Comments on: Postadolescent or “New Adult” Fiction

By: writing resolutions and this fangle-dangle new genre i find intriguing « lyndsey d.

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:14:30 +0000

[...] Jae Jones, editorial assistant at St. Martin’s Press has posted an explanation to the new adult genre on her blog, using examples! [...]

By: day_forex

day_forex — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:12:37 +0000

I like this place really much.

This is such a great website.
And it is not like other money directed web, the message here is very helpful.

I am definitely bookmarking it as well as sharin it with my friends.

By: Melony Pulley

Melony Pulley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:19:15 +0000

Thanks for your great posts about this Postadolescent genre! I’m so thrilled that the need has been seen and that you’re planning to do something about it! My question – as an author whose series is most suited for this new genre, Are agents going to recognize that when I’m querying them? It’s been a real problem for me trying to figure out who to query because they are either YA or adult and I just don’t think my books fit in either that well. So, when will we see agents who are looking for books for this genre? Thanks!

By: pgm

pgm — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:23:17 +0000

I’d like to agree with this person, whole-heartedly. Speak your your*self*, thanks, because presuming that you get to make these remarks for others is ridiculous. Not to mention the sheer rudeness inherent in your condescending statements about young adults.

By: Meg

Meg — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:09 +0000

I’m wondering if you had considered the ageist implications of this genre or of making such statements as “Our lives have immediacy, just as a teenager’s does, but we also possess the wisdom to understand that this immediacy cannot last for long”

So, at what age does immediacy run out? 30? 40?

Moreover, as someone who is 25 and a married woman, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t speak for me. I don’t think I lack for being “grown up” enough. I don’t think I lack for scope in my life or my reading either.

I also think you’re being rather offensive to your YA readers when you say books with their “voices” cannot see anything but “now” and “later”. I can point to a lot of people younger than I who have a great deal of scope on their lives and experiences and know damn well that youth is transient.

This is rather ageist, so please stop using the “we”. You and your journey in life are your business, but do not presume that because you know when I was born that you know where I am mentally, emotionally, or literarily.

By: Gareth Mottram

Gareth Mottram — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:34:47 +0000

Thanks for this – gives some clues to that elusive crossover market but as you say, “a good story, well told” has universal appeal.

For marketing, the industry probably needs some sort of appealing term for this market/age group doesn’t it? How about XYA – “X” for crossover, obviously, but also with connotations of “X” rated – edgier, sexual elements, horror, adult issues etc? It might appeal to the aspirational (younger) teen readers as well.

By: Kerri

Kerri — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:01:53 +0000

Am I eligible for the contest if my novel opens when the main character is 15 years old, but for the bulk of the manuscript she is in her 20’s? It’s a very fast-paced coming of age story that covers fourteen years. I just want to make sure I follow the guidelines before I go ahead and enter.

Thanks for this contest and thanks for the work you’re doing to fill this niche.

By: MarcyKate Connolly » Blog Archive » No Man’s Land No Longer: “New Adult” Genre

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:43:49 +0000

[...] Read the full post here and about the contest here. [...]

By: Cate Hart

Cate Hart — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:02:24 +0000

Wow, I had read several other posts from both agents and editors talking about what makes YA and Adult different, but I think you really just summed it up beautifully. Like Corrine, I was on the fence about my own story. And I knew that the voice felt more YA than adult – the immmediacy of actions and repercussions and self-centered thought – but I also had things that the characters were dealing with that were above a high schooler’s scope. I’m so glad that you and Dan are considering this middle ground world between teens and adults. YAY!

By: Corinne Bowen

Corinne Bowen — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:57:59 +0000

Thank you so much for writing about this issue! Now that I’ve finished the first full draft of my novel and I’m working on revisions while beta readers give feedback, I’m struggling to figure out where the book would fit in the bookstore. At first I thought YA, but my MC is in her early 20s and dealing with adult issues. I had never heard of “New Adult” until reading your blog. I searched for other blogs/websites discussing this genre, but no dice. Do you know of anyone else focusing on this genre? Can’t wait for you to discuss your insights more! Thank you for sharing.