Selectivity is associated with Q (quality factor). The higher the Q, the steeper the rolloff curve.
The 'components' mentioned in the book refers to frequencies of signals applied to the coil. A frequency within the selectivity band will get passed. Others are rejected or attenuated.
Usually selectivity involves a center frequency. An inductor by itself does not have a center frequency (except for the rogue self-resonance due to internal capacitance between windings). So maybe it's assumed the coil is in a circuit where a center frequency is relevant.
Here's an internet article that deals with coil dimensions, Q, filter selectivity, etc. It says you can maximize Q by making the coil length equal to its diameter (single layer coil).