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The Daily Insight

How do you write a YA fantasy novel?

Author

Rachel Hernandez

Updated on February 18, 2026

Top 5 Tips For Writing Compelling Young Adult Fiction
  1. Write from the right perspective. Perspective is a basic and incredibly crucial part of any young adult piece of writing.
  2. Be mindful of the language you're using.
  3. Explore character progression and growth throughout the story.
  4. Be careful with plot and form.
  5. Include plenty of tension and conflict.

Also question is, how do you write a YA?

  • Don't think of YA as 'adult fiction that's been dumbed-down'
  • Make sure your characters are the right age.
  • Focus on authenticity.
  • Write fully-formed, three-dimensional characters.
  • Find the right voice for your protagonist.
  • Don't write around heavy subject matter.
  • Don't write into trends.
  • One may also ask, what defines a YA novel? Young adult fiction (YA) is a category of fiction written for readers from 12 to 18 years of age. Common themes related to YA include friendship, first love, relationships, and identity. Stories that focus on the specific challenges of youth are sometimes referred to as problem novels or coming-of-age novels.

    Consequently, how do you write a fantasy novel?

    13 Kick-Ass Tips For Writing Fantasy From Professional Fantasy Editors

    1. Identify your market.
    2. Develop your world through short stories.
    3. Plot out your story before you begin.
    4. Tie your worldbuilding into your plot.
    5. Keep your story relevant through real-world themes.
    6. Use all five of your senses.
    7. Give your world internal rules.

    What makes a YA book popular?

    The most obvious characteristic of a YA novel is a teenage protagonist. Just as adult books feature adult characters, YA books feature characters who are young adults. The majority of protagonists in YA novels are high-school-aged, so your protagonist should most likely be between the ages of 12 and 18.

    Related Question Answers

    How do I write my first book?

    Phase 1: Getting started
    1. Decide what the book is about. Good writing is always about something.
    2. Set a daily word count goal. John Grisham began his writing career as a lawyer and new dad — in other words, he was really busy.
    3. Set a time to work on your book every day.
    4. Write in the same place every time.

    What Ya means in English?

    young adult

    How long is a YA novel?

    That said, in general Young Adult books tend to be around 50,000 - 90,000 words. Although 110,000 word Young Adult novels exist they're the minority, as are 50,000 words or below books.

    How do you get a YA book published?

    Getting your book traditionally published is a step-by-step process of:
    1. Determining your genre or category of work.
    2. Finding appropriate agents or publishers for your work.
    3. Preparing your submissions materials (a query letter, usually).
    4. Submitting your materials to agents or editors.

    How do you tell if a book is ya?

    Over 25 – If your main characters are all over 25 then your book is almost certainly an adult novel. NOTE: Kids tend to read up, so while adult books can have protagonists of any age, most kids want to read stories about children their own age or a bit older.

    How do you begin a story?

    Find out which starter makes your partner most interested in reading your story.
    1. Start with action or dialogue.
    2. Ask a question or set of questions.
    3. Describe the setting so readers can imagine it.
    4. Give background information that will interest readers.
    5. Introduce yourself to readers in a surprising way.

    How do you outline a novel?

    How to Create a Novel Outline
    1. Craft your premise. This is the underlying idea for your story.
    2. Determine your setting. In a novel, the setting (time, place) can be just as important as the characters.
    3. Get to know your characters. Write character profiles.
    4. Construct your plot. Construct a timeline of events.
    5. Write your scenes.

    How do you write a YA thriller?

    1. They're the same as adult suspense novels, except…
    1. Don't “dumb down” the mystery.
    2. Incorporate a “coming of age” change.
    3. Consider writing a paranormal or psychological thriller.
    4. Keep your readers turning pages.
    5. Get some beta readers.
    6. Create fully-realized characters who drive the action.

    What defines high fantasy?

    Characteristics. High fantasy is set in an alternative, fictional ("secondary") world, rather than the "real" or "primary" world. By contrast, low fantasy is characterized by being set in the primary or real world, or a rational and familiar fictional world with the inclusion of magical elements.

    What makes a great fantasy novel?

    A magic system This is the element that sets fantasy fiction apart from other genres. For a story to be considered 'fantasy', it needs to contain some sort of magic system. If your magic system is completely unique and imaginative, if it's something readers haven't seen before, your novel has a point of difference.

    What are the types of fantasy?

    There are a few essential subgenres of fantasy:
    • High or epic fantasy.
    • Low fantasy.
    • Magical realism.
    • Sword and sorcery.
    • Dark fantasy.
    • Fables.
    • Fairy tales.
    • Superhero fiction.

    What are the elements of fantasy?

    5 Essential Elements Every Fantasy Novel Needs
    • A magic system. This is the element that sets fantasy fiction apart from other genres.
    • A well-developed setting. This is another absolutely vital element within fantasy fiction.
    • A cast of complex characters.
    • A central conflict.
    • A power structure/system of government.

    Should I write one book or a series?

    As a general rule, writing more than one book is the best way to hit the ground running as a new author, but that doesn't necessarily mean writing a series is the way to go. In fact, they might surprise you and ask you to deliberately write a series instead of the standalone you originally pitched.

    How do you end a fantasy novel?

    There are other ways to end a fantasy book than battle.
    1. 1) If you choose a magical ritual or battle, make it lavish.
    2. 2) If you have a confrontation between two characters, make sure it's worth it.
    3. 3) Don't cheat your confrontation of length or depth because you want a happy ending.

    How do I introduce a fantasy world?

    Building Your World
    1. Create a learning curve of discovering your world. Make it gradual, and make the reader slowly part of your world. Introduce them to the necessary pieces of information that are required for the scene.
    2. Make a character introduce you to the setting. I always prefer this over plain descriptions.

    Is Harry Potter a YA novel?

    Harry Potter is not technically YA, but that doesn't mean it didn't change the way YA is made and marketed. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone is not a YA novel. It's middle-grade, meaning it's for children between the ages of 8 and 12.

    What is the difference between YA and Na?

    Young characters. YA tends to feature main characters aged 14-17 while NA tends to feature protagonists aged 18-mid twentiesish. These aren't set in stone of course, but the point is, both feature relatively young characters.

    Is Percy Jackson middle grade or ya?

    Think books like Percy Jackson and Skulduggery Pleasant. On the other hand, YA is often much more introspective, and the protagonist exerts their influence on the events in the novel. The core audience for middle grade is 8 to 12-year-olds, and young adult is 12 to 18.

    What age group buys the most books?

    The highest percentage of readers by age was 88 percent, among the 18-24 age group, followed by 86 percent in the 16-17 range. Readers in the 30-39 group were a close third at 84 percent.

    How much does the average YA author make?

    The average income for a published young adult author with an agent was $31,000. The average income for one without was $5,000. Selling a book in that calendar year. The highest earning author said his/her income was 90% advances, 5% royalties, and 5% misc.

    What is a YA trope?

    The Young Adult (YA) genre has been overrun with tropes that just aren't working for readers anymore. By all means, use tropes. But be aware of the most common ones, so you can innovate beyond them.

    Can a teenager write a book?

    Becoming a teenage author is an attainable goal, but you'll need to work hard to reach it. Writing a book is challenging at any age, but you can do it! If you want to write a book, start by finding your story idea. Then, plot out your story and quickly write a first draft.

    What is hot in YA fiction?

    Whether it's a dark mystery, a lighthearted romance, or a sweeping fantasy, check out our favorite YA books from 2019.
    • Two Can Keep a Secret. by Karen M.
    • Let's Go Swimming on Doomsday. by Natalie C.
    • Imprison the Sky.
    • Song of the Dead.
    • Lady Smoke.
    • Four Dead Queens.
    • Superman: Dawnbreaker (DC Icons #4)
    • Field Notes on Love.