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Sophia Laurenzi's avatar

Thank you Leigh and Lisa for including my WIP in this! Really helpful examples and considerations as I'm working on my proposal.

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Anthony D. Baker's avatar

K. So. First of all, I can't wait to read Marissa's EVERYTHING YOU CAN’T CONTROL. I've already formed a room in my imagination for that hospital ward.

Second: thank you! I'm so glad to know that Ms Levy's work exists. I'll be calling on her when I'm ready to start pitching.

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Leigh Stein's avatar

what a kind comment! I hope Marissa sees

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Rachel Spalding's avatar

Hi Leigh, thanks for this! Lisa mentions scatttering “secondary comps” in query, I’m not sure where those would go, or where there is a word count in such a brief letter for this. It’s a different concept than how I’ve been taught to structure a query. Do you have any insight on what she means? Thank you!!!

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Lisa Levy's avatar

They would go in your summary, or your marketing section or your bio—so wherever you want them. “Spalding’s novel combines the grit of Raymond Chandler and the feminism of Laura Lippman.” Or “this charming novel is a ‘what if’ the feisty Alcott sisters were secret Tik Tok stars?” Hope that helps.

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Rachel Spalding's avatar

Thank you so much, Lisa!

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Marisa Russello's avatar

From what I've heard, 2021 is too old for a comp in a query, let alone 2000 or 1995. I wouldn't put anything older than 3 years.

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Leigh Stein's avatar

Yes, Alia posted something similar in Notes. I think that’s why Lisa calls them “secondary,” to use as seasoning.

https://substack.com/@aliahannaha/note/c-141733088?r=kxuf&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

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Paolo Peralta's avatar

Recommended

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Paolo Peralta's avatar

Love your work 🙌

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