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.
- A Good NeighborhoodYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, literary fiction, race
- Everything's FineYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, race
- LusterYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, race
- Open WaterYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, novella, race
- The Better HalfYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, chick lit, contemporary, humor, race
- The House of EveYear published: 2023Genre and themes: African American, adult, book club, historical, race
- The ProphetsYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, historical, literary fiction, queer, race
- What Passes as LoveYear published: 2021Genre and themes: African American, adult, book club, historical, race
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!