Competitive analysis is key to an editor’s job, so they’ll likely do their own. That said, they might be interested in knowing how you see your book fitting in on the shelf. And if you check out the competition early in the process, you can let it help you shape your book concept.
Start by looking for about five books:
- on the same topic as yours;
- with an author whose platform is similar to yours;
- that were published within the past five years or so; and/or
- that have the same audience you do.
You’re ultimately looking for books that someone would buy instead of or in addition to your book. I usually do this online, but it’s also an excellent excuse for a trip to a bookstore or two. It’s helpful to know what’s actually in stores and how it’s being displayed.
Start by writing down some details for each of the competitive books you identify. There’s a handy chart in this book proposal template if you need it! It’s a great chart, if I do say so myself.
- Title:
- Subtitle:
- Publisher:
- Author:
- Date published:
- Price:
- Format: (hardcover, paperback, etc.)
- Number of pages:
- Anything else:
What do you notice about the competition as a whole, and about the individual books that you selected? How can you differentiate your concept? How can your book be a better fit for the reader? What can you bring to the table? What can you do bigger, simpler, or better?
What else is your competition?
It may not fit neatly into the chart, but look around for competition outside of books, too. Is there a YouTube channel that discusses your topic? Do people share projects or recipes similar to yours on a website or blog? Are there magazines? Facebook groups? Would your audience take a class, go to a demonstration, or join a club?
This isn’t meant to be discouraging! Your goal is to share your views and information in the way that best presents it. Sure, in some cases, you may want to consider a novelty Twitter account instead of a book, if that’s the best way to present your thoughts. But this is your opportunity to use the book format to its best advantage. Keeping in mind that your readers have the internet in their pockets will help you craft a book concept that really benefits them. How can you make them a book that makes sense as a book, and that’s irresistible in their universe of information?
Tiffany Hill, Editor 