How to Make Your Book Unique

Hundreds of books are published every day in a seemingly endless variety of formats and platforms, so it is essential that you find ways to make your book stand out from the crowd—whether that crowd is in the airport, the bookstore, or online. The good news is that readers are always on the lookout for something new. Differentiating your book from the competition will help ensure that your book doesn’t get lost among the other books in its genre.

By finding the perfect niche for your book, using the skills of a professional editor, and writing exciting cover copy, you can be well on the way to a book that is new to and unique in the marketplace.

Find your niche

Readers are constantly looking for that new experience or that new road to success. And you, as the author, need an amazing plot or a brand-new way of explaining your subject matter to them. But a new approach isn't always enough to make your book stand out in a crowded market.

In order to give your reader an exceptional experience, you must find out what’s never been done before. Research other books in your field and on your subject so that you can find out what is missing from the marketplace. Fill that gap by providing a take on the subject that no one else has thought of.

Another way to ensure your book is unique is to test your ideas though other platforms. You can use podcasts or blogs to engage your audience and see whether your content is effective, and you can offer portions of your content for free to get invaluable reader feedback.

Whatever your genre, the way you speak to your readers will determine whether they stay engaged or put the book aside. Be honest, and be fresh. If you have a dry wit or a good sense of humor and that tone fits your topic, use it. Let your personality show through your language. Don’t be afraid to be different. Reveal whatever it is in your background, experiences, and knowledge that makes you noteworthy. The reader is looking for that one extra reason to convince them to buy your book rather than someone else’s. You, as the author, have a story to tell—just as your book does.

Professional editing

A professional editor’s eye for grammar and punctuation is essential to ensure your book stands out as the high-quality work you want it to be. Nothing will make your book sink to the bottom of the pile like poor editing. You don’t want your readers getting distracted by errors or inconsistencies or—even worse—confused by unclear wording. A good editor will use a keen eye to make sure your book is correct and consistent and that your personal style, your voice, and your story come together in a way that is engaging for your readers.

Exciting cover copy

You've already done the hard work of researching your ideal reader and finding your niche. So when potential readers pick up your book, you want them to understand what makes your book different immediately and to be drawn in to reading further.

Start with a tag line that gets to the heart of what readers are going to get out of your book. What problem do you solve? How will your readers be different after reading? Then move into 1-2 paragraphs of descriptive copy that will give the reader a better understanding of how you will achieve that outcome.

Check out the cover copy on similar books to yours to get an idea of what's appropriate for your genre. Is the writing direct and simple, or is it funny? Is the language sophisticated or casual? Are there bullet points?

Keep in mind that this copy will be seen not only on bookstore shelves but on online retailer pages (such as Amazon), your blog, other social media, and in your marketing materials, so its influence can be widespread. Outstanding cover copy and a well-placed tag line can make or break the response your book gets from your audience.

By finding your niche, enlisting the skills of a professional editor, and making sure your cover copy packs a punch, your book will be well on its way to making a unique name for itself.


Would you like to discuss how to make your book stand out from the crowd? Contact us at info@greenleafbookgroup.com, or visit our submissions page. If you have any questions for Greenleaf Editorial about the editing process or your project, tweet us @GreenleafBookGr.