How to Start a Young Adult Book Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Dreaming of Writing the Next Hunger Games? Here’s How to Launch Your YA Book Biz
Have you read the entire Divergent series 3 times? Do you stan fictional YA crushes as hard as real celebs? Are you obsessed with bingeing gritty teen dramas full of drama, suspense and longing? Well, same.
If you’ve ever thought about turning your own inner teen storyteller into a real YA author, I’ve got great news: it’s possible! The young adult book market is a goldmine right now. But breaking in takes more than just a dream — it requires a legit game plan.
Let’s dive into the top tips for transforming from fangirl (or fanboy) to bonafide YA writer:
Immerse Yourself in Today’s YA Lit Scene
Before creating your masterpiece, you’ve gotta analyze what’s popping in YA currently. Read the big hits, peep their Goodreads reviews and dig into what tropes are trending. Are love triangles still a must? What kind of protagonist resonates most right now — badass heroine or underdog? Let the bestsellers be your guide.
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Brainstorm a Killer Concept
Ask yourself: if you scored a movie deal, what would be an epic coming soon trailer? The concept needs to be completely fresh…but also have that special sauce that hooks readers instantly. Dystopian cyborg future where emotions are banned? Check. Mermaid trying to solve her sister’s murder? Check. Don’t hold back — let that weird, wild idea become your next pitch.
Craft Characters Readers Will Lose Sleep Over
The best YA has complex characters who seem like your real BFFs or enemies. Ask yourself: What’s my MC’s biggest fear? What memories haunt them daily? Do they have an obsession no one else knows about? Flesh them out with quirks, hobbies and cultural references that ring true. Give them flaws and weaknesses as real as their strengths. Make readers care enough to shed a tear — or throw the book at the wall.
Map Out Major Plot Points That Feel Urgent
YA readers crave stories with urgent momentum and zero dull moments. Construct a rollercoaster plot that builds anticipation. End chapters with can’t-put-it-down cliffhangers. Layer in secrets, stakes that grow chapter-by-chapter and relationships that sizzle with romantic tension. And make sure the ending pays off with hard-won wisdom — not easy answers.
Find Your Authentic Teen Voice and Perspective
The writing itself needs to feel fresh and totally NOW. Study how top authors nail contemporary teen voice — then put your own spin on it. First person is popular for a reason. Don’t be afraid to break “formal” grammar rules — teens don’t talk that way! Sprinkle in current slang and cultural references that feel natural. Show teen life in all its messy, mad, funny glory.
Get An Editor Who “Gets” YA
YA is its own art form. That’s why finding an editor familiar with YA trends is clutch before querying. They can flag areas that feel ‘off’ about the voice, story structure or character credibility based on today’s teen preferences. Approach editing as a chance to take your book to the next level.
Build Your Online Platform ASAP
Think of yourself as an influencer…for books! Start surrounding yourself with the YA community online. Share your fandom on YA hashtags. Give glimpses into your writing journey on social. Interact with book bloggers, authors and readers. Gaining followers early makes selling your future masterpiece easier!
Get Feedback from Actual Teenagers
There’s no better reality check than going straight to your audience. Join teen writing groups online to share samples. Attend local workshops and conferences to connect face-to-face. Ask friends with teens if they’ll read some pages. Getting unfiltered feedback from teens helps ensure you’re hitting the mark!
The key to YA success is being relentless. Keep writing, revising and building your platform. Stay open to feedback, but don’t lose your creative vision! Oh, and enjoy those future bestseller royalties and movie deals! With dedication and passion, you totally got this. Now, get to writing!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a YA Book Business
Q: What education or background do I need to write YA books?
A: You don’t need any specific education or qualifications to write YA. Most important is having a strong grasp of what makes teenagers tick. If you have insight into teen psyche from working with youth, or you simply connect well with this age group, you have a great starting point. Taking writing courses can also help polish your skills. But your passion is what matters most.
Q: How long does it take to write a YA novel?
A: Most YA novels range from 60,000 to 80,000 words. For new writers, it typically takes 1–2 years to complete a first draft if working on it consistently. But there is no set timeframe — go at your own pace and don’t rush the creative process. Writing a quality novel is a marathon, not a sprint.
Q: What are the most important YA genre tropes and themes I should know?
A: Most popular YA elements include love triangles, chosen one narratives, coming of age stories, dystopian futures, supernatural/fantasy worlds, and an outsider protagonist. Common themes deal with first loves, friendship, peer pressure, self-discovery, and good vs. evil battles. Know these tropes but put your own spin on them.
Q: How do I make my YA writing relatable to modern teens?
A: Read current bestselling YA books to analyze how top authors connect with today’s teens. Consume teen-focused media like YouTube, TikTok, and YA blogs to immerse yourself in youth culture. Follow teen voices on social media and ask their opinions. Having teen beta readers is invaluable for ensuring relatability.
Q: What makes YA plotting different than adult fiction?
A: YA plots are very fast-paced with lots of intensifying action and constant ups and downs for characters. Chapters usually end on cliffhangers to propel readers forward. Romantic subplots are expected. Maintain an energetic narrative drive from start to finish.
Q: How can I get teenagers to read a manuscript draft?
A: Join online teen critique groups and beta reader teams. Attend local teen writer workshops. Post excerpts on writing forums requesting feedback. Hand out samples to friends’ teen kids. Schools may let you run excerpts by English/creative writing classes. Getting actual teen input is ideal.
