Who am I selling books to?

[Naomi Hirahara]

Apparently, myself.

Galleycat (http://www.galleycat.com) reports on the results of A Women and Books 2007 study which describes the typical book buyer:

• Age 45
• Married
• BA degree
• Lives a large city (population of 500,000 or more)
• Annual household income of $88,625 or more

[Naomi Hirahara]

Yes, most definitely aspirational--depending on what kind of book that you write. One of my girlfriends advised me to make sure I looked nice for readings because she always checks authors out from head to toe. I've never paid this much attention to fashion in my whole life--and that's 45 years!

[Clea Simon]

This is hilarious, Naomi. I fit the bill, too. But I swear my husband not only reads, he buys books as well. As does my best (male) friend. But if this is true, then why are we supposed to feel pressured to be glamorous and sexy? (I guess it's an aspirational rather than an identifying thing?)

[I. J. Parker]

Well, I think we all are. Most book buyers are middle-aged women. Most authors are middle-aged women. My problem is that I want to write for men, too. And that makes me less marketable. Apparently, the twain don't meet.

[Laura Benedict]

Me, too! (Well, except for the big city part. Oh, and I have a BS.)

No wonder I see myself coming and going in libraries and bookstores. We're a sensible bunch. Thanks for the heads-up, Naomi!