by Alycia Morales     @AlyciaMorales

If you’ve ever faced having to write a proposal, you’ve probably had to find books that are comparable to the one you’re proposing. I’ve seen writers struggle with listing books that are similar to the one they wrote, and this always astounds me.

Finding comparable books isn’t as difficult as it may seem.

1. Read. Especially in your genre, if you’re writing fiction. There’s always someone else writing similarly to you in the fiction world. After all, there’s nothing new under the sun, right? If you’re writing nonfiction, find other books on your topic and read those. This is the best way to find books comparable to your own.
2. Visit Amazon.com. Search for books in the categories or genre that you’ve written. Read the blurbs from each book that comes up in your search. Sometimes you can access pages from within the book. This is a good place to get a feel for the author’s writing and what their book has in common (or doesn’t) with yours.
3. Visit the local library or book store. Again, find books in your categories or genre. Read some pages. Take notes on what you find that are similarities and differences. Don’t forget to note the title and author’s name.
4. Ask your critique group. They’ve read your work. Chances are, since they’re writers, they’re readers too. See if they have any recommendations. Then do any of the above.
5. Check with the online groups where you’re a member. I know that ACFW has a link where members can find other books similar to their own.
6. BONUS: Goodreads. Look for reviews of books similar to yours. See what people are saying about them and see if yours fills some void in the readers’ desire.

Here are a few pointers to remember when adding these to your proposal:

1. “Comparable” means you’re comparing two or more items. In this case, it’s your book with someone else’s already-published book. What makes yours unique? What makes it stand out? Did you come from a different angle? Similarities and differences are what you’re looking for and what the publisher wants to know.
2. Don’t knock someone else’s writing/book. You’re comparing, not tearing apart. Publishers won’t appreciate you digging into someone else and their writing. Doing so may cost you a contract.
3. If you’ve never published anything, don’t compare your book with one written by someone like Ted Dekker or Francine Rivers or Michael Hyatt or Joyce Meyer. Find someone more on your level.

If you’ve had experience writing proposals and searching for comparable titles, we’d love your input! Feel free to leave a comment below. [reminder]

Alycia W. Morales is an award-winning freelance editor and author. Her clients have won the Selah Award, BRMCWC Director’s Choice Award, and many others. Her writing has been published in Thriving Family magazine, Splickety Love, and several compilation books. She is a member of ACFW, the president of Cross n’ Pens critique group, and a BRMCWC Conference Assistant.

Alycia blogs at The Write Editing and Life. Inspired.

When she isn’t busy writing, editing, and reading, Alycia enjoys spending time with her husband and four children taking hikes in Upstate SC and NC, creating various crafts, coloring in adult coloring books, and watching TV.