Another day, another YA label battle
I feel a need to comment this time.
The thing is, I understand what Mr. Marion is attempting to say (“YA as a label is used incorrectly in the publishing/marketing world and I want to distance myself from what it implies”) and I can sympathize with that idea. I understand frustration against what marketing wants to label you. But in my opinion, he is saying it in absolutely the wrong way. Insisting that you are not insulting anybody is useless if people are obviously insulted. As a writer, it means you are grossly miscommunicating.
I am constantly surprised by authors who strive to distance their work from the YA label. I had not intended Legend for ‘teens’. I’d intended it for anybody who might like a story about a young criminal vs a young detective. When I first sent it off to my agent, I said I thought it was probably science fiction. Then, when I was told that it fit rather neatly into the YA label, and more specifically the dystopian YA label, I shrugged and said “Cool”. I’m pretty sure I would’ve had the same reaction had Legend been labeled for adult SF/F or whatever. I can certainly agree that the YA label is not always used correctly by the publishing/marketing world, but let’s face it, all labels are used incorrectly in some fashion. All labels are broad umbrellas that lump all sorts of different things together. So perpetuating the idea that being labeled YA is “a rash on my eyeballs” is….well, kind of hurtful to see. Surely it’s obvious why this is insulting.
Personally, I’m more saddened than insulted. I sympathize, but I also disapprove. And I’m disheartened to see yet more fuel on the fire against the merit of YA.
Of course an author has the right to say that he thinks his book is misplaced in the bookstore. But the kind of vehemence shown here speaks to me of something deeper and more subconscious than that. This is not just somebody who thinks his book is being pitched at the wrong audience. This is somebody who truly believes that being labeled as YA is an insult. That the idea of your book being discovered by young readers instead of adult readers is an insult. That being placed in the same category as Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games is an insult. To each his own, of course. But don’t be surprised if, as a result, people think you’re a bit of an ass for saying it publicly. Yes, the YA label is imperfect, but please do not help perpetuate the same tired myths.
My advice: just flow with it. Own it. If you are proud of your work, then embrace whatever category/categories it’s in. That, more than anything, will help break this YA industry mislabeling that you are complaining against. If it’s sales numbers that you are worried about, then let me reassure you that being YA has not hurt your sales. If it’s not sales numbers you’re worried about, then….what’s the problem? Once your book is out in the world, you have zero control over who picks it up. So just appreciate any reader who happens to find it, regardless of his/her age, reading level, etc. Why does it even matter? Who cares? Somebody is reading the book. It’s a win win.
