Alright, aspiring J.K. Rowling or wannabe Hemingway (I know they are both problematic, but who isn’t?) Let’s talk comp books. You know, those “comparables” that make agents nod like wise owls instead of side-eyeing your query letter like it’s a suspicious casserole at a potluck.
Well, immediately, after reading both your lesson for the day and the newest segment of the story of Betty, I began to write you an inspired comment, and then instead had an argument with my husband. I have lost both the inspiration and the beginnings of my comment, but unfortunately not my husband. How someone can be 15 years working with his iPhone and computer and not have learned anything about using his intuition, which was supposed to be a finally owned tool throughout his life, is beyond my comprehension. It’s amazing what attitude will do for one and will do against one. I think what I was trying to tell you is that the more you write the better you get and I think that Betty needs to be a book! You have all the knowledge about not only how to write but how to present what you write and how to market it so you should be on the top of the New York times book list within months of finishing your masterpiece, and Betty is a masterpiece. I’m sure I had many more profound things to say to you, but this is all I can come up with after going into battle and taking off my helmet.❣️
If only we had myriad real-life Bettys. As someone posted on Bluesky, “Does no one want to impress Jodie Foster anymore?”
Instructive and dynamic commentary . . . excellent advice on comp books, injected with amusing observations and valuable examples. Thank you, Liz!
Well, immediately, after reading both your lesson for the day and the newest segment of the story of Betty, I began to write you an inspired comment, and then instead had an argument with my husband. I have lost both the inspiration and the beginnings of my comment, but unfortunately not my husband. How someone can be 15 years working with his iPhone and computer and not have learned anything about using his intuition, which was supposed to be a finally owned tool throughout his life, is beyond my comprehension. It’s amazing what attitude will do for one and will do against one. I think what I was trying to tell you is that the more you write the better you get and I think that Betty needs to be a book! You have all the knowledge about not only how to write but how to present what you write and how to market it so you should be on the top of the New York times book list within months of finishing your masterpiece, and Betty is a masterpiece. I’m sure I had many more profound things to say to you, but this is all I can come up with after going into battle and taking off my helmet.❣️
Great advice!!
It seems obvious, but compare your book to a successful one. I know writers who comp a midlist selection, cuz they personally loved it. Mistake.
Also, "this meets that" sounds like a problem. Especially if it's two genres. No buyer wants to figure out how to sell to two markets.
I love Betty!
Love me some Betty!