Competitive Works

A reader writes:

I have a book proposal that I’m trying to finish up. I have an intro and sample chapter (both of which I think are solid), but I’m struggling with the “about the market” and related supporting materials. How seriously do I need to take the “about the market” and “here’s how I’ll promote this” and related portions of the proposal? Is this something that an agent could potentially help me with, or do I need to have these sections pretty solid before even approaching an agent? I have a list of competing titles, but that’s pretty much all I have.

Promotion will have to wait for another post, but here are my thoughts on competitive works:

1. Avoid mistakes

When I worked for a literary agency, I was constantly amazed at how people would pitch a book that already existed. We’d get a query touting a startlingly original book about the pineapple as a symbol of hospitality and goodness. Meanwhile, there at #5 on the Times bestseller list was American Pineapple: Symbol of Hospitality and Goodness. Of course you’ll be highlighting your project’s originality, but be careful not to overstate your case.

2. Show your book’s place

Unless you’re writing about pineapples (a category that my Amazon search reveals to be tragically underrepresented) chances are there are books like yours. Don’t panic. You can take the idea that there’s nothing new under the sun as a complaint about our collective unoriginality. Or you can bright side that sh*t and realize that anything you make is part of a larger, ongoing conversation about the human experience. Even if there were hundreds of pineapple books, yours has to offer what yours has to offer. Use the marketplace to throw your contribution into relief rather than to fight what’s already out there.

3. Make connections beyond the category

You don’t want to be glib (NEVER say your book is something “meets” something else) but connecting with diverse but like-minded titles can be very effective. Here you’re not so much talking about competing works as using a popular book to create an emotional profile for your project. Warning: if you use this tactic, pick a book that’s familiar and respected, but not a blockbuster. No editor, agent or publisher wants to hear that you have the next The Tipping Point. They get enough of that already.

Final thought: Instead of looking at researching competitive works as a chore, think of it as yet another way to sharpen up. Having a firm grasp of what’s already out there will help you write, sell and promote your work. A brilliant competitive works section isn’t essential, but it’s an opportunity to shine. So shine, right?

Good luck.

Tags: publishing