Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies

From Harry Potter and the Twilight series to Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy, YA fiction has never been more popular. Even James Patterson has gotten into the game! For writers looking for tips of the trade, Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies® (Wiley, ISBN: 978-0-470-94954-2, July 2011) features essential information and steps necessary to write a fiction book for young adults, from developing an idea to publication. 

The book covers:

• An overview of writing, from dialogue and point of view to plot, setting, and character construction
• Tips for targeting an audience, finding an angle that’ll make the story stand out, and writing a killer hook
• Unique writing exercises to help readers find their own authentic teen voice
• How to avoid common mistakes in trying to reach teens 
• Insider tips for finding the right agent and/or editor and preparing a stand-out submission package
• Answers to common book contract questions
• Advice on self-publishing for YA writers
• An extensive chapter on self-marketing to help writers move boldly into the realm of self-promotion
• Answers to questions such as: How do writers break in to the flourishing young adult market? How do they tap their wild side and find their "inner teen"? What are pitfalls to avoid when submitting manuscripts?

Writing Young Adult Fiction For Dummies® also features 13 National Book Award winners and finalists, Newbery medalists and honorees, and other award-winning luminaries sharing their insights. Notable contributors include: M.T. Anderson (foreword), Karen Cushman, Jane Yolen, Jennifer Donnelly, Deborah Wiles, Kathi Appelt, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Gary Soto, Mary E. Pearson, Jean Ferris, Darcy Pattison, agent Erin Murphy, and Senior Editor Kate Harrison at Dial Books for Young Readers.