That is so sad, we have so many teens come into the library looking for something to read that is not fantasy or dystopian and I always recommend your books! We have them all!
I find it so crazy that publishers are completely ignoring contemporary YA. Authors like Lynn Painter are still doing it and selling loads of books. You are a proven author with decades of writing and amazing books that people keep coming back to year after year. It just doesn’t make sense why they aren’t running to publish your books! I’m turning 30 this year but have been reading your books since I was 12. I reread them every few years and they just never get old. I think I’ve said this once before in a comment, but please consider self-publishing! I’m sure the publisher rejection is not easy, but self-publishing and getting the love that your books are guaranteed to get once they get into your devoted readers hands might be the kind of boost you need to reinvigorate your writing.
I agree with you! I'm well into adulthood (not gonna say how many decades that is for me) and I still enjoy YA novels. I don't understand what's up with the publishing industry, either. But! Trends change, cycles shift. Fingers crossed that I'll get to read another Sarah Dessen novel in the not-too-distant future. Meanwhile, I'll keep re-reading!
"Also everyone keeps telling me no one is publishing contemporary YA anymore anyway, which is kind of disheartening." I find that hard to believe. There are plenty of stories in that market, but maybe they just aren't getting enough attention. Therefore it seems as if it's not desirable. As an adult I still like Young Adult Fiction and prefer realistic stories to Fantasy. I agree that you should continue writing. There are still more stories in you that your fans (including myself) would want to read. Finding the right publishers, who see that, is key.
I get so frustrated when they're on their "no one wants contemporary YA" cycle. I ALWAYS want to read contemporary, and I know a lot of people do as well. I mean, what is a rom-com, other than a contemporary? And I for sure always want to read your books!
But it is rough out there; the publishers are really snatching up romantasy. It's like they have tunnel vision, and they chase the money instead of the readers. I love being a part of this industry, but I also hate it sometimes.
Anyway, I hope you and your family are safe. This storm seems unprecedented and I'm worried about a lot of loved ones. Sending all of you love!
Ah! This Lullaby is my favorite after Truth About Forever! I would love to see it into a movie! Hope you’re all safe with the hurricane though. Cookies and Wordle too :)
That is so sad, we have so many teens come into the library looking for something to read that is not fantasy or dystopian and I always recommend your books! We have them all!
Are you able to publish through Amazon?
I find it so crazy that publishers are completely ignoring contemporary YA. Authors like Lynn Painter are still doing it and selling loads of books. You are a proven author with decades of writing and amazing books that people keep coming back to year after year. It just doesn’t make sense why they aren’t running to publish your books! I’m turning 30 this year but have been reading your books since I was 12. I reread them every few years and they just never get old. I think I’ve said this once before in a comment, but please consider self-publishing! I’m sure the publisher rejection is not easy, but self-publishing and getting the love that your books are guaranteed to get once they get into your devoted readers hands might be the kind of boost you need to reinvigorate your writing.
I agree with you! I'm well into adulthood (not gonna say how many decades that is for me) and I still enjoy YA novels. I don't understand what's up with the publishing industry, either. But! Trends change, cycles shift. Fingers crossed that I'll get to read another Sarah Dessen novel in the not-too-distant future. Meanwhile, I'll keep re-reading!
"Also everyone keeps telling me no one is publishing contemporary YA anymore anyway, which is kind of disheartening." I find that hard to believe. There are plenty of stories in that market, but maybe they just aren't getting enough attention. Therefore it seems as if it's not desirable. As an adult I still like Young Adult Fiction and prefer realistic stories to Fantasy. I agree that you should continue writing. There are still more stories in you that your fans (including myself) would want to read. Finding the right publishers, who see that, is key.
I get so frustrated when they're on their "no one wants contemporary YA" cycle. I ALWAYS want to read contemporary, and I know a lot of people do as well. I mean, what is a rom-com, other than a contemporary? And I for sure always want to read your books!
But it is rough out there; the publishers are really snatching up romantasy. It's like they have tunnel vision, and they chase the money instead of the readers. I love being a part of this industry, but I also hate it sometimes.
Anyway, I hope you and your family are safe. This storm seems unprecedented and I'm worried about a lot of loved ones. Sending all of you love!
I feel the same way about my characters. If no one else reads the story, at least the stories they've entrusted me with have been set free!
Stay safe! 🙂
Ah! This Lullaby is my favorite after Truth About Forever! I would love to see it into a movie! Hope you’re all safe with the hurricane though. Cookies and Wordle too :)
I have been obsessed with your work since I was fourteen years old I wish that I could read some of your work for the first time again.
You could revise the phone book and I would buy every format because I know it would be good.
YA books are so impactful for young adults. I read all of your books in junior high and now you’re my daughter’s favorite author as well 🖤
Stay safe during the storm! I’m in carrboro and for the first time since I moved there I’ve gotten several tornado watches!
I’m not sure if anyone else is having this issue, but the article link just keeps taking me to a Google search for “high potential”?
That's my fault! I put the wrong link when I sent it out. You can find it here:https://people.com/sarah-dessen-recalls-working-with-mandy-moore-on-how-to-deal-exclusive-8718614
I loved the How to Deal article! Once of my all-time favorites. 😊
This storm is looming over asheville as well. I hope you’re staying safe!
There is absolutely an audience for your stories. I see the readers out there. I AM one of those readers.
Thank you for yet another fantastic friday five!