Asked by: Nathan Perales

What are book Comp titles?

What Are Comp Titles and Why Are They Useful? Comparison (“comp”) titles are books that are similar to yours in one of two ways: Either the content is comparable or the sales trends are expected to be similar. For your publishing team, comp titles are extremely important.

How do you choose comps for a book?

Dos and don’ts of comp titles

1. Don’t use comp titles that are too well-known. …
2. Don’t be too specific unless you can hit the target. …
3. Don’t use two titles of the same plot/genre. …
4. Do use one plot-based title and one title to set the tone. …
5. Do use classic titles — but don’t make them too similar.

How do I choose a comp title?

As you search for comp titles, avoid missteps by following these tips:

1. Know your genre and make sure to match it. …
2. Know your audience. …
3. Know your tropes. …
4. Don’t exaggerate. …
5. Don’t select something obscure thinking that it’ll win you creativity points. …
6. Pick at least two titles. …
7. Keep it current.

What are comps in writing?

Comps are comparable titles. That is, profitable books similar to yours that can help support the idea that your project can find an audience and succeed in the marketplace. You should know what your comparable titles are, as they are the ammunition writers, agents, and editors all use to sell your work.

Do you need Comp titles?

Published or not, you’ll need comp titles no matter where you are on your writing journey. Well-chosen comp titles will make it easy for agents, editors, publishers, booksellers, and readers to quickly understand the content and tone of your story.

How do you come up with a title of a book?

Here’s how to come up with book title ideas:

1. Use a book title generator tool.
2. Write down the problem you’re solving.
3. Create a subtitle to clarify.
4. Make it memorable.
5. Make sure it’s genre-appropriate.
6. Create it to stir intrigue.
7. Include your character in the title.
8. Get feedback from your target audience.

How do you write a novel pitch?

5 Steps to Writing a Killer Elevator Pitch for Your Book

1. Step 1: What’s your book about? Write down what your book is about in no more than 50 words. …
2. Step 2: What’s the context? …
3. Step 3: Why should your reader care? …
4. Step 4: Make it snappy. …
5. Step 5: Add relevant accolades.

How many comps are in a query letter?

The ideal number of comp titles in a query is two or three. I recently read a query with six book comps mentioned. That writer had clearly done their research, but they need to tone it down.

Do you need comps in your query letter?

Usually a comp title in your query letter highlights how your book is similar to an already successful book and implies your book will be just as popular. Comp titles can also be a way to show how your book is similar yet different from well-known titles.

What is querying in writing?

A query letter is a one-page writing proposal that you send to an agent, editor or publishing house. In a query letter, a writer will pitch their work or idea to generate interest with agents or editors. The work could be a novel, magazine article or nonfiction book.

What is querying a book?

A query letter is a one-page letter sent to literary agents in an effort to get them excited about your book. You have one page and 300 words (or less) to woo a literary agent into falling in love with your story and then requesting your manuscript.

What is a manuscript for a book?

A manuscript is a draft of a writer’s work—whether it’s a memoir, a novel, a collection of poetry, a children’s story, a nonfiction book, or something similar.

How long should a book query be?

1-2 pages

Although literary agents don’t agree on many things when it comes to query letters, the best query letter length is something that all book agents DO agree on. The best query letter length is 1-2 pages, single-spaced, Time New Roman font, 12-point. No exceptions.

Is 400 words too long for a query letter?

The ideal length of a query letter is 1 standard printed page (8.5 X 11) or less. That is, a maximum of 500 words, single-spaced. The average length of a successful query letter typically falls into the 250-300 word range. Shorter is almost always better.

How many agents should you query before you give up?

Just make sure you’ve done your due diligence and had a long, hard think about what you want. If you conclude that traditional publishing is your optimal route, then you should commit right now to querying at least 20 agents (hey, that number wasn’t totally arbitrary) in order to find the right representation.

How do you email a literary agent?

How to write the perfect pitch letter to an agent

1. Write to a specific agent and do your research. …
2. Address the agent by their first name. …
3. Keep the pitch-letter short. …
4. Kick off your letter by pitching your novel. …
5. Talk about why you’re addressing this particular agent. …
6. Include mention of one or two comparison novels.

How do you get a 2021 book deal?

Here’s how to get a book deal:

1. Be sure you want a traditional book deal.
2. Write a book proposal.
3. Find an agent / query an agent.
4. Wait.
5. Get your agent!
6. Get your proposal to publishing companies.
7. Wait.
8. Book deal offered.

What is in a book proposal?

A book proposal is a document designed to convince publishing houses to publish a book. Though a book proposal does not contain the entire book, it attempts to present a brief summary of the central book idea, sample chapters on the subject matter, and a marketing plan for the proposed book.

How do you introduce yourself to a literary agent?

Start your letter by introducing yourself and providing basic information about your manuscript (e.g., the title, genre, and word count). Come up with a synopsis that will hook the reader. Set out your credentials (e.g., previous publications or writing awards). Personalize each letter to fit the recipient.

When can I call myself an author?

What Is an Author? An author is someone whose written work has been published. In addition to producing published work, people who write are considered authors when they originate the ideas and content of their written work. For this reason, most authors are writers, but not all writers are considered to be authors.

How can I make my self introduction more interesting?

20 Creative Ways to Introduce Yourself

1. “I’m shy, please come say hi.” …
2. A name is worth a thousand conversations. …
3. Highlight something that makes you unique. …
4. Start with a pop culture reference. …
5. Confess your nickname. …
6. Let the way you dress reflect who you are. …
7. Make a T-shirt. …
8. Make a “business” card.