Comp Titles and Confidence
Comp titles make me shudder. They are comparative (or competitive) titles, books that are similar in some way to yours. They are a marketing tool used by author, publisher, distributor and bookseller to help everyone figure out where your story should live on the bookshelves.
Comp titles make sense: “If you like xxxx, then you’ll love this…” It’s a terrific shorthand to help readers (and the industry) pin you down. If you want to sell books, it’s necessary.
But comp titles are also anxiety inducing for writers. How do I know the best comp title? How do I find them? How do I know if my story is close enough to another story to be a comp title? How do I know it’s not too close? Often, writers struggle with where their story fits in the wide world. Their stories are unique of course, but ultimately, nothing is new under the sun.
But it’s okay if you don’t know! At least while you’re writing your story. Because comp titles are a sales tool, NOT an element of writing. Yes, you can focus your story if you know your audience, including other books like yours that they’d like to read, but it’s if you don’t know, don’t fret. Focus on your story first. Work on your craft. Write the best book you can write.
Because ultimately, writing isn’t about sales. It’s about writing. And the joy you get from it. 🙂