Too controversial? Need some help

xXFireSpiritXx · Jan 23, 2009

Hello!

I posted this in the round table, but realized it is much more suited for this forum. Sorry, I am new, still finding my way around here.

I need some advice. I am working on a pretty controversial idea right now, and I am not sure how exactly I would query it. Well, what I mean to say is I know it is a psychological thriller, but I am not sure who I would target agent wise.

It is tentatively titled, Diary of a Teenage Serial Killer, and chronicles the summer of a social outcast who decides to "off" those who tormented him and his best friend throughout high school. It is written in a journal form, and each progressive entry really shows the main character's psychological deterioration as he gets in way to deep. I kind of see it as a throwback to the film Heathers because it does have a touch of black comedy to it.

Anyway I am wondering when querying how I should more or less fit into a certain category. It is about teens, and deals with teens. Yet, it is by no means a young adult novel. I also know this type of material ever since Columbine can be very touchy.

So, I guess I am wondering if it is too controversial ? Is the project already dead before it goes out the door? I am sure someone might be interested, but I guess I am just looking for some thoughts?

I write YA sci-fi and this is a new branch out for me so I am kind of iffy with it.

Ciera_ · Jan 23, 2009

Nothing is too controversial. I think that's what you're going to hear on here. Just market it as a thriller =)

Shady Lane · Jan 23, 2009

I'd say that this isn't a YA novel, but I'm not sure what exactly leads me to think that.

If you're worried about general marketability, I'd say playing up that touch of humor would be a good idea--I was thinking this was way too grim (for anyone, YA or otherwise) until you referenced Heathers.

Esopha · Jan 23, 2009

I'm not sure why exactly, but I'm not seeing YA here. I think it's that psychological deterioration shown via the journal entries thing. This seems to be more of a character-study type novel that might find its place in thrillers or... literary fic?

Question, does he ever kill anyone or is it just speculation?

reenkam · Jan 23, 2009

My first reaction, before seeing the two posts above mine, was that this isn't YA. Like the others, I'm not 100% sure why this is my reaction, but I think it's because...well, I'm not sure. But I don't think YA publishers could get away with publishing it.

Now 'adult' publishers definitely could and I think it would work well, as others have said, either as a thriller or literary, depending on how you write it. Or both, which is becoming popular.

I don't think it's too controversial for 'adult' pubs at all and could definitely be seen as a very introspective, personal, case-study that could, potentially, do very well.

The first step, of course, would be to write the book. For now I'd say don't worry too much about specifics of marketing. Wait until you finish and revise, have some people read, and then see what they think.

Good luck!

wandergirl · Jan 23, 2009

What determines its placement is going to be publishers, librarians, teachers, bookstore owners, etc., and the majority of them would probably balk at a serial killer protagonist in the teen lit section. Now, if you have alternating viewpoints (hee) between the killer and one or more regular students, maybe an ex-friend or one of his potential victims, that might help -- plus, the different perspectives would make for interesting reading. Also, it would provide a basis for comparison when it came to his mental state: how far from normal he's veered.

reenkam · Jan 23, 2009

There is this book

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0064472906/?tag=absolutewritedm-20

Shooter by Walter Dean Myers

It deals with a school shooting and parts of it are in diary format, from the POV of the shooter.

It's a very good book, actually. I completely forgot about it until I read wandergirl's post (Shooter has alternating viewpoints)

Shady Lane · Jan 23, 2009

I didn't like Shooter much, actually.

But I loved Give a Boy a Gun by Todd Strasser.

peachiemkey · Jan 23, 2009

When I first read your (tentative) title, I was like, "I would totally read that. YA!" Then I realized the connotations, and I was like, "Hmm. Maybe not YA." Then I thought about it some more and just got myself confused.

All I can say is that it's all in the presentation. You could always make it literary and be as dark and pensive as you want. I'm sure some teens would still seek it out. But if it's going to be YA, you've got to make sure it's written for YA. Black comedy is always a good addition.

I like Wandergirl's idea of having different POVs - especially the one of having the different POVs be his future victims. You could introduce these viewpoints maybe halfway through the book, then just drop off your MC near the end of the book, once his thoughts become a little too dark for YA ("I can't wait to see their blood..." eeuugh!). Or how about ending the book at the point where it's become clear what your MC intends to do - once he's bought a gun and everything... or maybe end it with a single chapter in 3rd person giving a short, *vague* description of what he does.

Danthia · Jan 24, 2009

Nothing is too controversial if done well, though I do agree it's a tough subject and won't be every agent's cup of tea. But all you need is one agent and one editor to like it

Books and movies about killers have done very well. Look at American Psycho, Natural Born Killers, Hannibal (Okay, maybe Hannibal's a bad example, but readers wanted to know more about him)

I'd suggest looking for agents who represent thrillers and books on similar topics, like serial killers or gritty crime novels. Treat it just like any other novel and do the same research you would for your YA sci fi stuff. Don't be afraid of the subject matter and second guess yourself. Worst thing that could happen is everyone says no. And that's no different odds than if you queried a fluffy bunny story, right? What have you got to lose?

xXFireSpiritXx · Jan 24, 2009

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. There is something about this project which really urges me to move forward with it. I actually have decided I am going to mix the journal entries throughout the book, and have it told from the POV of a girl who had a secret crush on him. What I think will be cool is she only saw the guy she fell for and only knows the mask he put on while at school. The journal entries will reveal the darker side of him and his wicked deeds. I also have thought up a really interesting twist ending. Anyway I wanted to say thanks for your suggestions!

jscribbles · Jan 26, 2009

JasonRobert, I think you're onto something with the girl's perspective. Really do read SHOOTER and GIVE A BOY A GUN, though, if you haven't already. You don't want to come too close to what's been done already.

I'm writing a similar book in that one of the MCs is planning a school shooting, but there's a twist to separate it from other books about the subject. I've put it aside for a while, though.

Good luck on your project!

chevbrock · Jan 27, 2009

Just for chuckles, I'm going to throw my two cents in.

Jason, you say in your OP that the characters are teens and it is about teens, but yet, you feel it is not a YA novel. Perhaps writing from the POV of an adult will qualify it as something a bit older. I'm thinking a teacher, or maybe even a therapist - maybe the protag is getting treatment for something s/he experienced or saw - the therapist can see the downhill slide, but feels helpless to control it for some reason?

Too controversial? Need some help

xXFireSpiritXx

Killing my darlings...

Ciera_

Shady Lane

my name is hannah

Esopha

bam pow zap.

reenkam

aka cupcake

wandergirl

~kirsten hubbard

reenkam

aka cupcake

Shady Lane

my name is hannah

peachiemkey

circuits in the sea

Danthia

xXFireSpiritXx

Killing my darlings...

jscribbles

Who killed my sea monkeys?

chevbrock