Writing YA books

Many aspiring writers write to our book publishing company to ask about the best route for writing young adult novels and getting them published, whether through a large or small publishing company or independent publishing. That’s a difficult question that really requires knowledge about the writer’s individual project, though we can definitely give you some tips on writing young adult books.

The elements that make books for young adults actually fall into the YA category are not what you think. It’s not necessarily about being hip or super trendy or writing a young adult fantasy that is specifically for teenagers. Though they may be called YA fiction, people from all ages read young adult novels. Whether you’re working on a harlequin romance novel, a young adult fantasy adventure romance or a series of post apocalyptic books like Save the Pearls, young adult novels should convey the essence of adolescence and coming-of-age, and involve themes of what teens relate to and experience. The reason almost everyone can relate is that the issues we faced during our teens are the same as what we face now, it’s just that it may be the first time the characters in books for young adults face those situations.

Working with an independent publishing company like Sand Dollar Press enables you to understand what makes a young adult fantasy adventure romance or book about a romantic apocalypse work. While many novels for young adults may focus on sex and drugs, it’s not always about the obvious—it’s about discovering who you are and where you fit in. Almost every YA book, evens ones from the young adult fantasy sub-genre, will take you on an adventure where the protagonist shares their triumphs, obstacles and mistakes as they discover who they are and where they belong.

Adolescence is a time of fun, confusion and emotions. It’s when you simultaneously dream of falling in love and experiencing a romantic apocalypse. We learn about humanity, suffering and the good in life during our teens—this is why the most successful novels for young adults are filled with such themes. Whether you’re writing a Harlequin romance or post apocalyptic books, YA fiction continues to inspire the reader’s journey to find out who they are. Perhaps the reason that young adult books appeal to all ages is because we, too, are all still continuing to discover ourselves.

The great thing about a small publishing company or independent publishing company like Sand Dollar Press is that it brings readers books like Save the Pearls that transcend age, gender and everything else. To learn more about independent publishing, visit SandDollarPress.com.