Two Unwanted Results of Finding a Writing Niche Too Early

Summary

The article discusses the potential drawbacks of choosing a writing niche too early in one's career.

Abstract

The author argues that selecting a writing niche prematurely can have two significant downsides. Firstly, without a substantial portfolio or following, a writer may lack the credibility to establish authority in a niche unless it's deeply personal and experiential, such as writing about a unique personal ordeal. Secondly, if a writer is perceived as inexperienced, readers might question their expertise in the chosen niche, especially if the writer has recently completed formal education in the field. The article suggests that new writers should adopt a broader approach, writing on various subjects to gain experience and maintain a humble appearance. The author recommends that emerging writers focus on sharing their personal experiences and outcomes rather than instructing others, effectively making humility their initial niche.

Opinions

Choosing a niche too early can undermine a writer's credibility if they haven't built a portfolio or following.
A niche should be deeply personal and based on significant life experiences to be authentic and authoritative.
Readers may be skeptical of a writer's expertise in a niche if the writer seems to lack real-world experience.
New writers should explore diverse subjects to develop their skills and appear approachable.
Humility should be a writer's foundational niche, focusing on personal narratives rather than prescriptive advice.

1. It’s Intensely Personal

If you decide to have a niche when you are just starting out before you have much of a following or portfolio, you really don’t have the “street creds” to concentrate on one particular niche unless it is something personal that you have been through in your own life. Such as,

“How I caught Dengue Fever collecting stamps from Ohio.”

And let’s say you lingered on the verge of death for a week and a half and had to then go through the rigorous philatelist program at the Mayo Clinic in Hoboken.

OK. That is now your niche. You OWN IT.

No one could outsell you in your niche.

2. You’re the Pro from Dover

This is the second possible perception you could have from readers when you go for an early niche, if you are a little short in the tooth, journalistically speaking.

You just got your doctorate in the subject, and you already run the philatelist clinic in Hoboken with 50 researchers and 75 administrators under your control, and since your doctorate thesis, this is the first thing you have penned.

In conclusion, the shotgun approach

Writing about several different subjects will not only give you valuable practice, but it will also give you the humble appearance you need.

In fact, let your niche be humility in the beginning.

Don’t tell ANYBODY what to do about ANYTHING. Just explain what you did about that subject, and the results you received.

I just mean that’s how it worked for me…

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Two Unwanted Results of Finding a Writing Niche Too Early

It’s like declaring your major before you start college.

1. It’s Intensely Personal

2. You’re the Pro from Dover

In conclusion, the shotgun approach