Let's Talk Comp Titles!

What are they, and do I really need them?

I’m such a loser! No…it’s true! I’m horrible! Almost four weeks ago, my client Kelly Beck asked me if I’d be up for doing a tandem post on our Substacks related to Comp Titles. Of course, I said yes. And if I’m honest, I was excited about doing another tandem post with Kelly. But immediately, time-sensitive projects popped up and, the next thing I knew, I’d dropped the ball. So, with HUGE apologies to the Amazing and Talented, Kelly Beck for leaving her hanging, I’m making up for that today.

Soooo…let’s talk Comp Titles!

For those just joining us, feel free to take a look at Kelly’s post here. But I’ll start by saying she did a wonderful job explaining Comp Titles. In short, Comp Titles are published books that you think are good comparisons to the manuscript you’re querying.

Let me start by saying this: finding Comp Titles is hard! They’re hard for you, as the author, but they’re also hard on the agent who helps their client find Comp Titles. AND, they’re hard for the editor who needs the Comp Titles before taking your manuscript before their acquisitions board in order to convince them to buy your book. So, as horrid as they are, Comp Titles are necessary.

Why are Comp Titles Necessary?

When you’re in the querying trenches, agents use Comp Titles to not only get a feel for what they might expect from your book, but also decide whether it’s something they can sell to a publisher.

Once you’ve secured an agent, the agent uses Comp Titles to prove to the editor that what they’re submitting is marketable and worth their time to read.

And once the editor decides they love your manuscript and want to publish it, the editor uses Comp Titles in their pitch to their team to convince them that they can sell your title because there are other very popular books in the industry that readers are rabid for.

So Comp Titles are not only important, but absolutely necessary.

Does Every Agent Require Comp Titles?

No. Not every agent requires Comp Titles. I know in my early days as a literary agent, I didn’t worry as much about them. I figured it’s something I’d deal with after reading the manuscript. However, in recent years, I’ve learned it saves me a lot of time if Comp Titles are included with the query, and for that reason, I definitely appreciate them. Will I pass on your manuscript if you don’t include them? No. But if the Comp Titles are really good, they might lead me to read your title a little faster.

The moral to the story, then, is this: even if an agent doesn’t require them, consider including a couple of them anyway, as it may benefit you in the long run.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Comp Title

1. The comp title should have been published within the last two years—three at the most.

2. Yes, it’s okay to use movie/tv titles for comps, but you also need at least two published books.

3. In most cases, it’s preferable to use titles that have been traditionally published. The reason for this is that sales for Indie titles are often driven by eBook sales through Kindle Unlimited, and traditional publishers not only have difficulty translating KU Page Reads to books, but they want to see sales numbers for print titles.

4. Your comp title does not have to be an exact match. It simply needs to have similar themes or tropes. For example: small town or cowboy romance or neurodivergent main character. Finding a title exactly the same as your own will give you gray hair and leave you frustrated. Besides, why would you want to rewrite what’s already been written?

5. When listing your Comp Titles, you should include: the title, the author, the publishing house, and the date published. (Example: DEEP END by Ali Hazelwood / Berkley / February 4, 2025)

Where the Heck Do I Find Comp Titles?

Kelly did a really nice job of suggestions on her Substack, but I want to add a couple more:

1. NoveList: Check with your library to see if they have a subscription to this service that you can use as a patron. My library has an online link where I just use my library card to enter the website.

This website is amazing! You can enter specific titles you know are similar to your own manuscript, then search on “readalikes” for more (and they’ll even give you a breakdown for why they’re similar), or you can enter key terms related to themes or tropes to find other titles.

2. Goodreads: Using Google, type “Goodreads Books Like (a title you know is similar to yours)” and it’ll bring up a whole list of other similar titles.

Make no mistake: finding Comp Titles is hard, but it’s also necessary. I sincerely hope these resources help you in the querying trenches and that it leads each of you to your dream agent!

Good luck!