Ten Tips for your Competitoin Section
Congratulations on your 10th Anniversary, SFWC!
1. Include “Competitive” books (books that might be bought instead of yours) and
“Complementary” books (books that might be bought along with yours).
2. Include the following information, in a clear format
Competitive Book, Author, Publisher, Publication Year, Format, Current Price.
A one-sentence description of the book. A one or two sentence explanation of why your
book is different and there is a market for that difference, or why the success of this
book is a good indicator that your book will be successful as well.
3. Break out 5 to 10 books—use those that are:
 Traditionally published by major houses, in the past 10 years AND
 Are successful OR
 Are huge self-published hits
4. Don’t worry about small and self-published books that have sold fewer than 1,000 copies.
5. Actually read the books.
6. Never badmouth your competiton: you may be pitching to its editor.
7-10 and a bonus or two. Points of differentiation to consider:
 My book is more/less in-depth, and I know my market demands an easier/more
exhaustive approach because...
 My book includes more up-to-date research and I know my market is hungry for more
knowledge because...
 I am more knowledgeable than competitive authors and my audience has been looking
for an authority because...
 I am telling a personal story and thus far, other books have been too distant
 My book focuses on an aspect of the topic nobody has yet explored yet I know my
audience is particularly interested in this angle because...
 My book is physically different from other books (more white space, more illustrations,
interactive) and I know my audience will find this difference appealing because...
 My book brings a unique perspective to the issue and I know my market is interested in
this perspective because...
Need proposal help? Author Planet Consulting
www.authorplanet.org
Author Planet: A Sweet Spot Between Traditional and Self-Publishing
Jody Rein Books, a Literary Agency
www.jodyreinbooks.com
Follow Jody here: @sharpcrayon