Anyone who has ever published or tried to publish a book knows what "comps" are. Whenever you pitch a book, agents and publishers want to know what the "comparable books" are to your books.  Many authors find identifying comps both stressful and annoying, and sometimes horrifying if you find that someone seems to have written the exact same book as your book. Matt, Mandy, and Evangeline discuss both the struggles of finding comps and discuss some possible redeeming qualities of comps.

 
Recent Episodes
Harry Potter in 500 Years
Harry Potter in 500 Years

What are the novels, movies, and songs that will still be relevant and important to people in the year 2525? Each of the co-hosts offers their best guess.

Why the Hammered Dulcimer Is the Greatest Instrument You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
Why the Hammered Dulcimer Is the Greatest Instrument You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of

Musician and composer Joshua Messick explains the hammered dulcimer’s unique ability to tell a story through its music.

Neve Foster's Big Reveal
Neve Foster's Big Reveal

Author Neve Foster joins the table to discuss her new novel, Of Ink and Spirit.

You Can't Judge a Book . . .
You Can't Judge a Book . . .

Join our cohosts in a discussion of what makes a book cover good, bad, memorable, or even misleading. 

Beneath, Between, Beyond
Beneath, Between, Beyond

Middle grade fantasy author Carolyn Leiloglou returns to the pub table to chat about the conclusion of her award-winning Restorationists trilogy, Beyond the Far Horizon (available 09/09/2025).

What Our Favorite Colors Say About Us
What Our Favorite Colors Say About Us

Can our favorite colors tell us something about ourselves? Join us as we turn to painter Mark Rothko's masterful approach, using the relationship between color and human brain to engage his audience.

The Happiest Saddest People
The Happiest Saddest People

Author JL Gerhardt and her husband Justin collaborate on the podcast Holy Ghost Stories. Gerhardt joins the table to talk about one of their recent projects: "The Happiest Saddest People."

All Aboard the Grandparents Express
All Aboard the Grandparents Express

Author Leilani Mueller’s new chapter book, All Aboard the Grandparents Express, explores grief, loss, and imagination from the perspective of its 8-year-old narrator.

It's Never Too Late for Beach Reads
It's Never Too Late for Beach Reads

Summer may be over, but Beach Reads are always relevant. Is it possible to be the sort of person who cares deeply about the great stories, and who also enjoys a fun beach read?

Carving Light From Darkness
Carving Light From Darkness

Kreg Yingst’s medium of choice is printmaking. Join Mandy and guest co-host Isaac Hans as they talk with Kreg about his art, his books, and how the very act of making art can be a prayer.


Believe to See Podcast

A podcast of the Anselm Society Arts Guild. Join host Matt Mellema and a rotation of guests at the digital pub table to explore how art and storytelling matter for faith and to connect our stories, great stories, and the Great Story.

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