Comp Me
Every Wednesday, YA Highway asks their readership a simple question to answer on your blog. Once you answer, you link your blog in the comments for other readers to hop on board. This is Road Trip Wednesday.
Today’s question: Who are your comp titles/authors?
For the record, I’m full of dislike on this question. Why? For the following reasons:
- I always feel inadequate reading things that are similar. I’m sure there’s medication this problem.
- Thinking this hard makes my head hurt. Literally.
- I’m afraid no one will agree with my comparisons.
I know I’m not alone in this. Scanning through the rest of the entries today, a lot of people are saying this is the hardest RTW to date*. The purpose of comp titles is two-fold: it’s so the agent/ editor can see where you envision your book and it’s also pure marketing. The best example of the latter comes from Erinn’s blog today where she describes her book New York Karma which is Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist for the 20-something set.
Falling to Normal is about a fifteen-year-old girl’s transition from juvie into the “real world.” A lot of things happen, but this is now the meat of the story. When talking it over with Erinn, she suggested Monster by Walter Dean Myers, so that’s now on my TBR list**.
The good news about comp titles is that not every agent wants them. They might ask once you get past the query stage, but initially you can pass go and collect $200.
It is easier to comp other books than your own. Like, The Dark Tower blends the Spaghetti Western style of The Dollars Trilogy with the epicness*** found in Lord of the Rings.
Tell me, how would you describe a book you read recently?
* In case you couldn’t tell, I’m in full agreement.
** Hint to family and friends in The Lurkdom: Christmas and my birthday are right around the corner.
*** Epicness IS key.
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Last.fm hit of the day: Allergic to You by Trashlight Vision
Well, you know I definitely, completely, 100% agree! This 50th YA Highway was HARD!
I applaud your effort– it took me a while to find comp titles. I heard of them from other writers. People who told me what they thought my book sounded like (not having read it).
I think you hit on something very true when you say it's easier to do it for others…
I have a hard time thinking of comp titles. Partially because the books that inspire me most always feel a million miles ahead of my own. And I understand the fear that no one will agree.
Falling to Normal sounds fascinating! And I'm going to have to add Monster to my epic To Read list 🙂
You're right that is a really tough question. I don't think I'd put that in a query unless it perfectly fit! I don't want to turn anyone off by comparing my work to famous well known authors.
It was so hard! I don't think I will be including a comp in my query because it just seems… presumptive. But it is helpful to KNOW what is similar to your book, just to read and learn from.