We heart YA because... it's fun! It allows readers and writers to explore all sorts of stories — fantasy, adventure, romance, contemporary, and more. YA books are about beginnings and endings, new rules, new loves, first choices and last chances. They tell stories of courage, character, heartbreak and hard lessons. These are universal truths that belong on any bookshelf, no matter how old — or young — we are.

Last but not least, the YA community is amazing. We're so glad to be a part of it.

Sarah   —   @sarahwedgbrow
Sarah's stories have a bit of everything. Reality and imagination get all mixed up with love, laughter, and a generous heaping of kung-fu. (Skadoosh!) But don't be fooled: her lightness of tone belies the depth and sincerity of her stories.

A few faves: THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson, LIPS TOUCH by Laini Taylor, I CAPTURE THE CASTLE by Dodie Smith, THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman, CHIME by Franny Billingsley

Stephanie   —   stephaniemooney.net   @mooney
Forget Mount Olympus, Stephanie has a whole new pantheon of creatures dancing in her head. Her stories weave original mythology with a large, lovable cast of characters who, unbeknownst to them, have a very important mission. The result is always a rich and compelling world, and a story you can't put down.

A few faves: PEGASUS by Robin McKinley, ENTWINED by Heather Dixon, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA by C.S. Lewis, THE LORD OF THE RINGS by J.R.R. Tolkien

Ingrid   —   @ingpalmer
If you want to take a journey through this world, Ingrid's your gal. Her contemporary stories feature strong young women, whose friends and family practically walk off the page — and of course those charming young men we love to dream about! But it's not all picnics and kisses. Like most teens, Ingrid's protagonists have plenty of tough stuff to deal with.

She is now represented by Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary.

A few faves: IF I STAY by Gayle Forman, ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins, THE TENSION OF OPPOSITES by Kristina McBride, WILLOW by Julia Hoban

Kristan   —   kristanhoffman.com   @kristanhoffman
Kristan arms every character with a distinct voice, clear motivation, and intelligent humor. She has no problem running her characters through the gauntlet, testing their fortitude at every turn, and tearing their world apart. In fact, she kind of likes torturing them. But only because that makes the happy ending that much more deserved.

She is now represented by Tina Wexler at ICM.

A few faves: HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by Lucy Maud Montgomery, THE HERO AND THE CROWN by Robin McKinley, DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor

Rocket & Riley

Rocket is a bona fide weapon of mass destruction — beware, chew toys! He also loves to give kisses, which Riley does his best to avoid. Instead Riley prefers to lick the floor in hopes that he'll find a stray crumb. Together they remind us to be humble, work hard, and not take life too seriously. Good advice for any writer.

A few faves: SPOT by Eric Hill, CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG by Norman Bridwell, HANK THE COWDOG by John R. Erickson