By Cindy Williams Schrauben
So, you've prepared your manuscript (MS) - write, critique,
revise, repeat, repeat, repeat - and you're ready to submit to agents. Easy,
right? Not so much.
One submission detail that often confuses writers is the
request for comparison titles (comps). I could write multiple posts on this topic,
but for now, I will ignore marketing mumbo jumbo and stick to one point - using
comps to grab the attention of an agent.
WHAT is a comp?
A
comp:
* Is a pitch point - a way for YOU
to describe your work
* Is a published book that
resembles your own MS in some way (more on this later)
* Should be in the same genre (ex:
humorous picture book) and have similarities such as:
Subject matter
Format/Style (Ex: non-fiction,
how-to, diary)
Tone (Ex: humorous, lyrical, dark)
Point Of View (Ex: Fido
is telling the story)
Sales trend expectations
Target audience
Example: THE THREE NINJA PIGS by Corey Rosen Schwartz and LITTLE
RED GLIDING HOOD by Tara Lazar. Both titles are: Fiction picture books, twisted/fractured
fairy tales, humorous, feature anthropomorphic animals, and have the same
target audience = great comps.
WHY do you, as an
author, need to use comps?
Use
comps to:
* Grab an agent's attention
* Hint at who will want to read
your book
* Highlight a unique aspect of
your MS
* Prove your knowledge of the
genre and the industry in general
* Express your voice
* Up your appeal by showing that
there is a market for your type of MS
WHERE can you
find comps?
* Ask a librarian and/or
booksellers
* Book lists, Goodreads,
Pinterest, online stores, book blogs, etc.
* The Mentor Text lists on
ReFoReMo Facebook site

TIP
#2: While it is tempting to use a title
from your desired agent's list - BE CAREFUL! It may be that this agent doesn't
need another like-minded author on their list. And, it is a certainty that said
agents knows that MS inside and out - if they don't feel it is a good comp, you
haven't garnered the right kind of attention.
HOW to use them
properly.
* Make sure comps:
Were
published recently (within the last five years)
Highlight
positive aspects of your book
Have
the same target audience (ex: don't compare a PB to a MG)
Are
successful - but not Harry Potter successful
Are
not esoterically similar - don't try to be mysterious and compare apples to
oranges.
* One or two comps is sufficient
* Examples of comp usage:
"This
MS, which has been described as a cross between X and Y..."
"This
MS will, likely, appeal to fans of X and Y."
"With
the humor of X and the heart of Y, this MS..." (Give rationale if you can)
WHEN should you
NOT use comps?
* Because you think you have to
* Because it sounds impressive
TIP #3: No comp is
better than a bad comp. If you aren't sure the comp is a good fit, you didn't
enjoy reading it, or you haven't read it at all - DON'T USE IT.
GOOD LUCK!
Cindy Schrauben contributes to our ReFoReMo Facebook Group and blog. As a former educator and magazine editor/writer, Cindy is consumed by a life-long passion for the written word. Her projects range from picture books to young adult novels as well as adult non-fiction. Writing for children provides her with a real excuse for spending so much time in the children's section of the bookstore. Cindy is a member of SCBWI and participates in many online writing communities.
Helpful article! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy to help. :)
DeleteHey, Cindy,grat lowdown on all things comp. Useful article.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy. :)
DeleteGreat reminder. Thanks, Cindy!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Mary.
DeleteThanks for the great tips!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome, Angie.
DeleteThanks, Cindy. I would have done some of the things you suggested not to do.
ReplyDeleteAlways glad to help! :)
DeleteWow. Stellar post, Cindy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie
DeleteThank you for this great post
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Jay. :)
DeleteGreat post! Thanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it. :)
DeleteGreat tips! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome. :)
DeleteI needed these tips! Thank you, Cindy :)
ReplyDeleteThat's what this community is all about! So glad to help
DeletePrinting out this keeper--thanks Cindy!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to help! :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteComps are often difficult to choose. Thanks, Cindy, for make this so clear.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, David.
DeleteThanks, Cindy. I find comps so difficult, so these practical tips are really helpful!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to help!
DeleteThanks for all the kind comments, everyone. I am so grateful to be a part of this fabulous community and have the opportunity to give back. Write on!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. Thanks for adding clarity to comp use. barb
ReplyDeleteSuper helpful post! Thanks Cindy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy, for this helpful "how to" of comp's!
ReplyDelete