Most authors say, "Everyone will want my book, and when I take it to Oprah, it will sell millions, and I'll make millions, too."

Not exactly true. If you are writing a book you need to know your specific audience. This gives your book its unique selling point. Writing for your target audience focuses your writing and gives your book a great advantage because you know and can communicate your unique selling point. (USP). Now, your book will stand out from crowd. Although everyone won't buy it, it will sell more copies because your buyers really want your message.

How do you know who your audience is?

The biggest mistake most authors make is that they don't write for their one preferred audience. If an audience is "everyone," book doesn't have an angle. Without a focus audience, it has too much competition among other popular authors. The "Dummy" books have done well because they have one particular focus-beginners.

Know your audience inside and out through "Audience Profile."

What do they look like? How old are they? Male? Female? Age? Baby boomers? Seniors? Entrepreneurial? Corporate? Are they middle or upper class? What kind of work do they do? What is their income? What do they spend discretionary time and money on? Where do they live? What books and magazines do they read? What values and attitudes are reflected by those books? What are their interests, hobbies, and values?

Writers often get stuck because they make assumptions about writing, finishing, publishing, and promoting their books. A recent client confessed that he thought a book was just too big a project. Using professional, respected information, writers can finally realize their book dream.

1. They postpone writing their book.

I don't know an author who is sorry they wrote a book. They only wish they had written it sooner. Speakers can expand a talk; coaches can expand how-to articles; business people can share tips and short information pieces. Everyone put out a salable, respected book. They sell well today-on Internet, at back- of-the-room, and can be a great boost to your credibility as a professional.

2. They write chapter one and other chapters before investing marketing time in essential "Seven Hot Selling Points," one being writing book's thesis.

The thesis evolves from answering what one major challenge or problem your book will solve. If author can't answer his potential buyers question "Why should I buy your book?" clearly, quickly and concisely, he won't sell many copies. Another advantage of writing thesis before writing chapters is that writer will write more focused, compelling copy, saving time not going off track or writing two books under one cover. The thesis for Time Management for Creative Person, by Lee Silber, is "Offers right-brain strategies for stopping procrastination, getting control of clock and calendar and freeing up your time and your life."

3. They think they have to be an expert, great writer, or do mountains of research.

Write books on subjects you have passion for, and want to learn more about. As you research, interview, and write, you become expert. Rough out what questions your readers will want answered; organize them in categories, which can then become table of contents and actual chapter titles. Know your book's message is significant, and has readers who want and need it. .

4. They aren't sure their book is significant enough to warrant their love, attention, and time.