Day 23 – 30 Days of Writing Advice – Finding Comps for Your Novel

DAY 23

This month of daily writing advice will include tidbits, tips, and sometimes tricks. This isn’t a replacement for editing or book coaching, it’s meant as a jumping off point for exploration and thought! I hope it helps! ~Amy

Amy xo

FINDING COMPS

Many agents want you to include “comparable” novels in your query. Even agents use comps when they’re pitching your books to publishers.

This serves two purposes, it lets the agent know what to expect, and also tells her what you think of, and want for your book. Hopefully that’s the same thing.

Think about these things when looking for a comp, and consider positioning the books as ones with which you share a readership.

SETTING, VOICE, PLOT, THEME, CHARACTER

I recommend using well-known novels (and I’ve used movies). THE LAST BATHING BEAUTY was pitched as Dirty Dancing meets How to Make an American Quilt.  I have some lesser known comps in my back pocket, but these are the most recognizable, right? That’s what you want. Stoke memories. Paint pictures. Create intrigue.

Ways to find your comps:

Read often
Find beta readers who read widely
Check “also boughts” on those books’ Amazon pages
Write a kick-a$$ elevator pitch and ask a writers group if it sparks a specific thought
Watch movies set in the era and place with similar themes or plots
Consider an author’s body of work as well as just one book
Trust your gut, it’s your book

SEE YOU TOMORROW!

Amy xo

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