Young Adult Novel Guidelines

Tips on Writing for the YA / Teen Market

May 4, 2007
Jennifer Jensen

Is your book a middle-grade or young adult novel? What themes are appropriate? Can you use cuss words? Here are some tips to write for this age group.

Harry Potter in all its iterations means adventure, romance and mystery in a magical setting. On the other hand, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things is funny, coming-of-age chick lit, intertwined with a brother’s dark secret. Both are Young Adult books, but YA is as broad as a category can get. Here are some general guidelines.

YA Ages

Young Adult readers are generally 12-18 years. The younger portion of this age group is often reading books that their parents would remember as teenage novels. But by the middle of the adolescent years, and sometimes earlier, most teens are reading adult novels. They get pulled back to YA novels with stories that relate directly to their own deep concerns, books that help them figure out their place in the world in a sensitive way.

Young Adult Genres and Subjects

As a group, YA readers will devour any genre: adventure, romance, humor, mystery, historical, contemporary, fantasy, sci-fi, etc. Various topics let teens explore unfamiliar aspects of their world and other cultures, bring bits of history to life, and experience things that they normally couldn’t. The underlying themes, regardless of genre or topic, allow teens to examine deeper issues in a safe way: what their role in life is, the difference one person can make, the importance of relationships, coping with tragedy of any sort, etc. The younger set of YA readers can cope with scary subjects when they are at a distance—the character’s friend is doing drugs, not the character himself.

Edgy YA

When formerly taboo subjects are handled with an intense perspective, it is considered Edgy YA. There are no forbidden subjects here, but they are written with sensitivity and care, not gratuitously. These books are aimed at older teens. Instead of a friend or acquaintance having issues, the main character is the one being abused, cutting, considering suicide, etc., or it’s a family member or best friend of the main character. The viewpoint is very close, the bond and introspection and questioning are strong. Overall, teens can identify keenly with the character’s feelings, if not the situation.

Characters

The exact age of a YA character isn’t as important as the need for the age to fit the character. High school freshmen will act, think, and relate much differently than seniors. The most important requirement for your characters is that they are real. Their language, relationships, worries, hobbies, etc., must be exactly right for the person you have created. The second most important thing is that your story is written about the character and his or her experience and growth, not about the theme you have chosen. If you write the story well, the theme will come through.

Length and Style

YA novels generally run 40,000-75,000 words, but you’ll find books on either side of that. Write the story in the length it takes to tell it, and then check publishers’ guidelines.

There are no vocabulary restrictions for this age group. Watch out for stereotypes in your descriptive and narrative words. The acceptability of profanities and obscenities is determined by the age level and topic, whether it is necessary for the character to use them, and by the editor’s/publisher’s preference.

YA stories are usually written in first or third person (I said or he said), but there are some successful books written in second person present (you say). Again, it will depend on your style and the voice of your character.

Advice

First, read a large number and wide variety of YA novels, and analyze them. Second, write the best book you can. Third, study publishers’ guidelines and book catalogs, and submit to houses whose needs match your particular story.

For a quick list of the differences between children’s book age categories, read Writing for Children.

Jennifer Jensen - Jennifer Jensen is an Indiana writer just returned from a lovely few years in County Cork, Ireland. She has been the Feature Writer for ...

Comments

Mar 14, 2009 4:21 PM

Guest :

I love the line: The second most important thing is that your story is written about the character and his or her experience and growth, not about the theme you have chosen. If you write the story well, the theme will come through.

Something not many new writers think about immediately. Just found this site, looking forward to picking up some good ideas. Thank you

Dawn Whyte
www.DiaryOfANovel.com

Apr 23, 2009 12:56 AM

Guest :

hmmm... I like creating vampire novels, but I do no not know where to start.

YA novels generally run 40,000-75,000 words, but you’ll find books on either side of that. Write the story in the length it takes to tell it, and then check publishers’ guidelines.

There are no vocabulary restrictions for this age group. Watch out for stereotypes in your descriptive and narrative words. The acceptability of profanities and obscenities is determined by the age level and topic, whether it is necessary for the character to use them, and by the editor’s/publisher’s preference.

YA stories are usually written in first or third person (I said or he said), but there are some successful books written in second person present (you say). Again, it will depend on your style and the voice of your character

good start. =)

Jun 4, 2009 5:28 AM

Guest :

This is really useful. I'm in the finishing/editing stages of a teen novel right now and couldn't agree more with what you've said about how the characters need to be real.
Thanks for this article!

Jun 13, 2009 4:27 AM

Guest :

Thanks for the info in this article. I'm an 18 year-old nearly done with my first YA novel, and this helped me figure out whether or not I was on the right track.

Jul 8, 2009 4:42 PM

Guest :

When I was younger, I always wanted to write a book,but when I was about 12 I thought it would be impossible.Now I'll make that dream come true thanks to you!

Jul 18, 2009 8:48 PM

Guest :

This is great! Im 17 and a friend and I are working on writting a novel. Its more for our oun entertainment but we want it to be profesional and if its good enough, print some copies. Great tips here! We have been redused to looking for help via internet due to the lack of functional english teachers at our school.
Thanks again!

Jul 22, 2009 1:18 AM

Guest :

I have been playing with an idea of writing about myself and the water polo team I was on in high school. I have started writing I only have 3,500 words so far. This article has helped me. I only hope YA are interested in this topic.

Jul 31, 2009 6:10 AM

Guest :

Thank you for the tips! I'm 16yrs old and have always been writing stories but never had an idea to write 40,000+ words about. Now I've finally got a half decent idea! I didn't know if my story would be too old for YA, but on reading these tips and guidelines I know what to do. Thank you!

Aug 20, 2009 10:47 AM

Guest :

This was very helpful. I'm 15 years old and I am currently co-writing a novel with a friend. I'd like to know a little more about how to run the characters though.

Aug 20, 2009 12:47 PM

Guest :

I also wish you spoke a bit about the 'language'. Light obsenities that -let's be honest - even six year olds use among themselves today, would bring characters to life. I am having a serious problem writing teen girls with squeaky clean language. It's just not right. My sixth grader cousin told me kids have oral sex at recess and that's one of the best NY schools, so being unable to say a word here and there, just to keep it pg seems too strange to me.
Thanks for all of the above thought, I appreciate it.

Aug 21, 2009 8:15 AM

Jennifer Jensen :

To the above guest regarding language:
I understand your frustration, but realize that publishing is a business. Teachers and parents both are protective, especially of elementary and middle school children, but of teens, too. Just because 6- or 10-year-olds are hearing/reading/using language doesn't make it acceptable. If schools and libraries won't buy a particular book because of content, then *most* publishers aren't going to take them on.
With that said, Edgy YA is a different story. There *are* editors and publishers looking for reality in their stories, but it has to fit the character. If profanity is required by the character and situation, use it. If you're only putting it in because "everyone says it," try leaving it out. How else can you show how that character feels and acts? Dialogue, any dialogue, is only meant to *sound* real, not *be* real.
Look for books that have the type of situations and language you're looking for, and note the publisher. Target your manuscript toward them. Just realize that by keeping the gritty language in, you're limiting your potential market.

Oct 4, 2009 11:26 AM

Guest :

I'm 15 and writing a YA novel. I'm currently at 31,000 words. I would really like to publish but I'm not sure how. Much less if it's long enough. It's 106 pages but I counted in a YA book and each page averaged about 250 words. My pages are 450-500 words. So I'm wondering if this would end up doubling the length of my book. If anyone knows please comment.

Dec 30, 2009 1:18 PM

Guest :

Thank you for this information. It has been helpful. I'm not sure whether to view it as a blessing or curse that the first draft of my novel looks as if it will exceed 100,000 words. Thank you for these guidelines, though.

Dec 31, 2009 7:31 PM

Guest :

I just finished and submitted a YA novel. The things written above have been a wonderful affirmation that I have done right by it. If it is published it will be my first. To all of those others out there who are writing as well (especially those who are young adults themselves) I say 'keep on trucking'! This is something I have wanted all of my life, and I am now possibly about to see it become a reality. If it's your dream, it really can happen.

Jan 2, 2010 10:35 AM

Guest :

very informative and helpful

Feb 28, 2010 2:04 PM

Guest :

Wow, thank you. I'm a teenager myself, and I love to write. I'm working on a manuscript at the moment, and have been for around a year. I can't decide over whether I'm writing it for me, or to submit to a publishing company. I've struggled with my confidance in the book's quality AND quantity, because I just don't believe it is long enough, or captivating.
Your post has helped alot, and I'll keep working on my novel (I've researched a bit and decided it wasn't going to be a novella. It is 46, 535 words and I'm half done.)
Thanks.

Madelaine Legault.

Mar 2, 2010 4:19 PM

Guest :

I think this is a fair article. But could a novel in this catagory be 20,000-40,000???

Mar 6, 2010 7:50 AM

Jennifer Jensen :

20-40K is more a middle grade length than YA, but very genre has exceptions. (JK Rowling is an exception on the other end of length.) Write the story the way it needs to be written, and go ahead and send it out, even if it's shorter than typical. On the other hand, consider if it's too short because you've summarized bits that should be complete scenes, etc. Don't pad it unnecessarily, but if you've written that he walked through a scary forest (or some more likely 1-2 sentence summary), then perhaps it needs to be expanded to scene worthy of a page or two.

Mar 9, 2010 5:05 PM

Guest :

With edgy YA, is there such thing as too descriptive? How often do manuscripts get turned away for being too descriptive (with sex, drug use, suicide)? What is your advice on writing an edgy young adult book, is there a wrong way to do it?

Mar 24, 2010 1:57 PM

Guest :

Ok, I'm writing a book. I actually started in the middle and am working forewards/backwards, where ever my story is leading me. Today I thought I'd spend some time in character, which got me thinking how old are my main characters!! The female in my book is out of high school and has tried 1 semester of college, so I figure maybe 19, but for young adult is like 21/22 too old for the male character? I was just writing my story, enjoying writing it, but now am stressing about ages.....

Mar 24, 2010 2:22 PM

Jennifer Jensen :

Re: edgy YA
I would say the same thing as with any other genre: yes, it's easy to be too descriptive. Consider the difference between spine-chiller horror and blood & gore horror.

I don't write edgy YA, so I'm not an expert on what editors want. But having read some good edgy stuff, and having raised three kids through adolescence, I would definitely keep the writing on the sensitive side. Follow the less-is-more adage and focus on the feelings and the kids dealing with those feelings, and their (and others') subsequent actions. You don't need a graphic sex scene to discuss a teen's confusion over sexuality.

As always, if anyone else would like to comment on the question, feel free!

Apr 22, 2010 7:58 AM

Guest :

The hardest part for me is to get the story going, the beginning. I already have the plot and characters in my head, but a majority of the time I do not know how to start it off.
"Padgett"

Apr 25, 2010 2:46 PM

Guest :

This is a really helpful article. I am rewriting my Young Adult Romance for the third time, and I think I've got it after reading this article. It helped very much and made me think about my teen past and made me want to ask friends and family about what it was like for them. Thank you!

Apr 27, 2010 2:09 AM

Jennifer Jensen :

Hi, Padgett. I'm like you - I often know the main parts of my story, but not how to start it. Especially how to start it with a good hook. My suggestion is to just begin writing, even if you know it's chapter 2 or the middle of the story. Get your characters involved and somewhere along the way, the beginning will suggest itself.

Alternatively, pick a point fairly early in the plot where there's immediate conflict, and start right smack in the middle of it. Then after you've written a few chapters, you can go back and judiciously fill in some necessary backstory.

However you do it, the important thing is to just start - don't wait until you figure out the best way to open the story, or you'll never get there. Good luck!

May 13, 2010 10:01 PM

Guest :

thanks very much for the info. i have writing and rewriting my novel for about 2 years now, especially because I wasn't sure how old to 'write' the characters and how old they would 'sound', but you have definitely alleviated some of my worries. And as i was reading some of the comments, I found the last one very useful in how to just go with your stories, because I, too, have found it to be extremely stressful and sometimes dissuading to want to charge into the main scenes which I see over and over in my head. Thank you very much! also I apologize for the informality I wrote with heheh
-p-

May 14, 2010 3:01 PM

Guest :

I think it would be harder to break into the market with an edgy YA novel. Most novels I've read in the category have been written by author's who have already gotten their foot in the door with lighter works.
I also think that it is harder to achieve mainstream success with an Edgy Young Adult novel. Not because Teens won't read them - in my experience teenagers are incredibly difficult creatures to shock or offend - but because such books make parents and carers uncomfortable.

May 20, 2010 6:45 PM

Guest :

Great! Thanks! I'm really into writing story's, and I've always wanted to get a novel published. :)

Jun 30, 2010 5:54 AM

Guest :

thank you for this article. i'm 14 and beginning to write a vamp novel and this article really gave me a boost of confidence. i'm now confused that if i want to publish my work how do i do it

Jul 3, 2010 2:59 AM

Guest :

thank you posting this because it was most helpful.

Jul 4, 2010 7:11 AM

Guest :

Hi Padgett, its funny you brought that up because that was my problem for the longest time. For months I just read everything I could about writing tips etc.. because I could not find a way to begin my story. Like you, I had the characters and the theme all set etc... but how do I start the darn thing? Well, in my research I found this book at a second hand book store called "So You Want to Write. How to Master the Craft of Writing Fiction and the Personal Narrative." (If your interested it is written by Marge Piercy and Ira Wood). Anyhow, they have chapters on everything, its a great book, and one of the chapters is called "beginnings" and they had a great suggestion, very similar to Ms. Jensens...just write! Even if it is in the middle of the story, just write! She was pointing out on some of her more popular novels that what ended up as chapter 6 was actually where she had begun writing. She says many many writers do this. As you get involved in the story and get into it, you will come up with some interesting ideas of how to backtrack and you will come up with, more than likely, many choice ideas on what to make the beginning....I am just starting a book myself (a lifelong dream as I am now 40 years old and finally have the time lol ) and I thought I had started it off at a good beginning but am now, as I am getting more into the story, contemplating making a new beginning. The very first line of mine started as "I could tell this was going to be another one of those days...." So sometimes you can just "jump in" but I think your best bet is, as Ms. Jensen as well as the author of the book Im reading say, just start at one of scenes you do know about. Say there is a fight scene in your book, or an argument, just start it out, even if it doesnt sound correct at this point. "The first punch she threw made perfect contact with my already mishapen nose.." or something like that and just go from there. You are a writer, the words will begin to flow as you go along and if they do not, then skip a few lines or pages and start writing in the middle of another scene, perhaps where they become friends months after the fight..."I can't believe how much I hated you when I first met you. Remember how you broke my nose?" These are just silly little one liners off the top of my head, nothing professional etc.. but just trying to give you an idea of what I'm trying to say :) The best of luck to you, and to everyone else here who is taking those first steps towards making their dream come true! (and also to Ms. Jensen for your wonderful advice and for being kind enough to share it with the rest of the world :) Cheers!!

Jul 18, 2010 3:28 PM

Guest :

Im 13 and I read YA books but i don't know how good i am at writing them. Im half way through about 5 stories (that i hope will eventually become books) and i keep getting stuck when it comes to a theme. I have a plot and everything but I can't think of what the theme is at all. Can there be just a story without a theme?

Jul 21, 2010 3:33 PM

Jennifer Jensen :

Dear 13-year-old Guest:
If you have a plot and characters, my advice is to not worry about the theme yet.

Your English teachers will all tell you to find a theme in the stories you study, and that the stories you write need to have a theme. And they're right. But if you don't have a theme already running in your head, just write your story anyway. Then when you're done with the first draft, re-read it - I'll bet you'll be surprised that a theme comes out by itself. It's there in your subconscious and it will flow through to your characters and how they act and react.

Aug 1, 2010 3:59 PM

Guest :

hi this has helped me a lot i am an 18 year old and i have writen at least 3 storys but still need to find a publisher this has been very helpfull :)

Aug 3, 2010 6:41 AM

Guest :

Thank you for this. I am 14 and writing a YA Novel and this really helped, since I am writing as an older female. An age I that I haven't been to yet, so hopefully it will turn out like a normal girl that age.

Aug 8, 2010 3:14 AM

Guest :

I'v always loved to write stories; my imagination just runs wild on its own accord! And I have actually finished a YA novel and sent it out to an agent, but got rejected. (If those who are doing the same, you have to expect the worst -do not get your hopes up, believe me). But because my imaginative mind won't allow me to rest, I haven't given up on my story. I have thousands of ideas for many stories and so I know I was meant to write them. I've recently gone back to a story I first started when I was 14, and now, almost 4 years later, I've been given the inspiration and motivation to re-write it. So for those who feel exactly the same way, please do not give up on your writing. If you have a story and it will not leave your head, then you were meant to write it.
Good luck!

Aug 29, 2010 12:43 PM

Guest :

Thanks for this article! I'm 15, and I've been writing books for years now. But I've never been able to really connect with my characters and relate to them as a teen. But when I read this and wrote accordingly, I saw not only myself but the person I aspire to be reflected in my characters. Thank you!

Aug 31, 2010 12:27 AM

Guest :

Man, thank you so much for this article! I'm trying to fit my novel into the YA category. I had over 100,000 words and just butchered my own story down to about 70,000 about 30 minutes ago!

OUCH!

Well,now that the stinging pain is starting to fade, I actually like the story better now. Lot less for me to edit anyway. I can leave the cut chapters for a sequel. :)

My YA novel still has lots of swearing in it. I know that's going to make it harder for me to find a publisher, but it takes place in a high school in New York. I've lived in NY all my life and couldn't make a NY teen character believable if he wasn't dropping "F-bombs" every now and then. So I think i'm going to have to bite the bullet on that one.

I've got a blog up and I started sending my work out to agents. I'll let you guys know my progress and the trials and tribulations of getting my first novel published! Thanks for this awesome article once again...it's helping me to make my work better!

http://anythingforsasuke.wordpress.com

Sep 21, 2010 2:50 PM

Guest :

i thought this very helpful and hope i can do as good a job as i intend. my problem is i can start a story but thats about it. honestly, im not sure how many chapter ones i have got just laying around. If i complete chapter two of the one im working on, i'll consider that a great sucess. Thanks again

Nov 14, 2010 5:58 PM

Guest :

I am a teen myself and I'm starting on my first YA book. I don't think it will be published but I'm going to try anyway. Your article has been really helpfull and I was wondering if my beginning could be to long? I'm only 38 pages in and I only started putting action in on the 32 page. the first pages were all about the main character explaining things, and expressing questions she had. Also is there such a thing as being to descriptive?

Thanks a lot. :)

Nov 26, 2010 12:06 PM

Guest :

I'm a 14-year-old author and have already published a fantasy novel. Now I am working on a YA "edgy" book (I suppose it *is* a little edgy since the main character deals with anorexia and suicidal thoughts)... I like this article but I have to disagree with the issue regarding strong language. High school — even middle school — cannot be properly portrayed by a cast of saintlike, non-cussing characters, and you'll lose a lot of audience if your book is like that because it just won't be realistic. Just my 2¢.

PS - Am I the only person who gags every time they see another "vampire book" on the shelves?

Dec 4, 2010 7:53 PM

Guest :

Thanks for this. I'm a teen myself and i'm writing a novel!

Dec 9, 2010 1:48 PM

Guest :

@14 year. old "guest" (Nov. 26 2010), you sad you have "already published" a YA Edgy novel. Now my question is : Did you publish (self-published) or WERE you published (major publisher or small press published you book? Not Lulu.com or a vanity press)...There IS a difference.
P.S. Sorry you hate seeing books about me on shelves.
-Vampire

Dec 17, 2010 2:54 AM

Guest :

I am a junior author, and this has really helped my summarize my novel.
Thank you.

Dec 27, 2010 8:24 AM

Guest :

Hello, I am a thirteen year old who wants to be published. I've written a 28,000 word story which is on its third draft, but I'm still really worried that it's too short. I want to send it off but think that it will be rejected for being too short. What should I do?

PS I've already tried about a million times to lengthen it, but it's STILL too short.
PPS It is intended to be the first in a series.

Mar 9, 2011 10:10 AM

Guest :

I am 12, and am writing a book. So far it is only 90 pages, and i am already halfway through. It isnt edgy at all, and uses soft language for young ages to understand. However i am beginning to worry and feel cautius whether it is too short, or the publuisher wont like it. Please, if anybody can help with this, all coments are appreciated.
Thanks again,
Panini

Mar 12, 2011 6:55 PM

Guest :

i'm trying to find a publisher,but i don't think anyone would publish a middleschooler's novel

Mar 14, 2011 1:46 PM

Guest :

Hey, I'm Tina. I'm currently 17 years old and am writing a YA novel. I'm not sure which sub-heading my novel is under yet. I really like this article and it helped me to see if I'm on track (which I am).

PS: Vampire novels get a bad rep. If they're written right, Vampire novels can be as good as any other kind. Its an easy thing to write about because it's popular right now but it can also be the hardest. I mean, there are so many out there that it's hard to be unique (such as Twilight).
I'm not writing a vampire novel per say but my novel does feature a few angry Axeilans (my version of Vampires). I'm just defending those who do write vampire novels.

Mar 24, 2011 8:00 AM

Guest :

I am in the middle of witing a vampire YA book and found this article very helpful.

Mar 26, 2011 5:49 PM

Guest :

This is a great article thank you for your help. :)
I have a quick question though. I'm thirteen, is that too young to write a ya book? I have a good vocabulary and I think my writing is decent (I'm on my fist draft though)

May 14, 2011 12:38 PM

Guest :

@ 13 year old with good vocabulary: Go for it! There is no sense in waiting to write if you have a good idea now! Even if you end up getting new interests or not sending it away, you'll have grown so much from the process. There's nothing to lose; just write!
-Helene

May 21, 2011 9:55 PM

Guest :

Not to discourage anyone, but getting a book published is very hard. It's not simply a matter of banging it out on a computer and then contacting a publisher. Consider this: The average writer writes 5 novels over a ten year period that are not published before writing a book that is publishable. Don't believe it? Sinclair Lewis' first five novels were rejected as unpublishable. His sixth book, Main Street, was published and became a best seller. Sinclair Lewis is the first American to win the Nobel Prize for writing. Stephen King's first seven novels were rejected as unpublishable before he wrote Carrie. Again, I'm not trying to discourage anyone from pursuing their dream, but for some reason, everyone thinks that writing a publishable novel is easy. I recommend buying books to study the craft. Join a writer's critique group. Write short stories to learn your craft.

Jun 27, 2011 4:00 PM

Guest :

As for "foul language" concerns, and wether or not they'd be accepted or even needed, instead of writing out "#*@)$&!" Then just write "She/He/It spat out a string of obscenities" and let the reader decide to leave it at that, or fill it in. It's a great way to have "cussing" that never surpasses the reader's own "bad vocab." 14yr-olds and 19yr-olds will interpret that differently, and it gives the book a wider reader range without totally subtracting the language element, if you want it.

Best of luck to future/current authors, but be warned- I've read that 3,000 books are published each day! It's a competative market- hire a translator to broaden your audience to other countries, if you can!

Sep 24, 2011 10:57 PM

Guest :

Thank you very much Mrs.Jenifer. :)

Feb 16, 2012 12:26 AM

Guest :

I'm glad to find something that informs me of the word count expectancy for young adult novels. I have two fully written adult novels plus another one on the way and just started my young adult novel. I clearly do not expect to put as many words in my YA as I did my adult.

My advice on writing: If your first draft sucks then take the best of it, scrap the rest, and start fresh. I had 50K+ words on my very first manuscript but it wasn't going anywhere. Take the time and effort to get the proper feeling for your stories. It's worth it.

Great article. Good luck people! :)

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