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

untitled (500 x 282 px)

When you’re querying a mermaids romance, 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 mermaids romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.

No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn mermaids 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. A Duet with the Siren DukeAuthor: Elise KovaYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, magic, mermaids, paranormal, romantasy
  2. A Ship of Bones & TeethAuthor: Karina HalleYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, mermaids, pirates, retellings, romantasy
  3. A Ship of Bones & TeethAuthor: Karina HalleYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, mermaids, pirates, retellings, romantasy
  4. A Ship of Bones and TeethAuthor: Karina HalleYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, dark, enemies to lovers, fantasy, mermaids, pirates, retellings, romantasy
  5. In the Veins of the DrowningAuthor: Kalie CassidyYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, forced proximity, magic, mermaids, romantasy
  6. Out of the BlueAuthor: Jason JuneYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, contemporary, fantasy, gay, mermaids, queer, young adult
  7. Sing Me to SleepAuthor: Gabi BurtonYear published: 2023Genre and themes: fantasy, high fantasy, mermaids, mythology, romantasy, young adult
  8. Skin of the SeaAuthor: Natasha BowenYear published: 2021Genre and themes: fantasy, historical, mermaids, mythology, retellings, young adult
  9. The Mermaid, the Witch, and the SeaAuthor: Maggie Tokuda-HallYear published: 2020Genre and themes: LGBT, fantasy, lesbian, mermaids, pirates, queer, young adult

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:

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 mermaids romance comp title that fits my book?

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