Becoming an author is like starting your own business. And, like any business, entrepreneurs research and familiarize themselves with the business environment for the category they work in.

Furthermore, successful businesspeople never stop learning about the category in which they work. It’s a lifelong pursuit. Or at least until they move on to something else to focus on and become an expert in that business type.

For authors, it is highly recommended that they be well-versed in the category in which they write. They should have an opinion about what makes for a good book in the category, who the top authors are, and investigate a little why something was successful.

In a book proposal, the section for comparable titles is both good information for the reviewer and somewhat of a test to see how much the author knows about the book category they are writing.

So, how do you research a category of books?

Amazon is the simplest way to find similar books; click on category bestseller lists, and begin to narrow your search. Amazon contains a robust search engine; although directed by algorithms and advertising, it is still a good start. Being able to sort by most popular, most recent, and other methods will at least give you an idea of the big picture. Then, go from there to other sites like www.christianbook.com and Goodreads.

Another great source for information is your public library, where you can spend time swimming in a sea of books. Or you can stay in a library-themed hotel. (Just kidding, it’s expensive.)

Of course, bookstores are good sources of information since they usually curate only the top sellers. (Be sure to buy something. Stores are not libraries.)

Then, once you find some category leaders for your book, read or at least spend some time with them so you can compare and contrast with your work.

Research is simple these days. The information is hidden in plain sight. It just takes time.

Too many aspiring authors spend thousands of hours writing their manuscript and 30 minutes on a proposal. Remember, “Just read my manuscript” is not a book proposal to an agent or publisher.

I’ve mentioned this before, but anyone pursuing writing must put time into all the other peripheral issues. Platform building, craft improvement, reading, relationship building, and category research are as important as writing. Doing all the extra little things is the difference between frustration and putting yourself on the road to a measure of success for your new small business.

Better yet, once you make all the elements of successful writing a habit, it becomes easier and second nature. Then, if you publish a book by whatever method available to you, the effort you invested to learn and grow will likely prove to be worth the time you put into it.