You've guessed it. I read the latest Dan Brown novel over the Christmas break. Love or hate his work, you have to admire Dan Brown as a literary entrepreneur. Having hit upon a winning formula, he's followed it with great success.

A friend likened his writing to that of Enid Blyton. Both used simple, short sentences, no big words and a familiar plot. He saw this as a failing; I see it as strength. The best authors write with the reader, not themselves, in mind.  Of course if you want a book that challenges you, then Dan Brown's not your man. Most however, are seeking entertainment and a temporary escape from their everyday world. Success comes when you satisfy other people's needs.

This book contains another valuable lesson for the entrepreneur. That is to target a niche audience, rather than simply try to win over the whole world. In 'The Lost Symbol' Brown explores Freemasonry. According to Wikipedia there are some two million masons in the USA and almost half a million in the UK. I bet most of them had this book on their Amazon wish list. Not only were they guaranteed a good easy read, but the story's about something they belong to. That's brilliant target marketing!