By Cindy Williams Schrauben

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)
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.
Comp titles have always been a struggle for me. Thanks for these examples. I try to use the third option as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteDang, you are the comp queen, Cindy! Such a fabulous post. I love the concrete examples you've used. TY.
ReplyDeleteHa. Thanks, Kathy
DeleteThank you for these helpful examples, Cindy. I will study this more.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Lots of food for thought.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome
DeleteLOVE the examples. I am stuck right now finding good comp titles for a manuscript I would love to sub... Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGlad to help. I always need concrete examples
DeleteCindy, you're like our Fairy Godmother by giving us resource links for understanding comp titles. I struggle with this part of the process. When I find a comp title and it's published by the publisher I'm submitting to, I haven't used the title. I figure the publisher has one such book and doesn't want two competing ones. Yet, I know my PB has a different approach, tone, or twist. Most of the time when I'm deciding which comp titles to include in my cover letter, I become a Trepidation Dinosaur on my way to extinction. Thank you for tackling this topic with us and offering specific suggestions. Much gratitude!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome. I certainly struggle with this
DeleteSooooo helpful!! You're the best, Cindy!
ReplyDeleteWelcome 😀
ReplyDeleteGlad to help, Suzie
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy. I’ll use this in submissions.
ReplyDeleteSue
Glad to help
DeleteThanks, Cindy! This info is sooo helpful!!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, thanks, Cindy!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome
ReplyDeleteSo helpful! Thank you.
ReplyDelete