When you’re submitting a manuscript for representation or publication, you’re often asked to reference a relevant “comp” in your pitch. A comp (short for “comparable title”) is marketing shorthand. You are comparing your own project to another published project with which is shares similarities to prove that your work is marketable. Basically you’re saying, “If consumers liked that, they’ll definitely […]
I hear picture book writers say this all the time: “I’m considering writing a novel because text-only picture books are impossible to sell.” There is a lot to unpack in this statement, so let’s dissect it: “I’M CONSIDERING WRITING A NOVEL” Here is a truth all picture book writers need to hear: it is NOT harder to sell a picture […]
Developmental editing is an early stage of the editing process usually performed after a story is fully drafted but before any line edits or proofreading is completed. The goal is to nail down the content of the story in terms of character development, plot, conflict, setting, narrative point of view, and themes before getting into the nitty-gritty of polishing the […]
**Due to the implosion of Twitter, this list is not currently being updated. We anticipate reorganizing this list in the future as pitch parties find new homes and new iterations, but we don’t know when that will be. Thank you for your patience. Pitch parties are occasional events on Twitter that help writers connect with agents and publishers. During these […]
I don’t know a single creator who doesn’t struggle with finding comp titles for their projects. Even I do sometimes, though I’ve learned tricks and found tools to help reduce that frustration significantly. Now, I’m going to share some of those tools and tricks with you. First, what is a comp title? A comp title (a.k.a. comparable title) is a […]
Prompt 009: You sense something you weren’t supposed to. A prompt is a jumping off point for creativity. Though each prompt is technically a complete sentence, add the word “and” to the end of each prompt and let your mind drift, associate, and explore all the possibilities. Ask questions like who, what, when, where, how, why, what if, and what […]
Prompt 008: Without forewarning, you are now a parent. A prompt is a jumping off point for creativity. Though each prompt is technically a complete sentence, add the word “and” to the end of each prompt and let your mind drift, associate, and explore all the possibilities. Ask questions like who, what, when, where, how, why, what if, and what […]
Prompt 007: You invent something you think will change the world. A prompt is a jumping off point for creativity. Though each prompt is technically a complete sentence, add the word “and” to the end of each prompt and let your mind drift, associate, and explore all the possibilities. Ask questions like who, what, when, where, how, why, what if, […]
Prompt 006: You are bound to the last soul you would ever want to be stuck with. A prompt is a jumping off point for creativity. Though each prompt is technically a complete sentence, add the word “and” to the end of each prompt and let your mind drift, associate, and explore all the possibilities. Ask questions like who, what, […]
Prompt 005: You have reached the highest point in your career and it’s time to make a change. A prompt is a jumping off point for creativity. Though each prompt is technically a complete sentence, add the word “and” to the end of each prompt and let your mind drift, associate, and explore all the possibilities. Ask questions like who, […]
