When talking to writers who want to publish with Aviva Publishing, I always ask: “Can you quickly explain what your book is about?” Many times, I get long, meandering answers, showing a lack of focus on the core theme or message of the book. This common mistake suggests a misunderstanding that their book is for everyone, which is usually false. The reality is that a book’s true impact comes from a clear and powerful message.
Crafting a compelling message is vital to the success of your book. It acts as a bridge between your words and your readers, ensuring that the essence of your book deeply resonates with them. For your book to shine, it must have a strong and persuasive message.
A clear and impactful message has the power to leave a lasting impression on readers, offering new insights, answers, and transformative experiences. However, recognizing the significance of your message is only one piece of the puzzle.
Mastering the art of crafting a captivating and impactful message is crucial. You then need to understand the strategies to engage your audience with a strong and meaningful message.
In the first part of this two-part article, you’ll learn about the importance of having a clear and powerful message to make your writing memorable.
You’ll see how compelling writing is anchored by a powerful message, with examples from celebrated authors like Brené Brown and Malcolm Gladwell who masterfully engage and move their readers.
Defining Your Message
Your book’s message is the central theme that runs through every chapter and every story you tell. For nonfiction writers, it’s a mix of passion and knowledge.
Consider Brené Brown’s influential book, “Daring Greatly.” As a research professor who has spent decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, Brown brings a rich blend of personal insight and professional expertise to her readers.
Her message is about the power of vulnerability and how embracing it can transform the way we live, love, parent, and lead. This central theme is evident throughout her book, as she challenges the perception that vulnerability is weakness, arguing instead that it is the most accurate measure of courage.
Brown’s work encourages readers to dare greatly by showing up and letting themselves be seen, despite the risks and potential for failure.
It’s a message that has captivated millions.
Differentiation in the Marketplace
Differentiation is the key to crafting an engaging message. Finding the unique selling points of your message is essential. It’s all about showcasing your one-of-a-kind viewpoint, background, or method. This is typically the result of unique research methods, an engaging and informative writing style, or anecdotes that provide a fresh perspective on old subjects. It’s all about finding a fresh way to look at old ideas or filling a gap in the market.
For example, Malcolm Gladwell, the renowned author, is known for his ability to explain complex social science concepts using engaging narratives and unexpected correlations. In books like “Outliers,” Gladwell presents data in stories that challenge our perceptions of success and achievement. His ability to draw connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena sets his message apart.
Gladwell’s unique blend of storytelling, research, and insight transforms how we understand our world and our place within it. His perspective and method of communication distinguish him from other authors in his field, making his works informative and transformative.
By highlighting what sets your message apart, you can grab the attention of your audience and bring a fresh perspective to your topic.
The Benefit of Your Message
The major benefit of your message is its ability to transform. Your message has the power to ignite substantial change. It elevates your book from a simple read to a captivating and unforgettable experience.
Consider the important work of Yuval Noah Harari, whose popular book “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” offers a comprehensive story of human history. Harari’s approach is to examine history from the perspective of major concepts and overarching trends, rather than just specific dates and events. His method encourages readers to think about the lasting effects of human actions and how our species has influenced the world. Harari encourages readers to think about what it means to be human and how our knowledge of our past shapes our future.
Importance and Impact
Your message's impact and how much it resonates with and affects your audience are indicators of its importance. What makes your message crucial is its ability to fill a void, answer a question, or clarify something that was previously misunderstood or overlooked.
Marie Kondo’s book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” is a prime example because it taps into the universal desire for order and simplicity in a chaotic world.
Kondo’s book offers more than just cleaning tips. It speaks to the universal longing for a more organized and less cluttered life. In a world where our personal spaces often show chaos, Kondo’s message is comforting. She encourages a change in how we view our possessions and our space. Her philosophy of only keeping what brings joy has become a cultural reference point, influencing people’s lifestyles and mindsets around the world.
Come back next week for Part 2 where you’ll discover the immense power of your message and its ability to deeply resonate with others. Uncover the secrets to crafting a clear and easily understandable message that captivates readers.
