Help with Genre (what defines YA? content? protag?)

I finished my first manuscript in October. Since then I have started Querying agents. I have had several requests for more, but no offers to be my agent. I know the process takes time, I'm not being impatient! I just think I may be going about it wrong.

I am beginning to wonder if I am seeking the wrong genre. Originally I understood that a book with a main character in the teens would probably be a book for YA/Teen. Is this always true? My main character is 13.

I have been pitching to YA agents (some do adult as well) but I'm pitching specifically as YA. The problem is, when I was writing, and when I go back to read it. It just doesn't *feel* like a YA book to me. I believe it could easily fit into the Horror or Thriller category.

Any feed back would be appreciated! I don't really know anyone with a literary background I can pass it to, and get an opinion. Family that have read it, say they feel its absolutely horror.

ChaosTitan said:

Having a 13-year old protagonist doesn't automatically mean the book is YA. Stephen King's The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is often cited as an example of this--young protag in a book marketed to adults.

YA is as much about the content, voice and theme as it is about age. Who were you writing for when you wrote the book? Do you see it appealing more to teens or to adults?

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I feel the theme, and the plot are geared more toward 20+. While the content is "safe" for under 20.

When I wrote it, I wasn't really writing for a specific audience, but it feels more adult to me. I think it would appeal more for adults.