Analyzing your competition is a critical step in successfully marketing your self-published children’s book. Below is a detailed guide using real-world examples from popular and self-published children’s books to help you understand the market, differentiate your book, and stand out.
1. Identify Your Niche
Example Books:
- “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt
Target Audience: Ages 3–7. Theme: Creativity and humor. - “I’m Just No Good at Rhyming” by Chris Harris
Target Audience: Ages 6–9. Theme: Playful, nonsensical poetry. - “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin
Target Audience: Ages 4–8. Theme: Humor with imaginative storytelling.
If your book falls into the humor or creative storytelling niches, you’ll compete with titles like these. However, if your niche is more educational or addresses a specific topic (e.g., mindfulness or diversity), you may have fewer direct competitors.
Key Takeaway:
Determine your niche by defining your audience and the themes or topics your book covers. Is your book a bedtime story? A STEM-based educational tool? A humorous read? Understanding this will help you find and analyze relevant competitors.
2. Research Competing Books
Use Amazon and Goodreads to identify competitors. Look for books ranking highly in your niche.
Example Books:
- “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold
Category: Social themes, diversity. Amazon Rank: Often in the top 10 of “Children’s Friendship Books.” - “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty
Category: STEM. Amazon Rank: A bestseller in “Children’s Science Books.” - “The Pout-Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen
Category: Emotional development. Amazon Rank: Popular in “Children’s Emotions Books.”
3. Analyze Key Elements
Content
- “The Day the Crayons Quit” uses letters from crayons to tell a humorous, engaging story.
- “Ada Twist, Scientist” follows a curious girl solving scientific problems, combining storytelling with educational elements.
Your Strategy:
Does your book have a unique narrative style or educational aspect that sets it apart? For example, if you’re writing about environmental conservation, does your book balance storytelling with actionable learning?
Illustrations
- “Dragons Love Tacos” features quirky, whimsical illustrations that add humor to the story.
- “The Pout-Pout Fish” includes bright, expressive art that captures children’s emotions.
Your Strategy:
High-quality illustrations are non-negotiable in children’s books. If you’re self-publishing, hire a professional illustrator whose style matches your book’s tone. Compare your artwork to bestselling books to ensure it meets market standards.
Format and Design
- “Ada Twist, Scientist” offers hardcover, paperback, and Kindle formats.
- “All Are Welcome” is often gifted, so it’s available as a high-quality hardcover with vibrant pages.
Your Strategy:
Ensure your book’s format matches its intended purpose. Hardcover for giftable picture books or paperback for affordability in classrooms.
4. Study Pricing
Example Pricing:
- “The Day the Crayons Quit” (Paperback): $8.99
- “Ada Twist, Scientist” (Hardcover): $13.99
- “Dragons Love Tacos” (Kindle): $7.99
Your Strategy:
Price your book competitively. If you’re self-publishing, ensure your print-on-demand costs allow for a price point similar to these books. Aim for:
- eBooks: $2.99–$3.99
- Paperbacks: $9.99–$12.99
- Hardcovers: $14.99–$18.99
5. Examine Reviews and Feedback
Example Reviews:
- “The Day the Crayons Quit” has thousands of reviews praising its humor and creativity but some mention it being wordy for younger readers.
- “All Are Welcome” is loved for its message of inclusion, but a few readers feel it’s too simplistic for older children.
Your Strategy:
Read reviews of competing books to identify strengths and weaknesses. For example, if parents want more engagement (e.g., discussion questions), include this in your book to stand out.
6. Analyze Marketing and Promotion Strategies
Example Marketing Tactics:
- “Dragons Love Tacos” is heavily marketed on social media with creative posts and partnerships with influencers.
- “Ada Twist, Scientist” is part of the Questioneers Series, leveraging branding across multiple books.
- “All Are Welcome” is marketed as a “back-to-school essential,” appealing to parents and educators.
Your Strategy:
- Use Amazon Ads to target categories like “Children’s Picture Books” or specific themes like diversity or bedtime stories.
- Collaborate with influencers in parenting or teaching communities to promote your book on Instagram or TikTok.
- Develop a series if your book has series potential, creating a brand that readers can return to.
7. Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
For example:
- “Ada Twist, Scientist” USP: STEM-focused storytelling with a relatable protagonist.
- “Dragons Love Tacos” USP: Unique humor that appeals to both children and adults.
Your Strategy:
If your book tackles mindfulness for kids, your USP could be “the first interactive storybook teaching mindfulness techniques through play.”
8. Create a SWOT Analysis
Example:
Strengths: High-quality illustrations and a unique message.
Weaknesses: Limited marketing budget compared to traditionally published books.
Opportunities: Growing demand for diverse, inclusive children’s books.
Threats: Established competition like “All Are Welcome” dominating the niche.
9. Monitor Trends and Update Regularly
Children’s book trends evolve rapidly. Themes like diversity, mental health, and STEM education are currently popular. Stay updated on what’s resonating with readers and adjust your strategies as needed.
