Fantasy Geeks discussion

I'm confused. What makes a book YA? Is it just that the main character(s) are young? Other criteria?

I do not call my novel YA, but others say it is, as my main character is fourteen. I think this will prove problematic for me in future books.

So, what makes a book YA, and what doesn't?

Thanks, Jaq. I believe people are determining this due to the age of my main character. But the subject matter is not suitable for younger people (rape and a rather grizzly death). Further books have more sex and violence (not gratuitous). I don't label it YA myself, so I hope I won't get complaints.

Will do :)