Medallion Press is venturing into unfamiliar territory, in announcing the launch of its new Ya-Ya line of fiction and nonfiction for young adult readers ages 13-18. Not only is the Ya-Ya line intended for teen readers, but the titles in the imprint will actually be written by teen authors.

“Helen Rosburg [Medallion's publisher] wanted to provide young adults with a voice, with the ability to tell stories to others in their age range,” explained Paul Ohlson, Medallion director of sales and marketing. “Instead of adults writing for young adults, young adults are writing for young adults.”

Ohlson disclosed that every genre already offered in Medallion’s publishing program will be offered through its Ya-Ya imprint. The St. Charles, Ill. press, best known for romance fiction, publishes fiction and nonfiction in a variety of genres, including young adult releases written by adult authors.

Medallion is currently seeking submissions for its new Ya-Ya line; submission guidelines are posted on the company’s Web site. The press has not yet announced how many Ya-Ya titles will be published each season, or when the first book in the new line will be released.