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Agents Help YA Authors Find Crossover Success

publishersweekly.com – Sunday July 13, 2025

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.”

To read the full article on publishersweekly.com, click here

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