Monday, June 10, 2013

Week Seven, Assignment Four: Trends in YA (at least according to the publishers)

"Choose any two ... spend some time ... blog about trends."

I chose Harlequin Teens and Teens at Random, the former because I think Harlequin really is the Little Publisher That Almost Could, If Only They Paid Better, and the latter because the title is amusing. 

Harlequin Teens seems to have its exploitative finger on the pulse of what adults who read the trade papers think teens will buy, with an overlay of the patented Harlequin romance.  There's teen cyberpunk romance, teen steampunk romance, teen horror romance -- you name it, throw in a romantic subplot, and Harlequin will sell it to you!  Good job of following the trends rather than establishing them, Harlequin!  Can't really fault them for this, though -- it's a business plan that works.  Just ask Hollywood.

Teens at Random looks pretty much like Random House's other themed pages, but with lighter, more teen-friendly typefaces.  As one of the biggest publishers around, Random House doesn't seem to rest on their laurels but offers newer more innovative works than a second-tier publisher like Harlequin can.  A well-done and inviting site, with book-trailers and everything -- as you'd expect from Random House. 

Trendspotting?  Harlequin is sure the kids will want what they've been buying, and Random is pushing Tess Gratton (The Lost Sun: two holds at this writing) and Tom McNeal's Far, Far Away, which has four holds. 
 
 


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