One of the more common themes I hear from people when they discover I’ve written a Young Adult (YA) novel is where to find clean YA novels for their students. While the Indie market seems to be doing well concerning publishing strong YA novels, traditional publishing is not.
It is no secret amongst YA pre-published authors seeking traditional publishing that no one is looking for Young Adult. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I haven’t been frantic to finish my novel—where would I send it?
Speaking to anyone in the industry (Agents and publishers alike) always results in the same answer. You will need to be a standout author with an exceptional platform for someone to take a chance on you and publish your novel.
Write better.
Have a large platform.
Do this… Do that… Maybe you’ll stand out in the slush pile.
For the first time, I walked away from a writing event with a practical step regarding YA that actually seems attainable.
Pray.
I know. That seems like a “duh” answer, but the reality is we are facing a spiritual battle. Satan DOES NOT want our students reading wholesome fiction. He wants them inundated with spicy, LGBTQ themes that make sex and gender identity common.
How do we break cycles? We pray. God can and will do amazing things when His people pray.
So here’s what I’m asking you to do –
Pray. And very specifically, please pray for new leadership at a publishing house. Doesn’t matter which one, just one who prints YA. (Bethany House, HarperCollins-Thomas Nelson/Zondervan, and Tyndale)
Steal my simple, yet specific prayer –
God, please bring a new Vice President into the publishing industry who has kids and wants to publish novels for them.
Together, we can change the industry.
Prayers going up for you!! 🙏
Thank you!