Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
Designing
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
Editing
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
How to Conduct a Competitive Analysis for Your Book
How to Conduct a Competitive Analysis for Your Book
Overview: Conducting a competitive analysis is a valuable step in the book planning process. By exploring what’s currently being published in your genre, you can identify trends, understand what readers and publishers are looking for, and see how your book idea fits into the market. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key aspects of competitive analysis, from reviewing recently published books to analyzing text and images, layout, and formatting.
Why Conduct a Competitive Analysis?
A competitive analysis helps you understand the landscape of your genre and find out what’s working well for other books. It can also reveal opportunities to differentiate your book and offer something unique. By analyzing recently published books, you’ll gain insights into what readers expect and what publishers are doing, which can help you refine your book idea and approach.
Key Considerations When Conducting a Competitive Analysis
1. Explore Recently Published Books in Your Genre
Start by looking at books that have been published in the last 1–2 years within your genre. Read as many as you can, paying attention to the overall style, tone, and structure. Consider what makes these books successful and what readers are saying in reviews.
- Read recently published books in your genre to understand current trends.
- Take notes on the style, tone, and themes used in these books.
Questions to Ask:
- What are the common themes and styles in recently published books?
- Are there any trends or patterns that stand out in my genre?
2. Analyze How Text and Images Work Together
In illustrated books, such as picture books and graphic novels, the relationship between text and images is crucial. Examine how text and illustrations complement each other to tell the story. Consider the balance between narrative and visual storytelling.
- Look at how text and images interact to create a cohesive story.
- Consider the role of illustrations in conveying themes, emotions, and actions.
Questions to Ask:
- How do the text and images work together to tell the story?
- Is there a balance between narrative and visual elements?
3. Review the Layout and Formatting
Take a close look at the layout and formatting of recently published books. This includes how text and images are arranged on the page, the use of whitespace, and the overall design. A well-designed layout can enhance readability and visual appeal.
- Analyze the layout and formatting of books in your genre.
- Consider how design choices impact the reader’s experience.
Questions to Ask:
- How are text and images arranged on the page?
- Does the layout enhance or detract from the story?
4. Examine the Front and Back Matter
The front and back matter of a book includes elements such as the title page, dedication, acknowledgments, and author biography. These sections play a role in setting the tone and providing context for the reader. Consider how these elements are used in books similar to yours.
- Review the front and back matter to see how these sections are formatted.
- Consider how authors and publishers use these elements to engage readers and provide additional information.
Questions to Ask:
- What elements are included in the front and back matter of similar books?
- How do these sections contribute to the overall reading experience?
How to Conduct a Competitive Analysis for Your Book
Step 1: Select a Range of Recently Published Books
Choose a variety of recently published books in your genre. Look for those that have been well-received by readers and publishers, as well as those that didn’t perform as well to understand the full landscape.
Step 2: Read and Take Notes
Read these books carefully, taking notes on their style, themes, layout, and formatting. Pay attention to how text and images work together, and consider what elements make these books successful.
Step 3: Analyze the Design and Formatting
Review the layout, design, and formatting of each book. Note any design choices that stand out and consider how these choices impact readability and visual appeal.
Step 4: Review the Front and Back Matter
Examine the front and back matter of each book. Take note of how the title page, dedication, acknowledgments, and author biography are formatted and presented.
Step 5: Identify Opportunities for Differentiation
Based on your analysis, identify opportunities to differentiate your book. Consider how your book can offer something unique or fill a gap in the market.
Final Notes:
Conducting a competitive analysis is an essential part of planning your book. By exploring what’s currently being published in your genre, analyzing text and images, and reviewing layout and formatting, you’ll gain valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. Use this information to refine your book idea and ensure that it stands out in a crowded market.