by others can enhance its appeal and increase its impact on readers. The best novels are often a healthy blend that exhibit personal passion and thoughtful consideration of others’ expectations. Then again, it all comes down to your end goal: Are you writing as a point of personal fulfillment, or are you writing to make a living? The answer to this question will guide your narrative.