Not long ago, authors were generally encouraged to stay in their lanes, writing-wise, in order to build name recognition and audiences. Not so anymore.
“We’re seeing more YA authors step into adult spaces—and when that move is intentional and well aligned, publishers are paying attention,” says Regina Brooks, president of Serendipity Literary Agency.
There might be more than one reason for the shift. “For certain genres—such as fantasy and romantic fantasy—the borders between YA and adult have seemed to blur,” says Peter Knapp, an agent and partner at Park, Fine & Brower. “We are finding we often have projects that might land on either a YA list or an adult list.”
Is category hopping only for high-profile authors? Not necessarily. “A strong voice and loyal readership can travel across categories, but it’s not a given,” Brooks says. “Even established YA names have to show that their adult work stands on its own. Brand equity can buy you creative freedom—but not a blank check. Publishers are still weighing risk, and they’re most receptive when the pivot feels organic and makes sense for the market.”
Knapp sees some of the same dynamics playing out. “While publishers do seem to value when a YA author has a nice fan base and can bring that to the table, and a visible online presence doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t seem to be a prerequisite for getting enthusiasm for adult debuts,” he says.
Suzie Townsend, VP and agent at New Leaf Literary & Media, finds that publishers are excited to work with authors who have strong name recognition or a strong brand already, “especially if they have an impressive sales track for their backlist and an engaged readership,” she says. “A publisher might be more likely to have a conversation or brainstorm a different concept for an author they know will be successful.”
Ultimately, agents play a big part in positioning their authors’ writing wherever it will work. “As an agent, I’m always thinking vertically—especially with my children’s and YA authors,” Brooks says. “If their readers have matured, their brand can too. I encourage my authors to know both their craft and their community of readers and what it takes to grow alongside them.”
