New Adult

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

I'm starting this by saying I hate that title. I hate it as a post header and I hate it as a category descriptor. (Transitional or some such would be a lot less insulting to those in that age group. If they've already been "young" adults, then how are they suddenly "new" adults?)

I've read and commented on a couple of blog posts about this subject recently, so rather than continuing to repeat myself, I'm going to do my own post.

It's no secret that NA's a tough sell - just like it's no secret that those who write college age protags are stuck in a sort of limbo where they feel they have to either age their characters up or down to fit the market. However, there are some stories that ONLY fit a young person who is tasting the first freedom (and fear) that comes with college-life, or the disappointment that comes with missing out on it.

The main problem, from a marketing standpoint, seems to be that post-high school life is so diverse that there's no real common ground that stretches across all of it. (FYI, life is always diverse. If you think going to HS in Texas is like going to a school in NYC, maybe I should explain that there's a greater difference between states than simple geography. Never mind the changes that come when you leave the country and get into 6th form schools and the like.)

So for those of you who write in this age group (I've done it myself.) let me offer what I think is a bit of logical hope: Think digital.

This goes for publishers, too.

Your core audience for "new adult" are those in college. This year's incoming freshman mark the first generation of kids born completely after the rise of the Internet; they've never lived without it. They're more comfortable with the technology required for reading e-books than any others before them. Between smart phones and e-readers (and Kindle apps for their laptops) e-books provide them the kind of convenience and portability that's necessary for college life.

Many universities are already going to e-books for their courses, so downloading a few extra titles of interest isn't a stretch.

I truly believe that, while it's an age group and not a genre, "new adult" will be the first group of books where the successes are solidly e-book (commercially published or otherwise). Sure, there will be some print ones, but given the core audience and the hectic pace of life in university, it's more likely that they'll latch onto something meant to compliment what they're already carrying and not add another ounce to their bags. (iPhone for the win - a library in your back pocket!)

College kids talk. They share. They're web-savvy and they pass on the things they like. If what they like is a well written series that stars someone they could either know, or be, then so be it. I know I'd love to have them talking up something I wrote, paper or not. I'd sure love to have them Tweeting links to an Amazon purchase page with my name on it.

7 Chiming In:

Brent Wescott said...

"New Adult" is a term that's new to me. But I guess my WiP fits that category. (The protag has just graduated high school.) I'll have to read up on this alarming trend. ;)

I reciprocate your thoughts on ebooks and college students. There's got to be a market there.

Linda said...

I hadn't thought of it before, but I think you make a great point. I read a self-published book a few months ago that I'm pretty sure would be considered New Adult. And I've seen a few others as well. I agree about college students and ebooks too.

Travis Erwin said...

Great points. This is something I've never thought about much but I see both the problem and your idea for a solution. My upcoming release is a coming of age memoir but despite the age of the protag (me) the content makes it feel older. Or so i think. Anyway my publisher never talked about my age being a hindrance.

Michelle D. Argyle said...

I have a novel coming out next year that is technically new adult, and my publisher is calling it new adult, but really marketing it as young adult. It's a book that I knew would never sell with a large publisher, so I'm very happy to have it with a small press. It's a perfect fit and will do well for its category.

Great insights on this!

Josin L. McQuein said...

It's great to hear that some of you are having success in this age group. I've heard so many people over the last couple of years lament how unfair it is that no one wants college aged protags, I'm happy to see there've been more exceptions than I knew.

Michelle D. Argyle said...

It is nice to see, I admit. My character never actually goes to college during the course of the story. She's kidnapped before she gets to go. :)

Melissa Sugar said...

The term New Adult is new to me, but your post makes a lot of sense. I often wondered when the generation of all technical would become adults. They have never experienced a life without it and they are our future. It sounds like the Young Adult genre will do well in the e-book version

It is nice to meet you. I am a new follower

Post a Comment