If you’re a new writer, and are thinking of finally writing a book, then that’s awesome! If you’ve even planning to go so far as to formally publish it (whether with a publishing house or on your own), even more power to you. However, while you’re writing your book, I would like to suggest that you ask yourself something. Ask: what makes my story stand out from the others? What makes my story different and unique?

Seriously, there are hundreds upon hundreds of stories out there that are just waiting to be read; some published, some not. Still, there are so many out there that if you’re planning to write and then to sell a book, you may discover that you can’t just write “something” and hope it will catch wind. After all, you aren’t the only person who is writing a fiction/horror/sci-fi/YA/nonfiction/etc. There are many others out there who are just like you. They’re also trying to write their story read and sell it to the public (whether it be for the glory and money, or for their love of their craft is a different matter we won’t go into right now).

You’ll be surprised how knowing the answer to the question “what makes my story different?” will benefit you — both with your writing efforts, and when it comes to promoting and selling your story. If you go to an event (let’s say a book fair), and are trying to get people interested enough to want to buy your book, then you should tell them why YOUR book is different from all others. Tell them why it is unique, and how it offers them something new.

So, while you’re writing, or trying to sell your book, make sure you know the answer to the question “what makes my story different?”

But what if you don’t know?…Well, don’t you think you should?

But what if you can’t find anything in your story that truly makes it different?…Well, then perhaps you may want to find a way to write it so that it does.

Until next time!