When you’re querying your romance book, choosing the choosing the right comp titles can make or break your chances of being published.
If you’re wondering what the purpose of a comp title is, it’s to allow agents and publishing house editors to quickly gauge the genre and market potential of your book.
I regularly update this list of romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.
No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn romance or something fast and spicy, you’ll find titles below to help you write a killer query letter!
If you’re looking for something a bit more specific, check out my romance comp database.
- Acts of DesperationYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, contemporary, literary fiction
- Beautiful World, Where Are YouYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction
- Exciting TimesYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, LGBT, adult, contemporary, literary fiction, queer
- Grown UpsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, family
- In a Thousand Different WaysYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Ireland, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, fantasy, magical realism
- IntermezzoYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction
- Long IslandYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, book club, family, historical, literary fiction
- Morbidly YoursYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Ireland, adult, contemporary, friends to lovers, rom com, slow burn
- My Favourite MistakeYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, humor, womens fiction
- One Night on the IslandYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Ireland, adult, chick lit, contemporary, forced proximity, rom com
- Open, HeavenYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Ireland, LGBT, adult, coming of age, contemporary, gay, literary fiction, queer
- The Cosy Cottage in IrelandYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Ireland, adult, chick lit, contemporary
- The Happy CoupleYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, LGBT, adult, contemporary, literary fiction, queer
- The Irish Boarding HouseYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, adult, book club, chick lit, family, historical
- The Other Side of NowYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Ireland, adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, magical realism, time travel
- The Rachel IncidentYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Ireland, Irish literature, LGBT, adult, book club, coming of age, contemporary, literary fiction
- The Secret HoursYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Ireland, Roman, adult, book club, historical
Other resources to assist with your querying journey
Comp titles are only a small piece of the querying puzzle! Here are other resources I offer to help writers achieve their dreams of publishing their novels:
- Developmental editing services
- Pre-querying package
- Publishers accepting manuscript submissions this month
- Romance tropes list
- Random romance trope generator
Frequently asked questions
How recent do comp titles need to be?
Comp titles should be published within the past five to seven years so it is representative of the current market potential of your manuscript.
Can I use bestselling books as a comp title?
Yes, you can! However, the bestselling books aren’t always the most suitable options. While it’s integral that a comp title has sold well, it’s better to choose a comp title that’s sold less well but closer represents the tone and overall vibe of your own book.
How many comp titles should I include in my query letter?
You should aim for two comp titles in your query letter. You can include three, but agents would expect more than one.
Can I use a series as a comp title?
You can, but it’s best to pick a specific book within that series that best represents your manuscript.
What if I can’t find a romance comp title that fits my book?
You can broaden your horizons to also include other subgenres of romance!