One of the hardest things we can do as authors is try to cater to a specific audience. That's sort of like declaring that you'll be writing a best seller that morning. The fact is this: if you're not John Grisham (or his ilk) you're not putting on your pants and busting out product that will instantly sell regardless of what it is. Targeting could help but it also has the potential to backfire. If people feel like you're trying to hard, they can shy away.
There's a trick to aiming for a specific audience besides doing the market research and focusing on trends. It's a delicate balance requiring you to maintain heart but also attain marketability. The two do not necessarily coincide. Look at the big blockbuster movies. Many of them lack spirit. They are huge, loud and visually impressive without the benefit of feeling (outside of awe). Books can be this way too. Mass market paperbacks that hit the shelves of Target and Wal Mart can sometimes be the quick to press drivel that just sells copies.
There's a trick to aiming for a specific audience besides doing the market research and focusing on trends. It's a delicate balance requiring you to maintain heart but also attain marketability. The two do not necessarily coincide. Look at the big blockbuster movies. Many of them lack spirit. They are huge, loud and visually impressive without the benefit of feeling (outside of awe). Books can be this way too. Mass market paperbacks that hit the shelves of Target and Wal Mart can sometimes be the quick to press drivel that just sells copies.
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