I am Self-Publishing

Let’s talk about something that can make or break your self-publishing journey: finding your niche. Self-publishing is a big, crowded world, and trying to appeal to everyone usually leaves you with no one. That’s why finding your niche—your specific corner of the market—is so important. It’s about connecting with the right readers and setting yourself up for success. Let’s break it down.

First, what exactly is a niche? It’s the sweet spot where your passions, your strengths as a writer, and market demand overlap. It’s not just “fantasy” or “nonfiction”—it’s more specific. Maybe you write cozy mysteries with a baking theme, or self-help books for millennials navigating career changes. The more focused your niche, the easier it is to market your book to the readers who will love it.

So how do you find your niche? Start by looking inward. What are you passionate about? What topics or genres excite you so much that you could write about them endlessly? Passion matters because it keeps you motivated through the hard parts of writing and publishing. If you’re not genuinely excited about your niche, it’ll show in your work.

Next, think about your strengths. What do you bring to the table that’s unique? Maybe it’s a personal experience, like overcoming a major challenge, or a deep knowledge of a specific topic. Your strengths give your writing authenticity and help you stand out from the competition.

Now, let’s talk about the market. Passion and strengths are important, but if there’s no audience for what you’re writing, you’ve got a problem. This is where research comes in. Start by looking at bestsellers in your genre. What’s trending? What’s missing? Read reviews to see what readers love—and what they wish they could find more of. This can give you clues about gaps in the market that you could fill.

When you think you’ve found your niche, test it. Talk to potential readers, join online communities related to your topic, and see if there’s genuine interest. You can even share snippets of your work or ideas for feedback. If people respond enthusiastically, you’re on the right track.

A great niche also makes marketing so much easier. Instead of trying to shout into the void, you can focus your efforts on reaching the people most likely to care about your book. For example, if your niche is travel memoirs with a foodie twist, you know your audience is likely hanging out on food blogs, travel forums, or Instagram pages about culinary adventures. That’s where you focus your energy.

One thing to remember: niches can evolve. You’re not locked into one thing forever. As you grow as a writer and learn more about your audience, your niche might shift or become more refined. That’s totally normal. The key is staying open to feedback and paying attention to what resonates with readers.

To sum it up: finding your niche is about combining what you love, what you’re good at, and what readers want. It’s not always easy, and it might take some trial and error, but when you nail it, everything gets smoother—writing, marketing, connecting with readers. So, take your time, do your research, and trust the process.

Let’s talk about something every author needs but often overlooks: the author bio. It’s one of those little things that seems like an afterthought, but trust me, it’s so much more. Your bio is a chance to connect with readers, establish credibility, and make them care about who you are—not just what you wrote. And today, I want to share some tips for writing a compelling author bio, inspired by Simone, the owner of this Winnipeg personal trainer business. Her story offers such a great example of crafting a bio that really resonates.

So, let’s start with the basics. Your author bio needs to answer three questions: Who are you? What’s your expertise? And why should readers care? Simone’s bio does this perfectly. She starts by being relatable—she shares how she was once “that girl at the gym” who didn’t know what to do. Right away, it’s clear she wasn’t born an expert, and that makes her more approachable. Readers love a story of transformation—it shows growth and makes them feel like you’re someone who understands their struggles.

For your bio, think about your own journey. Did you overcome something? Learn something the hard way? Sharing those details makes you human and relatable. But keep it concise—this isn’t your autobiography. A sentence or two is enough to establish that connection.

Now, let’s talk about credibility. Simone highlights her diploma in Fitness & Health, years of experience, and certifications. She’s not just saying, “Trust me, I know what I’m doing”—she’s showing it. In your bio, don’t be afraid to mention your accomplishments, education, or any other credentials that give you authority. If you’ve written a book on a specific topic, what makes you qualified to write it? Be clear but not braggy—let the facts speak for themselves.

But here’s the secret sauce: your mission. This is where Simone really shines. Her mission to help people fall in love with exercise and live healthier lives gives her bio purpose. It’s not just about what she’s done; it’s about why she does it. For your bio, ask yourself: What’s your “why”? Why did you write this book? What impact do you hope to make? Including that mission makes your bio not just informative, but inspiring.

Another pro tip? Tailor your bio to your audience. Simone focuses on holistic fitness and helping people with knee pain because that’s her niche. If you’re writing for a specific group of readers, highlight the parts of your story that will matter most to them. Writing a romance novel? Mention your love of epic love stories. Crafting a sci-fi adventure? Maybe share how you grew up watching Star Trek with your dad. Make it personal, and make it relevant.

And finally, remember that your bio isn’t set in stone. You can—and should—update it as you grow and accomplish more. Simone’s bio reflects over eight years of experience, but when she first started, it probably looked very different. Your first bio might feel small, but that’s okay. The important thing is to start.