{"id":250,"date":"2009-02-17T17:34:36","date_gmt":"2009-02-17T22:34:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lisatener.com\/blog\/?p=250"},"modified":"2024-09-30T09:00:58","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T13:00:58","slug":"how-to-write-an-introduction-think-like-your-readers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/2009\/02\/how-to-write-an-introduction-think-like-your-readers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write an Introduction: Think Like Your Readers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Read<\/a>
Can You Read His Mind?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many aspiring writers meet their first challenge<\/strong> when they face the writing <\/strong>of their introduction<\/strong>. If you think like your reader<\/strong>, you should find the job much easier<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In the introduction your reader <\/strong>is trying to find out:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 Will this book help me solve my particular problem<\/strong>, challenge or goal?<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 What kind of results can I expect<\/strong> to get by reading this book (for a self-help or how-to book) or What kind of experience might I expect<\/strong> in reading this book?<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Does the author have some kind of system to help me <\/strong>and is it something I can easily learn, use<\/strong> and incorporate <\/strong>into my life? (for a self-help or how-to book)<\/p>\n

4. Will this book be fun <\/strong>to read? Will I enjoy <\/strong>the time I spend reading it? Is it entertaining<\/strong>? Moving<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Your reader also wants to know about you:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Has this author helped many people<\/strong>? or What are the author’s credentials<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

2. What kinds of results <\/strong>have other people gotten<\/strong> with the author’s system or work?<\/p>\n

3. Do I trust <\/strong>this author?<\/p>\n

4. Do I like <\/strong>this author<\/strong>? Do I relate <\/strong>to him or her?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This is clearly a sophisticated reader<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Your <\/strong>introduction should:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Motivate <\/strong>your readers to read the book<\/p>\n

2. Inspire <\/strong>your readers to envision <\/strong>what they might get out of the book<\/p>\n

3. Begin to develop <\/strong>a relationship <\/strong>between you and your readers<\/p>\n

4. Help readers understand how the book will help<\/strong> them<\/p>\n

5. Tell readers how to get the most out of the book<\/strong> (for a how-to book)<\/p>\n

You want your book to come alive <\/strong>for readers starting on page 1: show <\/strong>your readers by providing details<\/strong> and actions <\/strong>that help readers draw conclusions. When you tell (“He was angry.” “I hate politicians.”), you’re not making your story real for your reader. The book is two dimensional. When you use the five senses<\/strong> to show your reader, the book pops off the page.<\/p>\n

Fill your introduction with plenty of stories <\/strong>that make your points and your readers will become engaged<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Let’s hear from you:<\/p>\n