Using Comp Titles in Your Query

By Cindy Williams Schrauben

Over the past year or so, one of my roles on the ReFoReMo team has been to discuss comp titles. For a refresher, follow these links to my old posts.

Why Comp?   http://www.reforemo.com/2018/05/why-comp.html

Finding Good Comp Titles   http://www.reforemo.com/2018/10/finding-good-comp-titles.html

Using ReFoReMo to Find Comps   http://www.reforemo.com/2019/07/using-reforemo-lists-to-find-comp-titles.html

While choosing comp titles is arguably the most difficult task, describing them in your pitch or query letter can be a challenge, as well. How you choose to describe comps can strategically highlight specific qualities of your book. I may be overthinking this (me? never!), but it does warrant a discussion.

Option #1: Mention each comp separately. I would caution this option works only if the comparison is obvious and needs no further explanation.  Examples:

… for fans of Elaine Kiely Kearns and Colin Jack’s NOAH NOARAURUS.

… for fans of Fancy Nancy (character)

… similar to THE GRUFFALO (title)

… similar to picture books by Ryan T. Higgins (author)

Option #2: Create a more unique and thorough description of your manuscript by combining two or more comp titles, authors, or characters. Examples: 

…… a cross between MOTHER BRUCE and Pete the Cat (character).

… reads like a mix of DRAGONS LOVE TACOS and I DON’T WANT TO BE A FROG.

… a mash-up of THE BAD SEED and picture books by Josh Funk.

… WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA meets BE KIND.

Option #3: An even more effective strategy is to use comps to highlight specific qualities of your manuscript. This answers WHY you’ve chosen these comps. Examples: 

… the snarky voice of HOW TO BABYSIT GRANDPA combined with the humor of PEOPLE DON’T BITE PEOPLE.

...with the tenderness of WHEN GRANDMA GIVES YOU A LEMON TREE and the interactive quality of PRESS HERE.

… with STEM aspects similar to ADA TWIST SCIENTIST and a nod to self-acceptance like JULIÁN IS A MERMAID.

Another option is to personalization your query to an agent by listing comp titles that match their wishlist or favorite titles. Caution - be sure you know this connection is strong. Examples:

... because you enjoyed SNAPSY THE ALLIGATOR (DID NOT ASK TO BE IN THIS BOOK), I thought you might be interested in my manuscript, which exhibits a similar meta quality.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. Being diligent with your choice of comps and mindful of how they are described can make all the difference in a query. Please share your best ideas in the comments below.