Hey WPs!
All quiet here on the ole Westphal front. I’m still waiting on 10 query replies and resisting the urge to send out another dozen.
In the mean time. Let’s talk about comps….
Comparable titles. What is this and why do agents want it?
Many agents ask for you to add examples of novels like your own to your query. Like “x meets y equals me” or “People who love x will love me.”
And this little request just might be the death of me. I cannot seem to wrap my head around these comparable titles. What if I’m totally off base and they don’t see the connection? Or what if they hate the that book? Ugh! No likey.
Does any one have any tips for tackling this new bane to my existence?
Drop me a line, HELP!
Otherwise cheers, Amy.
I agree with you! Also not a fan of “always looking for NEW voices and FRESH voices in literature,” then in the next breath you’re being labeled and categorized so they can figure out “how to sell it.”
Shut up, already! ๐๐๐
Sorry – didn’t realize I was so tightly wound today. ๐
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Thank you! I love to commiserate. Stop by any time. Love the writing community. ๐
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Ah… THAT kind of comps. Never having queried an agent, this one is new to me; I have enough trouble thinking up any title for my story, never mind alternatives. And if they’re so well read, can’t they decide whose work it’s like? Aren’t we supposed to be championing our uniqueness and originality? Not claiming to be clones of other writers.
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Yes! The whole idea is to stand out. The reason is that they want you well read in your genre. So you should be able to comp easy. It is not easy.
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Do what you feel. You are the author and the reader. Put yourself in the social mix of your readership. Stay fun!๐งยฐยฐ๐ฌ~~๐ฆ
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Very wise. ๐
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I never included any. I always thought it was a bit presumptuous to compare yourself to, say, Tolkien or King. Plus Iโve no idea where Skellyโs Square fits in with other authors. Iโm a numpty, I guess ๐
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I try not to unless itโs required. And I always pick different ones. I donโt know. Sigh
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