Did you know that genre fiction like fantasy, romance, or sci-fi all have very distinctive markers that tell potential readers what genre the book is in? Then there is subgenre to consider. Young Adult(YA) books are no different. But YA covers a whole spectrum of genres within the YA category. So, what is it that makes a book cover fit the YA category?
Read below to find out what makes a YA book cover look like a YA book cover. And why it’s incredibly important to get it right.
YA Book Covers Fit the Category When They Include These Elements
Like all book covers, YA book covers fit the category by containing certain expected elements. These elements let readers know exactly what type of book they’re seeing in front of them. Although there are different genres within YA that all have their own appropriate tone to reflect the content, a book cover fits the YA category by including the following elements in their designs.
- Big, bold colors: The colors used will be bright and saturated and often contrasting
- Symbolism: this makes the tone and theme very obvious to younger readers
- Main character/s will be featured on the cover
- They are usually illustrated
- Whimsical and handwritten style fonts are common
Some Important Details to Consider About YA Books
In case you’re confused about YA books and their audience, there are some things that can be clarified. The YA genre is not for young children and shouldn’t be confused with children’s books or even juvenile fiction. Although it’s true that some younger children, and many adults read in the YA genre.
But you don’t want to design a cover with kids younger than twelve in mind. These book covers fit the YA category when they are designed with readers from twelve to eighteen years of age in mind.
This means the book cover should not look like a book for adults, despite the crossover readership, and it shouldn’t appeal to too young of an audience.
Conversely, you don’t want your adult fiction book cover to appear as if it is a YA novel. Even if it has some of the same themes.
So, those illustrations we mentioned above are not TOO cartoon-like and the font won’t be child-like. These are clear elements of children’s books for younger readers.
Your Book Covers Fit the Category Best When You Know What the Genre Is!
Because YA fiction is a category based on the age of the audience, it encompasses more than just one genre. You can have all the elements we listed above, but you’ll still need to have those other elements signaling that your book cover fits the genre itself.
For instance, a YA Fantasy is going to look different than a YA Science Fiction book, and different from a coming-of-age story or Romance. You can read more about making sure your book cover fits the genre here.
Once you know for sure your book fits into the YA category, it’s important to have an understanding of your genre, and potential subgenres when it comes time to start the cover design process. Because your book cover is its biggest marketing tool! And you want your book to end up in the hands of your audience. You definitely don’t want to confuse your readers! Your book cover sets expectations of what they will find within it.
You can read more about what specifically makes a book fit the YA category and look good doing it here.
If you’re a YA author and need help with your book cover, or website, feel free to reach out and see how we can help you shine!
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