* On the Slate site, Katie Crouch and Grady Hendrix, authors of the Young Adult fiction series “The Magnolia League,” shared some thoughts about Young Adult fiction. A few key points:
- * This sector of publishing has grown by 25% since 1999. Many top authors have ventured in, including John Grisham, although I wonder what percentage of that rise is due to the “Twilight” books.
- * YA is no longer considered a slightly embarrassing writing ghetto, which used to be its unfair reputation.
- YA publishers love series, for obvious reasons.
- The pace is pretty fast: you’re expected to deliver a new book every six months.
- It gives you a direct link to readers, who are not shy about getting in touch, and expressing strong opinions about your work on Facebook and Twitter.
I’m no expert, but my impression is that the YA publishers are not as concerned about social issues as they used to be, but are focusing more on the entertainment value of the story. If this is an arena you’re thinking of getting into, a good starting point would be to read the current YA best-seller list.
(For friendly guidance on writing your book, see "Your Writing Coach," published by Nicholas Brealey and available from Amazon and other online and offline booksellers.)
