Publishing Tip: a reader says: "I can't find comps for my query."
Don't "My book is so special" yourself out of a book deal!
I know a lot of people say this, but I have a story that is unique to a fault. I know it needs editing. I know it needs wording changed here and there—but the story, the concept; it’s something unique in the world of writing.
I’ve heard waaaaaay too many agents say they never want to read a query claiming, “My book is utterly unique.” Such a claim makes the writer appear to have neglected their homework; even worse: you demonstrate not brilliance but that you see no market for your book.
To come up with a comp: you can combine aspects of two books …
… or a book and a movie or TV show. But you have to find those comps. Comps prove there is a market for your book. With no demonstrable market, very few in the business will take the risk on your book.
A future post will discuss how to find a market for your book’s queries. Subscribe below!!
Bonus tip:
“I know it needs wording changed here and there … ”
Don’t send out a manuscript if you know a thing or two needs to be fixed. Fix them, and a few more — a lot more — before approaching any agent. Tough love: ideas are a dime a dozen. Agents dream of being sent 100,000 of meals-from-The-Bear-worthy words layered into story-structure-from-The-Bear-worthy chapters, resulting in a hell of a book.
