‘Comp’ or comparative covers are other books that are similar to yours. These might be books with similar content or ones that have a similar target audience.
Comp titles are often used in marketing. Think, “this book is like X crossed with Y.”
Why do comp covers matter?
When it’s time to design your book cover, you’ll need to have a selection of comp covers to give your designer.
This helps them better understand your tastes and your book.
A good book cover designer will help you to find good comp covers.
Free comp cover resource
I’ve put together a compilation of recent and bestselling covers arranged by genre into a free download with commentary on each genre. It’s designed to help you formulate a brief for your cover designer, whether that’s me or someone else.
