Today on the YA Indie Carnival we're talking about categorizing our books. I have to admit to being a little unsure when it comes to putting my books in the right category. I mean, when I first started writing I had intended my books to be read by people aged around 16 (ish) but as I've written more books and received more feedback from readers, I now realise that they are more suited to younger readers - albeit still teens :) But having said that, a huge proportion of my readers are adults!
What is YA anyway? Young Adult... but what age group would you describe young adults? Initially I would have said 16+ but it actually seems that a lot more younger kids read YA books. So, now I reckon YA appeals to 13+. I've also been told that my books would really appeal to middle grade, which is what? 8+?
So when I have to put my books under a specific category on Amazon, Smashwords, etc, what do I go for? Some I've put under Teen fiction, others under Juvenile fiction or children's fiction - or are they all the same thing? Aaaargh.... confusion reigns!
And even once I've done all of this, Amazon will sometimes change the category anyway!!
Don't forget to download your FREE copy of my book, Daisy Madigan's Paradise here and your FREE copy of Raven here.
What is YA anyway? Young Adult... but what age group would you describe young adults? Initially I would have said 16+ but it actually seems that a lot more younger kids read YA books. So, now I reckon YA appeals to 13+. I've also been told that my books would really appeal to middle grade, which is what? 8+?
So when I have to put my books under a specific category on Amazon, Smashwords, etc, what do I go for? Some I've put under Teen fiction, others under Juvenile fiction or children's fiction - or are they all the same thing? Aaaargh.... confusion reigns!
And even once I've done all of this, Amazon will sometimes change the category anyway!!
Don't forget to download your FREE copy of my book, Daisy Madigan's Paradise here and your FREE copy of Raven here.
1. Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self
4. T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series
5. Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga
6. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy
7. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog
8. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
9. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series
10. Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy
11. Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey
12. Gwenn Wright, author of Filter
13. Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy
14. Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga
15. Courtney Cole Writes
16. Liz Long | Just another writer on the loose.
17. Ella James
18. Maureen Murrish
19. Valerie Sloan
20. YA Sci Fi Author's Ramblings
21. Terah Edun, author of Red Madrassa and An Amlah's Diary
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This is a very good question and a dilemma I can't easily answer. I think that categories are dictated by the Big Five publishers because they can easily market books through them using formulas.
ReplyDeleteBut independent authors are having a harder time with this. They are not "beholding" to a large publisher and thus can oftentimes break through boundaries that aren't easily quantifiable by genre restrictions.
There is so much to learn. Who have thought it that first day I decided I'd like to write books.
ReplyDeleteI would think Young Adult would give the reader the opportunity to make their own judgement. Kids mature at so many different levels and that has a good deal to do with what they read. My DD was reading well above grade level and read YA in grade school long before some of her friends; but my knowing her reading ability I had no problem with her reading YA...I did screen some books. I don't know if you can do more then give them the opportunity? Good Luck with your sales.
ReplyDelete<a href="http://oozingoutmyears.blogspot.com/2013/05/childhood-memories.html>Road Tripping</a>