Writing Workshop: Exploring YA

Young adult (YA) has consistently been one of the fastest-growing publishing categories in recent years, with a devoted reader base that extends well beyond teens, attracting fans of all ages.

But what distinguishes YA from adult and middle grade fiction? How have the norms and expectations of the category shifted in recent years? What about sex, drugs, and swearing? What’s in and what’s out?

In this workshop, led by Allegory Editing Founder and Executive Editor Andrea Karin Nelson, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of writing YA so your work can catch the eye of agents, publishers, and readers. In addition to craft, we’ll also touch on the business side of the category, including gatekeepers and ways for authors to attract YA readers.

Andrea Karin Nelson: In addition to her developmental editing work with published novelists, playwrights, and essayists, Andrea brings a unique set of experiences and skills to her editing craft. Twenty years as a writer and theater maker has developed her keen sense of story structure, plot and character development. Her plays have been commissioned and produced across the United States and performed in both English and American Sign Language. Fifteen years as a Master-Level, Certified Sign Language Interpreter has finely tuned her ear to the subtleties of language and the nuances of human interactions. And with over two decades as an educator, her teacher's heart allows Andrea to personally tailor her work with each writer. Click here to read Andrea’s recent interview on her journey founding Allegory.