Questions about comp titles

[trappedbynerves]

Is two comps the standard in a synopsis/query letter or would it be ok to add a third? And when adding comps (if I have the words to spare if there's a tight word limit) is it ok to say a few brief words about why I'm making those comps.

For example; will be of interest to readers of Anne Enright’s The Gathering for its complex portrayal of Irish family life and Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere for its exploration of race, class, and the complexities of motherhood.* Or would it be better to just stick to the authors and titles?

*These aren't my actual comps.

The example you’ve given is perfect, OP (I’m a traditionally published author) - it’s definitely helpful to identify what aspects of the books you’re mentioning make them good comps.

Thanks. One of my comps is an obvious one from plot perspective and it has certain similarities, the other is a better comparison for the execution of the book. But I could see an agent wondering why I'd picked it if I didn't give a few words to explain.