Marketing YA

[Fillanzea]

It seems I've accidentally written a YA novel.

I was 19 when I wrote it; my protagonist was 17. I just wrote it as a fun romantic fantasy. I submitted it, and got a rejection that said it felt more YA-ish, and considering that Japan (where the novel's set) is popular with teens, I should try that angle. It's 70,000 words, so that seems reasonable for YA. And I definitely don't think that my writing style is overly mature.

But I don't have the least clue about marketing a YA novel. Are there houses that accept unsolicited manuscripts, or do you really need an agent? It seems like nearly all of the agents in my agent book specifically say "no childrens' books" and very few specifically mention YA books. I'm not sure how much specialization goes on--is it worthwhile to send a query to someone who doesn't mention YA as either a like or a dislike? I'd appreciate any insight you might have on marketing a YA novel in general.

[TaraDiona]

The best place to check out YA publishers is the YA book section of a major book store. Once you have a list of publishers, you can write to them and ask for their guidelines, or you can look in the Writer's Market. I would also suggest reading Uncle Jim's threads in the Novel forum. I have been lurking there for awhile and found them very helpful.

Hope that helps.

[cwgranny]

One of the best resources you can use is the Children's Writers and Illustrator's Market, which is put out by Writer's Digest -- it has both publishers (with submission procedures and types of book published) and agents who specialize in children's books (and those that want YA are listed). Often you can use it in the library as many library reference areas have them. You can also find a great many publishers (with links to websites) for children's writing at http://www.cbcbooks.org/ since many YA publishers are part of the Chilldren's Book Council.

gran

[Zolah]

My experience is primarily in the UK, but I would say that you're onto a winner there - YA fiction is very hot at the moment, especially YA fiction with a possible cross-over market. Even if an agent is not interested in traditional children's fiction, they might be interested in your book.

Before you try to market your book, nip down to the local library or book shop and have a browse through the YA section. Find any books that look a little like yours and buy or borrow them, to give you an idea what's happening in that section of the market (the book shop will help most there). Take note of any that look to have won awards or have been particularly successful. When you write queries/cover letters, make sure to mention that you feel the book could reach a cross-over market like that of so-and-so book. This will give the agent/publisher food for thought.