Do you read a lot of fiction?
I need well-read people like you to suggest recently published books for my "comps". Recently published means 2020-2024.
What’s a comp? Comps are comparable works, which an agent uses to pitch a manuscript to publishers.
The standard is to provide two comps. Not one, not three. Two is the perfect number. Comps can be similar to a work in genre, POV, tone, plot…there should be some overlaps but it won’t be perfect. That’s why two comps usually do the job.
I have one comp I like. The other needs updating. That's where I need your help.
This is for my literary agent query letter “comps” for my unpublished Sci Fi trilogy. Right now I’m querying the first book only (agents hate queries for a series, don’t ask me why. It’s an automatic slush pile guarantee. It’s actually risky for me to even mention that I have written three books instead of one in a query to an agent. Head-scratcher.)
My eyeballs are aching from reading hundreds of reviews and “books similar to” on Goodreads and other forums. I found I had been making a mistake by using a comp that was older. (Driftless, David Rhodes, 2009). I need to replace that one with something similar that is more recently published.
Here’s the paragraph from my original query letter that mentions my comps. You will see that the second comp that I am keeping, for now, is Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir.
“One professional reader compared my series to Driftless, a book with several complicated subplots which all resolve harmoniously. As in David Rhode’s novel, my story tangles the lives of many eccentric characters against a rural Wisconsin backdrop. It’s also my hope that lovers of Andy Weir’s subtly humorous, tech-friendly Project Hail Mary will enjoy my playful allusions to real-life science and the daily, existential terror of our unfolding environmental crisis.”
Here are my filters, in order of importance: (I don’t expect a match to all, but the first two are needed. Bonus points for more than the first two)
1. First, a comp should ideally be published within the past 3 years. That way, the agent and publisher know that I keep up with what’s trending.
2. Multiple quirky POVs and multiple subplots that get tangled up and resolved in surprising ways. (Character-driven)
3. Serious, modern environmental and philosophical motifs underly the work’s subtly humorous tone.
4. Midwest setting
5. Average review over 4.0, so that is well-liked. Not too obscure.
I had thought maybe Carl Hiassen would be a good comparable, but his most recent work is from a single young person’s point of view and in Florida, and that doesn’t match my multiple adult POVs in Door County, WI. I have, however, drafted this, which I’m using for the time being:
“Similar works include Carl Hiaasen’s character-driven ecofiction, like Wrecker. Instead of Hiaasen’s Florida beaches, the cold shores of Lake Michigan form the backdrop where desires of the haves and have-nots clash. Lovers of Andy Weir’s tech-friendly Project Hail Mary may also enjoy my playful references to real-life science.“
Please don’t send me articles on finding comps. Just the book suggestions would be great.
Thanks so much for your input!
Hello Holly.
A mutual friend, Patsy Stierna, mentioned this request to me. I’ve (obviously) not read your work, but in looking at your criteria, I’d suggest “Backyard Starship” by J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert. I hope that helps!
Regards,
-David
Posted by: David Miller | 01/06/2024 at 07:45 PM
Hi David,
I'm truly grateful for your suggestion! Sci fi is probably my favorite genre, but lately I have not been able to keep up with what's out there. I'm trying to consume all the trending fiction in an effort to be more rounded and knowledgeable. What's trending doesn't often include sci fi, unfortunately. So, I really appreciate readers like you keeping me up to speed. I will check this out for sure--I like that it seems to be in a modern setting and juxtaposes the banal with the extraordinary. That's what I'm going for.
Thanks a bunch,
Holly
Posted by: Holly | 01/07/2024 at 11:27 AM