Writing in the young adult market is different from writing in the adult market. While the young adult market has more disposable income, they also have more interests to spend it on. Regardless of the age, books hold a special place in a person’s life.
Ageless enjoyment:
From a simple children’s tale of an epic adventure, a well-written story can capture the reader’s imagination and take them to worlds they would otherwise be unable to go to. The recent popularity of the Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Goosebumps, and Twilight series are just a few examples that prove the market is not just there for children and teens, but adults as well. Many of my favorite stories are children and young adult stories.
Reaching a Young Adult Market:
In the past, reaching the young adult market has always come from the traditional publishers. As an Indie Author, I write and publish my own books through my own publishing company, this could easily be a daunting task to face. How can an Indie author break through into the YA market? I can tell you one thing; it isn’t going to happen overnight. If you were to research the series I mentioned above, you might be surprised to discover many were around for years before they were discovered. One of my favorite quotes is that the overnight success of the artist only took ten years to achieve.
I don’t expect my YA stories to be an overnight success. That doesn’t mean I would turn it down if they were, but I’m fairly grounded. I know that it will take time to build my name and reputation as an excellent author in the YA genre that can provide fascinating stories that teens and adults can relate to. It will also take time for my name to get out among the readers. I’m in this for the long haul. It was never my intention to write one book, sit back, and twiddle my thumbs before someone ‘magically’ discovers it. I will write more and more fascinating stories filled with action, adventure, suspense, and love while I wait for my overnight.
How Do I spread the Word?
As I mentioned above, my overnight success may be years in the making. I am excited that a movie production company has asked for the script of Voyage of the Defiance: Breaking Free. But, as I also mentioned, I won’t be sitting back waiting by the phone for their call. I understand it takes time to make a decision about whether a script is worth a second glance, much less sinking possibly millions of dollars into it. I’ve written another YA book called Dust: Before and After that has me just as excited, and have plans for the second book in the Breaking Free series: Capture of the Defiance to be released this fall. In the meantime, I promote my books through Social Media, paid advertising, word of mouth, conventions, book signings, and more. I participate in online Fan Fiction sites where readers get to read other work I’ve done and learn about my writing style. Most of all, I continue to improve my craft.
Writing in the Young Adult market is just like anything else, it is being consistent and persistent. Write fantastic stories that get readers talking, keep a presence online, and keep writing. Your overnight will come; it just may take a while.
About S. E. Smith
S.E. Smith is a New York Times, USA TODAY, International, and Award-Winning Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.