Story & Concept:
* Unique Voice & Perspective: A fresh, authentic, and engaging narrative voice is crucial. Agents want stories that don't feel derivative or cliché. They're drawn to unique perspectives and characters that aren't often represented in the market.
* Compelling Premise: The hook needs to grab attention immediately. What's the central conflict? What's at stake? A strong premise that sparks curiosity and raises questions is essential.
* High Stakes: YA readers respond to stories with significant emotional weight and consequences. The characters need to face real challenges with tangible repercussions.
* Original Plot: While tropes are fine (they're often part of the genre's DNA), the execution needs to be fresh and inventive. Agents are seeking stories that subvert expectations or offer a unique take on familiar themes.
* Strong Character Arc: The protagonist(s) must undergo significant growth and change throughout the story. Their journey needs to be believable and satisfying. Readers want to connect with and root for the characters.
* Satisfying Resolution: The ending should feel earned and provide closure, even if it's bittersweet. Loose ends should be tied up, and the reader should feel a sense of completion.
Target Audience & Genre Trends:
* Relevance & Representation: Agents are actively seeking diversity in characters, settings, and storylines. Stories that authentically represent marginalized voices and experiences are highly sought after.
* Current Trends (but with a twist): While awareness of current trends (like specific subgenres within YA, popular themes, etc.) is helpful, simply jumping on a bandwagon won't suffice. A unique spin on current trends is essential to stand out.
* Specific Subgenre Fit: While general fiction is broad, understanding where your story sits within the YA landscape (contemporary, fantasy-adjacent, magical realism, etc.) is crucial. Knowing the right subgenre allows agents to target it to the appropriate editors.
Writing Quality:
* Strong Prose: The writing should be polished, clear, and engaging. Agents are looking for authors who can tell a story effectively and vividly.
* Pacing: The story needs to have a good pace that keeps readers hooked without feeling rushed or dragging.
* Show, Don't Tell: Agents expect strong descriptive writing that immerses the reader in the story's world.
* Editing & Polish: A well-edited manuscript is critical. Errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation are major turn-offs.
In short, agents want YA general fiction that is: original, compelling, well-written, and relevant to a contemporary audience. They're looking for stories that will resonate with readers and have commercial potential. It's a combination of artistic merit and market appeal.