Young Adult Novels

This genre has become stronger especially with the number of manuscripts sent to agents. Editors are getting more stories that aim to appeal to the young adult genre. It has become more competitive in that a great copy is read by more than two agents. However, unlike the previous trends in young adult novels, editors notice a shift in readers’ interest. Fantasy novels still sell, but what most readers are looking for now are stories based on the real world.

Contemporary Realism

Contemporary realism is one of today’s trendsetters in young adult literature. Two authors in this genre are John Green and Ellen Hopkins whose works immediately reached the bestseller status. John Green’s recent novel, The Fault In Our Stars, has nearly 2.5 million copies sold; and this is after 19 months since it was released. He also played a part in launching Young Adult Literature in his book review of Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park. Ellen Hopkins is another contemporary realism writer whose novels went straight to the bestseller list. Her books discuss drug addiction, prostitution, and mental illness. Contemporary realism has been a mainstay for teen readers. With the success of authors like Green, Hopkins, and Rowell, stories in this genre now have a bigger chance of succeeding. Readers today want a strong voice and a good hook. Stories in this genre can be romance, mystery, or thriller. The challenge for writers, however, is the distinctiveness of voice. It’s pulling off an authentic individual voice which the writer uses to tell the story.

A Shift in Interest

Dystopian novels may still be around, but don't hook readers today like before. Vampires, and other paranormal creatures like werewolves and mermaids, are not as interesting as when Twilight became a hit. They are simply not selling these days. Back then, paranormal novels were overly published and now readers have shifted interest. Series may still encourage readers but they are not as compelling as before. With contemporary realism, readers are back to reading stand-alone novels. If there were trilogies, the first two books were a duo while the third is a stand-alone. What was easy to sell then isn’t selling now.

Hungry for More Realistic Fiction

Thrillers are genres you can add to the next big literary trends. Authors have started to write novels in this theme with a more realistic approach. Contemporary realism gave readers a story that’s easier to relate to. In Green’s review of Rowell’s book, he related how the story reminded him of being young and in love. It also gave reminded him of falling in love with a book.

A lot of contemporary realism novels are focused on what a teen goes through. Stories of budding romance, friendship, and love have sold millions of copies as much as those which tell of abuse, bullying, and rebellion. Today’s literary trend is surely based on real life situations. Knowing what's next is definitely more exciting.