Griffith Writing Tip #3: Who cares?

Three things your book should do--

* Open doors

* Deliver at least one benefit

* Change your reader in some small way

These are the only reasons for writing a book. A lot of us like to write for ourselves, and there's nothing wrong with that. Psychiatrists say that keeping a journal is good therapy. It's fun to create situations and make comments about life.

But your book won't sell five copies at a church picnic unless you give your reader something he or she needs or wants.

I ask authors who call me about their book, "How do you want this book to change your reader?" "What do you want your reader to do after reading your book?" or, cruelest question of all, "Why should anyone care that you've written this book?"

Your grandfather survived the holocaust. You grew up in the slums and graduated from college. Your infant son fought a horrible disease and finally died. You've moved from a farm in Ohio to a New York City apartment.

All these have the kernel of a decent book, but only if they're driven by a singular purpose that entertains, informs, and offers to change the reader in some way. Otherwise, Who cares?

That's Griffith Writing Tip #3. Make sure your book has one overriding purpose and stick to it.