Reading Like an Author – Evaluating Comps
Reading comparable titles is a core piece of advice given to authors at almost any stage in the publishing process – whether it is about writing, querying, marketing, selling, etc.
Almost always one of the steps is to read and be familiar with your comparable titles.
But rarely do we talk about what that means or actually explain how to read comparable titles – how to read books as an author instead of as a reader.
So this week we’re going to dive into how to evaluate comps and read like an author!
First, for anyone who might not know:
A comparable title is a book that’s similar (comparable) to yours in some way. Usually authors want to look for books that are in a similar sub-genre and writing style.
The goal in reading comparable titles is to understand the market and your readers. What is selling, what else out there is like your story, why is it working and how?
Authors across the board should be keeping an eye on comp titles to stay current with what is popular in their genre, but comparable titles are especially key for self-published authors because they can help you make informed business decisions as well.
So let’s talk about how to evaluate or read comparable titles:
From the outset, especially for self pub authors, look at a number of things:
Pricing – free, $3.99, series, standalone, boxed set, etc.
Where they’re being sold and in what format
Current cover trends – illustrated or realistic? Long titles or short? Abstract or specific (both cover and title) – 50 shades/cuffs, which we all now recognize. It’s strong branding, but started out pretty abstract. OR specifically something called “The King of Dragons” with a crown and a dragon on the front. Pretty specific.
Formatting choices – quotes at the beginning of each chapter, illustrations, did it include a map, a glossary, any extras?
As you read, look out for the following:
humor level, heat level, tropes, hooks
What works for this book that is similar to yours (so what readers would want to jump to yours for)
What makes your book different/better? The same humor as X but with twice the action!
If you want, dive even deeper:
Did the book start with action? A prologue and a flashback – started more with a mystery/tension? Did it throw you immediately into the politics?
Is the story heavier on the characters or on the worldbuilding?
Assuming you liked the comp, which I’m hoping you did if it is a close comp to your book, you can really start to dissect successful comps and learn from them.
What were your favorite parts and why?
What were some of the readers’ favorite parts (highlights in Kindle or quotes in reviews)
What drew you in about the characters? Who were the top characters (again, reader reviews)
How did their descriptions draw you into the world?
Not copying, but learn from their style and use that knowledge to better your craft and successfully position your story in the marketplace to get your book into the right hands.
Hopefully this has been helpful!
Until next week, keep writing.