by Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites

“Can I really compare my book with a bestselling author’s book?”

“Why do I need this? Won’t I shine the light on their book and not mine?”

“How many books do I need to compare and contrast?”

“What is a competitive analysis, anyway?”

These are just some of the questions I get while assisting my clients with the Competitive Analysis portion of their book proposal.

The Comparative Analysis (CA) is crucial for demonstrating to agents or publishers that your book is comparable to existing successful books but unique enough to attract established readers. It shows potential sales in the same genre or market. Publishers and agents value data, so a well-researched CA can strengthen your marketing plan and improve your chances of securing a contract.

Before you create you CA ALWAYS read the agent or publisher’s submission guidelines.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” inject=”#Writing #Writingtips #BRMCWC”]How to Create a Compelling Competitive Analysis Of Your Writing by @bisbanowrites on @BRMCWC[/tweet_box]

Here are a few tips to research your Competitive Analysis.

• Make a list of 7-10 books that tell the same type of story or give the same kind of information as your book.
• Look for competing books on Amazon, Goodreads, Christian Books and other online book distributors.
• Visit a bookstore or library to see what books are on the shelf where yours would be.

 add a few bestsellers to the list. Note that traditionally published books by a larger publisher are preferred.

Stay away from self-published books unless they’ve sold thousands in the first year. Make sure the book is published within the last 5-7 years.

Obtain the following information from the books you chose to compare and contrast.

Title and subtitle

Author

Publisher

Copyright year

Number of pages

Format (paperback, hardcover, etc.)

Price

ISBN

Answer these questions when you write the compare and contrast portion of each book.

How is my book similar?

How is my book different?

What promise does the author make to readers?

What promise does my book make that is different/similar to the other book?

How are my credentials similar/different from the other author?

Never criticize the other book or author.

Creating a professional book proposal takes time and effort. Many agents and publishers look at the Competitive Analysis and Marketing Plan first.

They want to know that the author is informed and ready to promote their book.

Yes, the proposal seems harder than writing the book, but I have total confidence that you can do it.

Stay the course, my friend. I’m here if you need me.

Cherrilynn Bisbano is an award-winning writer, coach, editor, and speaker. As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest. Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. Her work in progress, Accidental Findings, won the first 10 pages award with, When Words Count Retreat. You can find her published in Blue Ridge Writers Blog, Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh, and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to award-winning, Get to the Margins-Author Anthology; Breaking the Chains; Heart Reno, Kiss Guilt Goodbye; and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books. Her latest book, Shine Don’t Whine, released October 2020. Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 22 years. Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats. You will often find her on the beach sea glass hunting.