In the fiction and non-fiction writing world, “comps,” also known as comparison titles, are books that have a similar tone, feel, conflict, goal, or voice, and could appeal to a similar readership as your novel.

Comps provide acquisition editors ways to benchmark the audience and potential sales. Marketing teams use comps to strategize where a book might sit on shelves or how to present your book to different audiences. Sales team use comps when pitching novels to retailers and libraries.

To find comps, querying writers can leverage bestseller lists, debut lists (if you are a debut), and also brainstorming with your local librarian. GoodReads provides several lists by category, genre, decade, etc. Writers might also include a TV show and movie if it resonates as a comparable. A few creative ways to use comps in query letters:

1. The Voice of the Character (insert Name) in Book (insert Title)…
2. Book (insert Title) set in a historical decade/ a future place/ a dystopian setting/ etc.
3. Combine two books, such as Book (insert First Title) meets Book (insert Second Title)
4. If your story has multiple POVs, or told in alternative timelines, or both, consider including a book in a similar style.

Comps may require several hours to research, but they can significantly enhance your query letter and pitch.