Demystifying Comps in Book Proposals

If you are an author working on a book proposal, you may have heard about a mysterious concept called “comps.” Maybe you’ve wondered what they are and why you need them? Here is a breakdown.

What are Comps?

• Otherwise known as “Comparable Titles”
• Books might be shelved alongside your book at a bookstore
• Books intended for the same audience and have similar content, theme, or structure as your book
• Publishing paradox: publishers want your idea to be at at once unlike anything they’ve seen before, and exactly like something that has been published successfully in the past

Why List Comps in a Book Proposal?

• Shows the agent or editor that you understand the publishing marketplace
• Helps the agent or editor by by doing some of the research for them ahead of time
• Shows respect for the agent or editor’s time
• Shows you’re serious about being an author
• Reveals your competitive advantage—how your book stands out in the crowd

How do you Find Comps?

• Go to the library or bookstore
• Ask others in the industry
• Search online sources
• Look on Goodreads or other review site
• Ask people you trust on social media
• Experiment with AI (just make sure you verify!)

Comp Title Checklist

• DO Supply 3 to 5 similar books published in the last 5 years. Books older than that, even if relevant, will be ignored by editors and agents.
• DO list the product info including: Title, Author, Publisher, Pub month and year, Page count, Binding (paperback or hardcover), Retail price.
• DO provide a book description (can lift from Amazon)
• DO Explain how your book is similar/different/better.
• DO Provide a cover image
• DON’T: Compare your book to a best-selling titles (unless you are the best-selling author yourself)

The number one thing never to say is, “There’s nothing like my book ever written before.” If you’re really struggling, try to find one dimension of your book that compares to another book. Once you become comfortable with finding comps for your book, the task gets easier. And you’ll look like a smart cookie for trying!