@faythompsonauthor.bsky.socialYou should be reading your 10th top recent genre novel of the year this month. You should have a file on your computer with book reports and captured book data on each book. These help you sell your novel in several ways making things easier later.
@faythompsonauthor.bsky.socialYou should be able to select a comp book every Thursday to read. Be prepared. You can read one on Libby but be sure to order the hardcover for your data specs too. You need both. Take brief notes to help you remember the novel later. You need competency.
@faythompsonauthor.bsky.socialGood Morning Thursday Writers!!!
Today we read!
You should have a queue of the top recent novels in your exact genre. Top means published within 3 years. It may be an awards list. Some or all should be from your Library with more on order.
@faythompsonauthor.bsky.socialYou want to convey the idea that you are competent in your genre. People notice.
Take the time to build up your competency as well as a robust understanding of what your readers are reading right now. Stay fresh and keep your novel fresh as well.
@faythompsonauthor.bsky.socialSnow Crash is in my overall top 5 books. But, neither Neuromancer or Snow Crash are comp novels. They are simply too old. Look up the Nebula and Hugo awards list and read the top 3 novels in each for six months of comps (last 3 years first)
@faythompsonauthor.bsky.socialIf you intend to publish your novel traditionally then you are likely to use a traditional agent query process.
In your query package the agent will ask for comps.
Comps are comparable novels.
They are not comparable films or tv shows. Novels.
@faythompsonauthor.bsky.socialGood morning Thursday writers!!!
Today is a library or reading day. Good writers are most often good readers. However, many are not current within their own genre, they don't know the names of good current authors and they aren't reading their genre.