However, other than the opening anecdote and a tiny bit of very generic info, this essay mostly covers publishing options, not actually how to find your audience. It summarizes saying “do your research,” but without really offering any incisive tips how.

The discussion of publishing options, while not fresh, is very clear and helpful, though.

Excellent response. Thanks, Bob!

So true, Denise. Romance readers are some of the most loyal and voracious readers out there. Give them what they want and they'll come back for more!

Yes, you can publish on both platforms. When you set your book up on InrgamSpark, you can check a box that tells them not to distribute to Amazon. Then go ahead and do your setup on Amazon as usual. You can use the same ISBN for both as log as the files are the same in both places.
You can also choose whether you want your eBooks distributed by Ingram or not. That way you can give the exclusive to Amazon if you want to so you can make them available on KDP Unlimited. Just be aware that they will not be available to libraries who do eBook checkout.

It's a possibility. I've tried a bunch of those - and continue to do so - but they take even more energy to explore than the obvious ones.

None of these places (and they shouldn't - it's rude) take kindly to those who join with obvious marketing in mind, and don't stay - or seem to always be trumpeting their wares.

Do - and you're obvious.

Don't - and nobody even notices your books exist.

Grow the contacts slowly and personally, and it's not worth the slow sales.

Some luck and some smitten readers and some influencers - maybe. I've been burned by advertising too many times to be able to say I know what I'm doing.

Not saying it's impossible, just that it has NOT taken off.

Without expensive hype, it may just not be all that successful until the story is finished, and readers don't worry that it might not be. I'll find out in about another five years, when LIMBO rings the bell. Good thing I'm stubborn.

Targeting multiple audiences can be a tough road. Shooting for both the YA crowd and adults, it sounds like you almost need two different marketing plans for the same work. I'd love to hear how you accomplish that!

Good stuff, Ellen. I've heard before that the best way to build interest in children's books is to get in front of the kids, be it school or library visits. Your experience totally reflects that.

Thanks for the overview on how important knowing your audience is in publishing. Your discovery of a 'captive' audience is hilarious, btw. 🙂

My audience ranges many ages as I tend to write YA level stories,including teens as a key audience for me. But I write to the general adult population as well.

Nice post!