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So many questions about comps--which makes sense because figuring out what to use feels like an evil task designed just to make you jump through even more hoops when you really just need someone to
your words, but for most genre fiction, they're important
1/10
So many questions about comps--which makes sense because figuring out what to use feels like an evil task designed just to make you jump through even more hoops when you really just need someone to
your words, but for most genre fiction, they're important 1/10
#AskAMM
Comps are shorthand for where in the bookstore your book would be shelved AND proves to the people holding the purse strings that there is an audience willing to buy your book.
That 2nd bit is a bitter pill, but there it is. Publishing is a business. 2/10
Comps are shorthand for where in the bookstore your book would be shelved AND proves to the people holding the purse strings that there is an audience willing to buy your book.
That 2nd bit is a bitter pill, but there it is. Publishing is a business. 2/10
#AskAMM
Agents ask for books pubbed within the past 2-3 years because the audience is hungry for books similar what they just read and loved--but FRESH (it's a word kicked around a LOT and deserves its own tweet) 3/10
Agents ask for books pubbed within the past 2-3 years because the audience is hungry for books similar what they just read and loved--but FRESH (it's a word kicked around a LOT and deserves its own tweet) 3/10
#AskAMM
*fresh*
There is some accepted wisdom that all stories are one of a few basic plots.
Your task is to tell yours in a way that is familiar but also twisted into something unexpected. That special ingredient must sizzle your audienceâs palate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Basic_Plots 4/10
*fresh*
There is some accepted wisdom that all stories are one of a few basic plots.
Your task is to tell yours in a way that is familiar but also twisted into something unexpected. That special ingredient must sizzle your audienceâs palate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Basic_Plots 4/10
#AskAMM
Many dangers in using older/bestselling books as comps such as:
1. You unfairly set your skill against a beloved author's
2. Agents have already rejected 50 + books similar to *that one*
3. You don't appear to understand where your genre lives in today's market
5/10
Many dangers in using older/bestselling books as comps such as:
1. You unfairly set your skill against a beloved author's
2. Agents have already rejected 50 + books similar to *that one*
3. You don't appear to understand where your genre lives in today's market
5/10
#AskAMM
Using older books as comps can be a bit anachronistic. How many times do you hear this?
"My new BF is as hot as Cary Grant!"
or
"My dream kitchen has mustard yellow appliances!â
(And yes, Cary Grant was fabulous, like 80 years ago)
6/10
Using older books as comps can be a bit anachronistic. How many times do you hear this?
"My new BF is as hot as Cary Grant!"
or
"My dream kitchen has mustard yellow appliances!â
(And yes, Cary Grant was fabulous, like 80 years ago)
6/10
#AskAMM
UGH. So now what?
How do you find new comps that sold well but not so well that you (again) are setting yourself up to have egg on your face if your book doesn't match the agent's/editor's expectations? 7/10
UGH. So now what?
How do you find new comps that sold well but not so well that you (again) are setting yourself up to have egg on your face if your book doesn't match the agent's/editor's expectations? 7/10
#AskAMM
You do NOT want to find a book exactly like yours plot/theme/character-wise as a comp.
Why not?
Because that book already exists and why should they take a chance on a replica? 8/10
You do NOT want to find a book exactly like yours plot/theme/character-wise as a comp.
Why not?
Because that book already exists and why should they take a chance on a replica? 8/10
#AskAMM
So back to that fresh thing--show your knowledge of your genre and combine elements from recent books:
With a voice like __________ & themes like ____________ (or whatever variety you can successfully combine to describe your FRESH take on known quantities)
9/10
So back to that fresh thing--show your knowledge of your genre and combine elements from recent books:
With a voice like __________ & themes like ____________ (or whatever variety you can successfully combine to describe your FRESH take on known quantities)
9/10
#AskAMM
In conclusion READ READ READ in your genre and become really savvy in its modern reader expectations and then blast that knowledge in your comps!
Luckily, you don't need them for this contest, but your future agent will in order to sell your MS, so get cracking! 10/10
In conclusion READ READ READ in your genre and become really savvy in its modern reader expectations and then blast that knowledge in your comps!
Luckily, you don't need them for this contest, but your future agent will in order to sell your MS, so get cracking! 10/10
