Unveiling the Secret of Young Adult Book Publishing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hot damn, you're thinking about stepping into the young adult book scene? That's fucking sweet! The demand for digital books and easy reads for young adults is through the roof. Going by the numbers, authors have almost doubled the sales of YA fiction books on our sweet website since 2022, compared to the same period last year. And let's not forget, with digital publishing, you can spread your book like wildfire around the globe without an annoying agent.
This guide is here to walked you through the deets of getting a novel out there, whether it's through self-publishing or the traditional route with young adult publishers.
The Market for Young Adult Books
As of 2022, YA books make up a whopping 4.58% of all book sales - a figure that's climbed from 3.43% in 2018, indicating a 34% increase. While writing for teens might have been considered a smaller market segment a few years back, the trends suggest otherwise.
The YA segment, alongside children's books, is valued at a staggering $11.34 billion globally and is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 3.5%, reaching an estimated $13.02 billion within the next five years.
Writers and publishers out there should really pay attention: not only are YA books making moves, but their market is on track to grow at a faster pace than other categories. For those considering writing a book, the YA genre is promising and expected to outshine other sectors when it comes to published books.
PS: Our sweet ass website is a one-stop self-publishing platform that gets your book into thousands of bookstores worldwide. Check it out and drop those sales, baby!
Writing Young Adult Fiction Books
To nail your YA fiction, you gotta know the ins and outs of YA literature. Make sure to read a ton of YA classics as well as recent releases. Here's what the fabulous author Nicola Yoon has to say:
"Sometimes, I reread my favorite books from back to front. I start with the last chapter and read backward until I get to the beginning. When you read this way, characters go from hope to despair, from self-knowledge to doubt. In love stories, couples start out as lovers and end as strangers. Coming-of-age books become stories of losing your way. Your favorite characters come back to life."
The Lowdown on YA Genre
YA book marketing is aimed at readers aged 12 to 18. But don't be fooled – almost 70% of YA books are actually purchased by adults over 18. So we've got a noteworthy audience of teen readers, adult readers, and parents buying for teens.
YA is popular for older readers because of how fucking universal these stories are. Young people are navigating some of life's most formative years, grappling with questions about individuality, career, love, mental health, society, and more. These are coming-of-age stories we can all relate to, whether we like it or not.
Check out this quick vid about common tropes in YA.
💡 Writing tip: If your novel is a bit more mature than the usual YA, maybe consider niching your shit under new adult.
Big-Time YA Best Sellers
Here are some bestselling YA books to get you inspired and in the writing zone. Keep your peepers on the latest hits by keeping up with top young adult books online, or following dedicated awards.
- J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter
- John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
- Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
- Jenny Han, To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Steps on How to Self-Publish Young Adult Books
Once you've finished that sucker, here's the scoop on self-publishing. We've got your back if you decide against the traditional publishing route.
1. Format and Convert that Manuscript
To get your book published on stores like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and Barnes & Noble, you'll need two main files: one for your book cover design and another for your manuscript, formatted and converted to the right digital format (ebook, audiobook, or print-on-demand).
You can either find an expert on sites like Upwork or Fiverr to format your book, or take care of it yourself. For ebooks, you pretty much need to ditch all forms of formatting on your Word or Docs file, reformat that bitch under ebook formatting requirements, and then use an ebook converter to transform it into an epub or mobi file.
For print books, the process is similar but different when it comes to conversion. To publish print books to Ingram, who prints for over 39,000 retail stores, you'll want to make sure you're aware of print formatting requirements.
2. Design a Kickass Book Cover
In the sea of competition, your cover deserves to shine like a diamond. Your cover is one of the first things potential readers will see, so treat it as a crucial part of your book marketing.
I'd recommend investing in a pro who can design your cover, but if you're feeling tight on cash, you can go the DIY route. Tools like InDesign or Canva (this one's free) are great for creating your own designs. Make sure to familiarize yourself with cover requirements, and stand out among the crowd by identifying common elements in popular book covers for your genre.
3. Pick a Self-Publishing Platform
Once your manuscript and cover files are sorted, all that's left is to choose a platform to self-publish and start selling. Here are some top choices:
1. Amazon KDP – With Amazon taking up roughly 60% of the global book market, it's a no-brainer to self-publish with them and collect up to 70% royalties.
2. Ingram – If you wanna sell print books to teens, consider Ingram. They're the #1 print provider that reaches over 39,000 retail stores, and publishing through them is easy even if you don't want to buy stocks of your book in advance.
3. Apple Books & Google Play Books – Both of these apps come pre-installed on their respective devices (iOS and Android), reaching billions of potential readers while collectin' up to 70% royalties.
🌟 our website – This badass platform gets your book into major retailers like those mentioned above and tens of thousands of more channels. Plus, you keep 100% of the net royalties you earn.
Promoting Young Adult Books
When it comes to promoting your YA book, here are some pointers to remember:
1. Book Reviews
Reviews are like the lifeblood of the self-publishing industry. Before launching a marketing campaign, strive for at least five solid reader reviews. Most folks won't risk buying a book without reviews.
2. Pre-Orders
Stores count sales on the first day of release, so milk that shit and set up pre-orders early. A higher sales count on launch day raises your chances of ending up on bestseller lists.
3. Online Presence
Promote your pre-order on your social media channels and email lists. Make sure you've got an author website set up so people can find you and your books.
4. Price Promotions
Authors and publishers have seen success with running free or discounted book campaigns. Check out Amazon and other platforms like Freebooksy to reach millions of book lovers looking for deals.
5. Feature your Book
With your free or discounted book, advertise it on sites like Freebooksy, or other Written Word Media sites via our platform.
6. Libraries and Schools
Teens find books through libraries and high schools, so don't just focus on online efforts. Contact your local libraries or schools to see if they'll accept your book.
For the reader, a library option is a cheap way to check out new content from a new author. For authors, a library option can help boost discoverability and earn more royalties. Learn how to market your book to libraries like OverDrive, Bibliotheca, Scribd, and more.
💡 Check out our comprehensive guide on creating a book marketing plan + book marketing timeline example for more tips.
8 Young Adult Fiction Publishers
Navigating the YA publishing scene can be intimidating, especially when trying to find the right fit for your manuscript within the publishing world. If you're dreaming of seeing your work published by YA fantasy publishers, then this is for you. Here are some of the best publishers that are actively shaping the YA literary scene.
Note that some of these publishers are among the YA publishers actively accepting submissions (in 2023).
1. Page Street Publishing
Page Street Publishing is a vibrant and innovative publishing company with a knack for producing high-quality and visually stunning publications. They cater to various genres, including young adult fiction, and focus on providing personalized attention to emerging writers.
2. David Fickling Books
DFB operated as an imprint for approximately 12 years under Scholastic, then transitioned to an independent business in 2013. They have collaborated with their affiliated company, publishing the comic The Phoenix, to create DFB Storyhouse.
3. VERSIFY
VERSIFY, an imprint of HarperCollins, is a platform for diverse voices, publishing books for various age groups, from picture books to novels and nonfiction. They aim to inspire young readers with stories that encourage them to envision and contribute to a better world.
4. Quirk Books
Founded in 2002, Quirk Books specializes in unique books that encourage discussion and social sharing, appealing to various age groups. Their impressive catalog includes Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
5. Soho Teen
Initiated in 2013, Soho Teen started by focusing on a limited annual list of 7–10 YA mystery and thriller titles. They have since expanded their scope to include novels centered on teenage identity and self-discovery, especially those with unconventional formats or narrative structures.
6. UQP
UQP was founded in 1948 and is recognized for its culturally significant contributions in various genres, including young adult literature. UQP focuses on literary works, poetry, stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and publishes books intended to inspire and enrich readers worldwide.
7. Red Deer Press
Red Deer Press is a publisher that excels in high-quality picture books, Indigenous titles, contemporary juvenile and young adult fiction, and adult fiction and non-fiction. They are committed to representing diverse voices and perspectives.
8. Odyssey Books
Odyssey Books publishes books that are well-crafted and intellectually and emotionally stimulating, focusing on pushing boundaries and showcasing fresh, thought-provoking ideas. They stand by their authors, viewing each new title as a collaborative effort and prioritizing authors' aspirations and input.
Join the booming young adult book market by focusing on lifestyle, entertainment, and engaging stories. As indicated by the rising sales of YA fiction books, this sector is promising and expected to grow even more. To create an appealing young adult novel, familiarize yourself with the genre, read widely, and learn the common tropes. Self-publishing your book and marketing it effectively can be a profitable and fulfilling experience. Successful YA authors often use platforms like Amazon, Ingram, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and our website to reach readers worldwide.
