Food romance comp titles for your query letter (updated 2026)

Choosing the right food comp titles for your query letter can make or break your chances of being published.

Agents and publishing house editors use comp titles as a quick way to gauge the genre of your book along with its market potential.

I regularly update this list of food romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.

No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn food 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.

1. AftertasteAuthor: Daria LavelleYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, fantasy, food, ghosts, horror, magical realism, paranormal
2. Chef's KissAuthor: T.J. AlexanderYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, contemporary, food, lesbian, queer
3. Donut Fall in LoveAuthor: Jackie LauYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Canada, adult, chick lit, contemporary, food, rom com
4. Love from ScratchAuthor: Kaitlyn HillYear published: 2022Genre and themes: contemporary, enemies to lovers, food, rom com, young adult
5. Mrs. Quinn's Rise to FameAuthor: Olivia FordYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, cozy, food
6. Recipe for Second ChancesAuthor: Ali RosenYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Italy, adult, chick lit, contemporary, food, second chance
7. Rosaline Palmer Takes the CakeAuthor: Alexis HallYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, chick lit, contemporary, food, queer
8. Sadie on a PlateAuthor: Amanda ElliotYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Jewish, adult, chick lit, contemporary, food, rom com
9. The Devine Doughnut ShopAuthor: Carolyn BrownYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, chick lit, contemporary, family, family drama, food, womens fiction
10. The Paris NovelAuthor: Ruth ReichlYear published: 2024Genre and themes: France, adult, book club, contemporary, food, historical, travel

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 food romance comp title that fits my book?

You can broaden your horizons to also include other subgenres of romance!