Need Help Comparing My MS to Published Books

[melaniehoo]

I'm in the process of querying, and some agents want you to compare your MS to already published books. I'm having trouble with this.

As some of you know, I live in a small town in Mexico and don't have access to English bookstores (well, any bookstores) or libraries, which is where many people go to figure out these things. I've tried finding titles on Amazon but I get overwhelmed.

Off the top of my head I'd say Life of Pi and Kite Runner are very-very-loosely similar to mine, stylistically, but they are leaps and bounds beyond me and I know better than to compare myself to best-selling authors.

Any suggestions?


***

Here's the descriptive bit from my query:

Mateo has never traveled beyond his southern Mexican town, but he's always believed his future is on the other side of the border. His first attempt to cross leaves him bleeding and penniless in a holding cell, and he must decide whether that future is worth the risk to his life. His father has made the alternative—returning home—impossible, so he tries again, this time with the help of a coyote.

Mateo doesn't realize that the Mexican government has infiltrated the coyote's smuggling ring until he's already locked in a trunk and headed for the border. He and another migrant, Alejandro, escape into the desert, and it quickly becomes clear that Alejandro has an agenda all his own—and knows more about the men pursuing them than he's letting on.


Thanks!

[RainbowDragon]

Some agents suggest doing this, others suggest not. I don't do it, because if you choose a book that did really well, it's easy for them to assume you're conceited, and stop reading. And I can't see any advantage to choosing a book that didn't do so well.

Besides, it's a unique voice that will sell your work. Your query should draw them into your story, so that they think, "I have to read that!" Give just enough to elicit this effect, and then sign off and wait for the response. . .

My 2 cents, others may disagree. :)

[cwfgal]

I wouldn't worry about it. Query without the comparisons and if an agent asks you for one after the query, just explain your situation honestly -- that you don't have access to a lot of American bookstores/literature -- and offer to send them a partial or full ms.

Beth

[Kitty Pryde]

Yellowfish? Tortilla Curtain? The Guardians? I might be way off...

[melaniehoo]

I agree with you Rainbow. Trouble is, there's an agent I want to query and they ask this specific question on their submission form. I don't think leaving it blank will make a good impression. ;)

[melaniehoo]

cwfgal, I like the way you think. :)

[caromora]

I've never used a comparison in a query and I've gotten lots of requests. If you can't find something to compare it to, don't worry about it! Just don't include a comparison. :)

If you do wind up using a comparison, try to phrase it more as--"my book will appeal to readers who enjoy Life of Pi and The Kite Runner," rather than "my book is like Life of Pi and The Kite Runner." The former way softens the comparison a bit.

[RainbowDragon]

I agree with you Rainbow. Trouble is, there's an agent I want to query and they ask this specific question on their submission form. I don't think leaving it blank will make a good impression. ;)

You're a writer -- you can come up with a creative evasion :)

"It's exactly like [My Novel] just before I land an agent."

"I'll be curious to see how you would answer this question after reading it."

"It's complicated."

Or send a query in the mail if they accept paper ones still. :)

[melaniehoo]

Yellowfish? Tortilla Curtain? The Guardians? I might be way off...

Wow, I've never heard of those but Yellowfish and Tortilla Curtain both sound really good. And my story does have a subplot in LA, but she's a poor illegal, not the wealthy elite.

Which "The Guardians"? There were four titles that popped up on Amazon?

And thank you!!

[melaniehoo]

I've never used a comparison in a query and I've gotten lots of requests. If you can't find something to compare it to, don't worry about it! Just don't include a comparison. :)

If you do wind up using a comparison, try to phrase it more as--"my book will appeal to readers who enjoy Life of Pi and The Kite Runner," rather than "my book is like Life of Pi and The Kite Runner." The former way softens the comparison a bit.

That's a good point. I just worry about scaring them off with the big names.

[melaniehoo]

You're a writer -- you can come up with a creative evasion :)

"It's exactly like [My Novel] just before I land an agent."

"I'll be curious to see how you would answer this question after reading it."

"It's complicated."

Or send a query in the mail if they accept paper ones still. :)

:D

[James D. Macdonald]

It's The Grapes of Wrath as written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

[RG570]

Why is it so bad to compare to bestsellers? If someone asks specifically for comparisons, they will instantly get a better picture if it's something they've actually heard of.

Maybe it was a huge mistake, but I did a submission recently that compared my MS to two really big names. I figured that since they asked for it, and since avoiding those requests hasn't gotten me anywhere, might as well just do it.

It's not something I do all the time, but if someone asks, why not? "The work speaks for itself" is one of those nice little ideas, but we all know that's not how it works when they spend ten seconds on your submission. I think a request for comparisons is an opportunity too many people squander.

[TurkeyLurkey]

I like what RG570 said. I wouldn't think it was conceited to say that people who read (Insert popular title here) will also enjoy your book. Getting something published requires a bit of chutzpah. :)

Good luck!

[melaniehoo]

It's The Grapes of Wrath as written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Nice. :D

[melaniehoo]

Why is it so bad to compare to bestsellers? If someone asks specifically for comparisons, they will instantly get a better picture if it's something they've actually heard of.

Maybe it was a huge mistake, but I did a submission recently that compared my MS to two really big names. I figured that since they asked for it, and since avoiding those requests hasn't gotten me anywhere, might as well just do it.

It's not something I do all the time, but if someone asks, why not? "The work speaks for itself" is one of those nice little ideas, but we all know that's not how it works when they spend ten seconds on your submission. I think a request for comparisons is an opportunity too many people squander.

I like what RG570 said. I wouldn't think it was conceited to say that people who read (Insert popular title here) will also enjoy your book. Getting something published requires a bit of chutzpah. :)

Good luck!

That's a good point. If they're asking the question then they have to expect some people will compare to bestsellers. So far everyone who's read my book said they haven't read anything like it, which doesn't mean there ISN'T anything like it, but that it's not well-known.

*sigh*

[WendyNYC]

Hi Mel,

I would not evade the question--that may make it look like you don't know the market. I wrote a blog post about this (http://wendypinkstoncebula.blogspot.com/2008/09/finding-right-comp.html) many months ago about info I got at a conference.

I'll think about comps for you. None spring to mind. Something contemporary with a journey or a quest, or a search for a better life....hmmm.

[melaniehoo]

Thanks Wendy. I remember that post, but I'll go read it again.

I agree about the journey/quest. I was thinking those two titles since they are "ethnic/multi-cultural", a label I see listed a lot, but they storylines are not really the same as mine.

[scope]

Some agents ask for many things, some of which writers may not be able to supply. Maybe it's a Bio but the writer has no publishing history or any related writing info to supply. My opinion is to ignore the Bio request rather than put in something that's basically meaningless.

Maybe it's a comparison to books in print (as in your case) similar to hers, but the writer has not written, much less read, any particular books that influenced her work or which the writer feels her work is comparable to. My opinion is to ignore the request. If an agent loves your query letter and feels strongly about your work, I don't think the exclusion will be of any consequence. In other words, I don't think it's a determining factor.

[melaniehoo]

Some agents ask for many things, some of which writers may not be able to supply. Maybe it's a Bio but the writer has no publishing history or any related writing info to supply. My opinion is to ignore the Bio request rather than put in something that's basically meaningless.

Maybe it's a comparison to books in print (as in your case) similar to hers, but the writer has not written, much less read, any particular books that influenced her work or which the writer feels her work is comparable to. My opinion is to ignore the request. If an agent loves your query letter and feels strongly about your work, I don't think the exclusion will be of any consequence. In other words, I don't think it's a determining factor.

Arg. I totally agree with you in theory. This particular agent has an online form and there's an entire field for "competing/related titles". I feel like they include all this stuff to weed out the lazy writers, and I don't want to be a lazy writer, you know?

Lucky for me I've had ONE flash fiction piece published, lol.

[RainbowDragon]

Does the agent also rep non-fiction? I think it's more important in non-fiction when the proposal is expected to include research of other titles that are out there already.

I agree with Scope; whatever you decide, it's probably not going to be a determining factor. I wouldn't stress out about it too much.

[melaniehoo]

I believe she does.

That's a good point. Thanks for calming me down. :)

[scope]

As they say, you can only do what you can do. I'm sure that if you had the opportunity to visit libraries and/or bookstores, you would have already done so, but you don't. I'm sure this bothers you more than anyone. Without having exposure you haven't been able to compare your work to others, or alter it as need be. But, since you say there's no way you can do this, so be it! I'm sure you would like to fill in their field "competing/related titles," but you can't. If the computer insists you fill in something or your email won't be sent, fill in something word (not a book title) just so it goes.

[Maui Author]

I'm going to see if I can find some similar titles for you, but I agree with some above comments that it won't make or break the query. Interesting point about the non fiction though - very true!

[melaniehoo]

I'm going to see if I can find some similar titles for you, but I agree with some above comments that it won't make or break the query. Interesting point about the non fiction though - very true!

Thanks Maui. I feel like I've pestered you so much already!

[scope]

Sincerely, it's very nice of Maui to try and find some similar titles for you. Assuming she does, and assuming you use them in your query, I think that somehow you should try and read the books. You want to be ready for a question which might come from an agent, something like: "By the way, tell me how and why the books you list are somewhat competitive or related to yours."

[melaniehoo]

Scope, that's my other concern. I don't have access to most books so I'm hesitant to include anything that I haven't actually read. That's where Life of Pi and Kite Runner are good -- I've read those. :)

[scope]

Apparently you are really hung up about listing some competitive or related books. I agree that to list Life of Pi and/or The Kite Runner would be a mistake. It's great that Maui and perhaps others will try and give you a list of related books, but wouldn't such lists only be speculative since no one has read your manuscript and really knows what, if anything, it's comparable to? In the end I can't see how anyone but you can put together a list that's as effective as it should be. I completely understand the problem you have re "isolation," but you have to figure out something if this is what you want. Whether it's computer research to find out books which seem
related/competitive to yours, finding sites where you can swap book, or at the worst ordering a few books (used) thru Amazon, borrowing requisite books from friends, etc.

[melaniehoo]

Apparently you are really hung up about listing some competitive or related books.

I'm not hung up on it. An agent I'd like to query specifically asks for similar titles. I'd hate to not query her because I can't answer one of her questions.

I agree that to list Life of Pi and/or The Kite Runner would be a mistake. It's great that Maui and perhaps others will try and give you a list of related books, but wouldn't such lists only be speculative since no one has read your manuscript and really knows what, if anything, it's comparable to? In the end I can't see how anyone but you can put together a list that's as effective as it should be. I completely understand the problem you have re "isolation," but you have to figure out something if this is what you want. Whether it's computer research to find out books which seem
related/competitive to yours, finding sites where you can swap book, or at the worst ordering a few books (used) thru Amazon, borrowing requisite books from friends, etc.

I agree that I'm the one who needs to decide which titles are most similar. My question in the OP was how I could go about doing that when I don't have access to real books. Ordering isn't an option because of money.

Specifically, I don't know where to begin on Amazon. The only categories I've seen are "other people also purchased this" and "similar titles", but you have to START with a book you already know to get there.

This is really more of a research question. It's getting to that starting point that I need help with -- I wasn't asking people to tell me book titles.

[scope]

I'm not hung up on it. An agent I'd like to query specifically asks for similar titles. I'd hate to not query her because I can't answer one of her questions.

Specifically, I don't know where to begin on Amazon. The only categories I've seen are "other people also purchased this" and "similar titles", but you have to START with a book you already know to get there.

This is really more of a research question. It's getting to that starting point that I need help with -- I wasn't asking people to tell me book titles.

Given the facts you outlined, it's no wonder that you don't know what to do. Frankly, without the ability to obtain and read books I'm amazed that you were able to write a non-competitive work of your own. But that's a different story.

It's easy to get to the out-of-print book section of Amazon, but there's no sense in getting into how to do so since even if you knew the titles your were looking for, you would still have to spend some money to order them.

Given your present situation I don't see what choice you have but to submit to the agent and not fill in the "related books" box. One of the alternatives you imply -- not submitting because you can't fill in the box. -- makes no sense to me, but it's your work, not mine. And, even if AW posters supplied you with titles they believe you can use, it would only be an educated guess on their part since they haven't read your manuscript. And, you used these titles, it would only be an educated guess on your part since in the majority of cases you will not have read the books recommended.

I do wish you luck.

[melaniehoo]

Given the facts you outlined, it's no wonder that you don't know what to do. Frankly, without the ability to obtain and read books I'm amazed that you were able to write a non-competitive work of your own. But that's a different story.

It's easy to get to the out-of-print book section of Amazon, but there's no sense in getting into how to do so since even if you knew the titles your were looking for, you would still have to spend some money to order them.

Given your present situation I don't see what choice you have but to submit to the agent and not fill in the "related books" box. One of the alternatives you imply -- not submitting because you can't fill in the box. -- makes no sense to me, but it's your work, not mine. And, even if AW posters supplied you with titles they believe you can use, it would only be an educated guess on their part since they haven't read your manuscript. And, you used these titles, it would only be an educated guess on your part since in the majority of cases you will not have read the books recommended.

I do wish you luck.

Yes, this is why I'm frustrated. :) I bring lots of books when I go home for visits, but the last visit was almost a year ago and I'd barely written the first draft of this MS. I may just have to leave that space blank.

A couple people here have read my wip, so the suggestions aren't completely out of left field, but that still doesn't resolve the problem of me not being familiar with those books.

Thanks for your help.

[Maui Author]

And, even if AW posters supplied you with titles they believe you can use, it would only be an educated guess on their part since they haven't read your manuscript. And, you used these titles, it would only be an educated guess on your part since in the majority of cases you will not have read the books recommended.
I do wish you luck.

Scope - I have read her manuscript which is why I was offering to help find similar titles that hopefully she had read too. I think it's always good to get an outside perspective.

Melanie - I'm working on it! Hopefully together we'll find some similar titles that you have read.

[Voyager]

Name books that are best sellers here but haven't been translated into English yet. Some really well written ones include:

Morir En El Intento by Jorge Ramos

El Hueco by Germán Castro Caycedo

A Través de Cien Montañas by Reyna Grande

This way, you've filled in the space without making an uncomfortable comparison, win/win :D

Edited to add: Holy frickin' rattlesnakes! You can read, Mel?????? Well smack my ass and call me Juanita. :P

[melaniehoo]

:roll: at the eta. It's shocking, I know.


Name books that are best sellers here but haven't been translated into English yet. Some really well written ones include:

Morir En El Intento by Jorge Ramos

El Hueco by Germán Castro Caycedo

A Través de Cien Montañas by Reyna Grande

This way, you've filled in the space without making an uncomfortable comparison, win/win :D

Edited to add: Holy frickin' rattlesnakes! You can read, Mel?????? Well smack my ass and call me Juanita. :P

I like the idea to include non-English books, but with my luck she's fluent in Spanish and has a soft-spot for immigrant books. Which..... would make her the perfect agent!

Thanks V. :)

[melaniehoo]

Scope - I have read her manuscript which is why I was offering to help find similar titles that hopefully she had read too. I think it's always good to get an outside perspective.

Melanie - I'm working on it! Hopefully together we'll find some similar titles that you have read.

Thanks again Maui. :) I got a good suggestion from another friend to use search words in Amazon so I'm going to try that as well.

[Voyager]

:roll: at the eta. It's shocking, I know.




I like the idea to include non-English books, but with my luck she's fluent in Spanish and has a soft-spot for immigrant books. Which..... would make her the perfect agent!

Thanks V. :) You need to move to Guada, we got bookstores and shiz like that.

[melaniehoo]

You need to move to Guada, we got bookstores and shiz like that.

I know... too bad we didn't have more time in DF.

[scope]

[quote=Maui Author;3828064]Scope - I have read her manuscript which is why I was offering to help find similar titles that hopefully she had read too. I think it's always good to get an outside perspective.

Melanie & Maui,

Great, I had no idea you read her manuscript. And as much as I tried, I couldn't come up with an idea that would help melanie.

[melaniehoo]

Thanks everyone! Someone sent me a note that some people have emailed queries to that particular agency, despite the online form, and had positive results. I'm going to try that.