When you’re query your basketball romance, choosing the right comp titles can make or break your chances of being published.
The purpose of comp titles is for agents and publishing house editors to gauge the genre of your book as well as the tone and market potential of your work.
I regularly update this list of basketball romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.
No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn basketball 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.
- Friday Night LiesYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, basketball, contemporary, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, high school, second chance, sports
- Hating the PlayerYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, basketball, college, enemies to lovers, new adult, second chance, sports
- Night ShiftYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, basketball, college, contemporary, new adult, sports
- The Right MoveYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, basketball, contemporary, fake dating, forced proximity, sports
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 basketball romance comp title that fits my book?
You can broaden your horizons to also include other subgenres of romance!”