10 Teen Authors who Landed Book Deals

Although I don’t believe every teen writer should strive for publication, let’s face it: More and more teen authors are landing book deals these days.

Writing is a form of art—just like dance, theater, and music. Teens have become successful in each of these industries. Why should the writing industry be excluded?

So if you’re a teen writer, don’t become discouraged by the naysayers. Besides, several teens authors have landed book deals, such as:

1) BETH REEKLES

• Age when debut novel sold: 17
• Debut novel: THE KISSING BOOTH
• Publisher: Random House UK
• Route to publication: Wattpad.com
• Film adaptation: In the works

2) KODY KEPLINGER

• Age when debut novel sold: 18
• Debut novel: DUFF
• Publisher: Poppy
• Route to publication: Literary agent
• Film adaptation: Yes

3) CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI

• Age when debut novel sold: 19
• Debut novel: ERAGON
• Publisher: Self-published, then Knopf
• Route to publication: Self-publishing
• Film adaptation: Yes

4) STEPH BOWE

• Age when debut novel sold: 15
• Debut novel: GIRL SAVES BOY
• Publisher: Text Publishing
• Route to publication: Literary agent

5) S.E. HINTON

• Age when debut novel published: 18
• Debut novel: THE OUTSIDERS
• Publisher: Viking Press
• Film adaptation: Yes

6) SAMANTHA SHANNON

• Age when debut novel sold: 17
• Debut novel: THE BONE SEASON
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Route to publication: Literary agent
• Film adaptation: In the works

7) LUCY SAXTON

• Age when debut novel sold: 17
• Debut novel: TAKE BACK THE SKIES
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Route to publication: Literary agent

8) CAYLA KLUVER

• Age when debut novel published: 15
• Debut novel: LEGACY
• Publisher: Self-published, then Harlequin Teen
• Route to publication: Self-publishing

9) KAT ZHANG

• Age when debut novel published: 19
• Debut novel: THE HYBRID CHRONICLES
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Route to publication: Literary Agent

10) ALICE OSEMAN

• Age when debut novel published: 19
• Debut novel: SOLITAIRE
• Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
• Route to publication: Literary Agent

Keep writing. Don’t become so determined to snag a book deal that you rush the process of learning and growing. Instead, write because you can’t not write—then you can move on to submitting to professionals when it’s time.

Who knows? You could become the next teen author I add to this list!

(PS: If you are an aspiring teen author and would like to grow in your craft and boost chances of publication, check out this creative writing mentorship program I created just for you!)

10 Teen Authors who Landed Book Deals by @tessaemilyhall #amwriting #teenwriters Share on X