Self-Help Stumbling Blocks and How to Overcome Them #5: Too Generic

In yesterday’s post, we talked about how to broaden the scope of your idea if you find that your topic is too narrow to justify an entire book. 

 Today, I want to talk about the opposite problem: choosing a topic so broad that you struggle to say anything unique, specific, and interesting about it.

Stumbling Block #5: Too Generic

Generic writing happens when you lack a strong personal connection to the topic you’re writing about. It’s kind of like talking about the weather: everybody has something to say about the weather, but few of those statements are meaningful or memorable.

Many self-help and spirituality authors do the writing equivalent of talking about the weather: they speak in general terms, and stick to things that are already common knowledge. As a result, they fail to make a meaningful difference to the reader’s pain point.

The solution to this common problem lies in your identifying your unique connection to the topic.

Mine Your Qualifications

What makes you uniquely qualified to write a book on your topic? Have you done cutting-edge research? Had a harrowing experience with the pain point and come out the other side? Helped others do the same?

Narrow Your Scope

Overcoming generic writing often means narrowing your scope to focus only on the aspects of your subject about which you are most passionate and learned. For example, if you’re writing a book about depression, which aspects of depression are you an expert on? Can you focus on those, and leave out all the boilerplate?

Know Your Audience

Generic writing often results when you’re trying to appeal to “everyone.” Instead, identify the audience whose language you speak the most fluently, and write for them. What does this specific audience care about? What will make them laugh, or nod, or sigh?

By dialing in your personal connection to the topic at hand, you can write a book which is truly memorable, meaningful, and useful to your readers.

Are you writing a self-help, psychology or spirituality book? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me, and we'll chat about ways to maximize your book's potential to change readers' lives.