"High Concept"

Dear Mr. Zack,

What does 'high concept' mean?

I've seen it attached to YA fiction, women's fiction and fantasy.

Is there such a thing as 'low concept?'

Thanks for your time.

Jennifer Rinehart
Concerned Author

Dear Jennifer:

In most conversations I've had about the meaning of "high concept," it boils down to a concept that can be explained in one or two sentences and the user will get it.

As for "low concept," I can't say I've ever heard the term come up. However, I do believe in stories that hit the low common denominators, either in terms of the writing, which will often been at a lower reading level, or the plot, which may be simplistic rather than complicated.

Z