Defining Lizzy's Target Audience: A Necessary Exercise

I read John Locke's book, entitled, "How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in 5 Months!" to get an idea of how other indies are tackling their marketing strategies.  I decided to do at least one exercise based on what I learned from him: define my target audience as more than "paranormal romance readers."  If you read his book, you'll know he wrote a page or two describing his audience, down to what his readers' professions are, because he writes with a very specific market in mind.  And it's worked for him.

I spent my plane ride to DC today mulling over the 500+ posts to my website, several hundred fan emails, hundreds of reviews, and other correspondence with my readers to define my target audience.  This should not be considered a one-size-fits-all description, as I've pieced together themes and traits from a whole range of information.  However, in writing the below, I do feel as though I understand better why Katie's Hellion went over so well.  Haha!

Here she is.  Introducing: my target audience.

My Target Audience still believes in true love while fully acknowledging that Cinderella's evil Step-Mom probably ruined her marriage to Prince Charming, and Cindy lost her half of the kingdom in the divorce.  Target Audience likes happy endings, but wants to know if Sleeping Beauty would've chosen the poisoned apple if she had known there was a 50% chance she'd die and a 50% chance she'd find her true love.  

Life has probably beaten up Target Audience in multiple cage matches.  She doesn't need things sugar-coated, but still needs to know there's room for hope and the occasional winning lottery ticket.  Target Audience is tech savvy, of above average intelligence, enjoys puzzles and most surprises, and has a quirky sense of humor shaped by run-ins with the Dark Side.  Target Audience is strong natured, independent in thought and enjoys being around others who are similar.  She loves secret little adventures, finds rainbows when it's storming (even if she sometimes wants to destroy them), and believes in occasional indulgences. 

Target Audience believes life is a combination of magic, tragedy, and shades of grey.  She's honest, believes in second chances for (almost) everyone and probably thinks she's much more flawed than she is.  She'd also really like a Fairy Godmother but realizes that probably won't happen, so she'll figure it out on her own.  She likes to use her imagination and lose herself in a good story.

This is a start …