Giving up on YA agents and trying Adult

[Rachel Caldecott]

I am beginning to feel that my manuscript might appeal to older readers (everyone who has read and loved it so far has been over 30), and given that I am having no luck getting it placed with a YA agent, I'm beginning to think I have two options. 1. Self publish (you might have noticed I've been asking some questions about this on Litopia this morning. or 2. Target adult agents.

In my story, the main protagonists are young, but the issues are more adult. So while it is an adventure story, it looks at topics like the environment and prejudice. During my mother's time, the different categories didn't exist. It was all simpler... adult v children's, fiction v non-fiction. In some ways, breaking the market into smaller specialist pieces is advantageous (although I suspect it is money driven from the industry's side), in other ways, it seems to be limiting (from the author's point of view).

So, wise Litopians, please don't tell me the reason I haven't succeeded yet is because the m/s is no good. Feedback from the latest draft would suggest that it is good... it just doesn't neatly fit into the YA pocket.

Do you think I need to adjust the age of my protagonists and tweak a few details or should I send it out as it is to adult agents?

 

[Jackson Banks]

"In my story, the main protagonists are young, but the issues are more adult ." Young is pretty broad, how old are they? Their age will tell you exactly where they fall in placement.
"(although I suspect it is money driven from the industry's side) " Without a doubt money is the motivation for publishers. Its the reason I work


"So, wise Litopians, please don't tell me the reason I haven't succeeded yet is because the m/s is no good. Feedback from the latest draft would suggest that it is good ."
You do not have to answer this, but I would suggest reflecting on it. Is the feedback either coming from published/agented readers or a professional service, rather than friends? If the manuscript is fine as you suggest, then maybe its just a matter of continuing to query?

Finally, what will self publishing give you? The relief that the search for an agent is over? A guaranteed way to have your book out there? -I would suggest carefully considering your options based on what you want/what your dream is. Either way best of luck to you.

 

[RK Wallis]

How young is your main protag?

The problem is, just tweaking an age will impact the whole book. A 16 year old shouldn't 'tick' like a 30 year old. I'd hate to say 'just tweak' when it could ruin your book. I think if you decide on changing to adult, that means a major rewrite, IMHO.

What are your comp titles? Maybe use them to show the new mash. Like explained in this link, Choosing the Perfect Comparative Titles. That could save you touching the manuscript.

 

[RK Wallis]

lol, now you've got me, I'm curious,

Its the reason I work

What do you do?

 

[Rachel Caldecott]

Young is pretty broad, how old are they? 17/18 but could easily be made into their 20s

Without a doubt, money is the motivation for publishers. Its the reason I work true (me too)

Is the feedback either coming from published/agented readers or a professional service, rather than friends? I wouldn't just rely on friends. Most of the positive feedback is from people in the industry and in the film industry and beta readers I don't know.

Finally, what will self-publishing give you? If a trad publisher expects me to market and self-promote, which is the bit I hate - I may as well do all that work and keep more of the income. (Although I do have a hard time in separating self-publishing and vanity press (so I'm torn).

The relief that the search for an agent is over? Yes, because I'm impatient.
A guaranteed way to have your book out there? yup. -
I would suggest carefully considering your options based on what you want/what your dream is. Either way best of luck to you. Darn it, why do you have to be so smart?

 

[Rachel Caldecott]

How young is your main protag?

The problem is, just tweaking an age will impact the whole book. A 16 year old shouldn't 'tick' like a 30 year old. I'd hate to say 'just tweak' when it could ruin your book. I think if you decide on changing to adult, that means a major rewrite, IMHO.

What are your comp titles? Maybe use them to show the new mash. Like explained in this link, Choosing the Perfect Comparative Titles. That could save you touching the manuscript.

A bright 17/18-year-old living independently (orphaned 10 years prior)
I think you are right, it'll need more than tweaking.
So far everyone has compared it to Philip Pullman's trilogy.

 

[RK Wallis]

So far everyone has compared it to Philip Pullman's trilogy.

I've not read that, must put it on my list!

Maybe this link can help you decide what to do: The Ultimate Guide to YA Fiction • Writer's Edit. After a quick read of it, heavy topics shouldn't be a mark against your name. Sounds like you either self publish or keep trying to trad publish, and then it boils down to @Jackson Banks last point ... what are your dreams/goals?

One thing I will say (because I've done lots of reading on what to do), if you self publish, yes, you receive 70%, but your audience is a smaller pool. If you traditionally publish, that pool is bigger. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. This video (which I found through a link you provided, lol), is really helpful,