Going YA

May 21, 2011 23:39

Since the popularity of YA novels has exploded in recent years, more and more established writers have been putting out new YA books or series. Sometimes they're connected to the adult books they've written, sometimes they're something entirely new. They are, however, sold in a different section of the bookstore from their previous work, which can be both good and bad. On the one hand, having a book in a whole new section means a bevvy of whole new readers. On the other hand, having a book in a whole new section means it's harder for your previous readers to find you. And, well, with changing genres there's always a risk, since it's inevitable that some of the readers who loved the previous work will loathe the new and different thing, especially if it's something they're not much intereted in. (And yes, despite what sales figures imply, there are people who don't like YA.)

There are, of course, nearly as many reactions as there are readers to hearing the news that your favourite author is starting a new YA series instead of writing more of that thing you're used to reading from them. For my very favourite, autobuy authors, I don't care one way or the other. I know I'll buy and read and enjoy whatever they come out with, whether it's geared to teens or adults. For others it's more of a risk, and when I get past the "wow, another one hopping on the YA bandwagon?" reaction, my response can vary from "well, I might pick it up if it sounds like it's made of awesome (but it had better be super awesome to stand out in the current YA market)" to "noooo, now they're not going to be writing more of that thing I liked and it's making my face sad."

How about you?

theme of the month, chatting circle

Previous post Next post
Up
[]