With advancing technology, it's easy for middle-graders to get distracted like the rest of us.
They have television, video games, even social media accounts at such young ages. Reading isn't the only form of entertainment to by-pass time anymore.
I also absolutely agree about the graphic novels; more need to be created. Middle graders tend to love visual stories more than chapter books, at least, in my experience. They also help people with reading disabilities and are a great way to learn another language (I had a friend who's first language wasn't English and we'd read graphic novels together; it was fun and helped her understand the story more vs if it had been a chapter book).
There does need to be an "upper middle grade" category. Some MGs are sitting on the boundary between YA and MG because they're not quite either, and some MGs are accused of being YA when really they should be "upper middle grade".
This was all so interesting to read. In Australia, the majority of MG books start out in paperback. Of course there are exceptions and then special editions sometimes come later, but it definitely helps make MG books more accessible in terms of price points from release. We also have upper middle grade – perhaps not an official category but one many in the industry use to differentiate between what’s actually quite a wide age range, and especially one that covers a group experiencing a huge amount of growth and change.
I have friends who are teen librarians and school librarians and they're saying the same thing - there is a deep need for upper middle grade books to fill the gap between middle grade and YA. A step between Harry Potter and A Crown of Thorn and Roses. This need is real!!
The incredible Neal Shusterman has succeeded in that "upper MG" category, but he's an established (and famous) author. Oh, how I would love to follow in his footsteps and write an MG featuring a 13-14 year old.
I’ve been querying my MG contemporary novel to no avail. I do think you’ve given me the answer—word length and age of the protagonist. It’s just not hitting the right notes, which is hard to face. Contemporary MG has hit a slow slog as well. More and more, fantasy seems to be taking center stage. I’m seriously on the fence between major revision or just going forward with the YA I’m working on. Your new book looks terrific! I’ll definitely check it out! Great to get the real truth here—even though it’s not exactly what I want to hear! (I also think they’re treading lightly in MG because that’s the sweet, protective spot in child development and parents can be tigers when overseeing those books.)
Hi Gael - YES to all of this. I am sorry you're having such a hard time with your MG, but you're not alone. I think follow your heart to your next steps - rather than a major revision right away, maybe a new project will juice your imagination. And yes, fantasy is having a run, but that means by the time books that are selling now come out, it may have run its course and other books will jump to the top.
With advancing technology, it's easy for middle-graders to get distracted like the rest of us.
They have television, video games, even social media accounts at such young ages. Reading isn't the only form of entertainment to by-pass time anymore.
I also absolutely agree about the graphic novels; more need to be created. Middle graders tend to love visual stories more than chapter books, at least, in my experience. They also help people with reading disabilities and are a great way to learn another language (I had a friend who's first language wasn't English and we'd read graphic novels together; it was fun and helped her understand the story more vs if it had been a chapter book).
There does need to be an "upper middle grade" category. Some MGs are sitting on the boundary between YA and MG because they're not quite either, and some MGs are accused of being YA when really they should be "upper middle grade".
Thank you for this!
You are most welcome! And 100% on all the above!
This was all so interesting to read. In Australia, the majority of MG books start out in paperback. Of course there are exceptions and then special editions sometimes come later, but it definitely helps make MG books more accessible in terms of price points from release. We also have upper middle grade – perhaps not an official category but one many in the industry use to differentiate between what’s actually quite a wide age range, and especially one that covers a group experiencing a huge amount of growth and change.
I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing it - you Aussies are way ahead of us. I hope we can take a page from your book!
You're very welcome! I do still think there's a drop in MG here too, but that is likely attributed to Covid for the most part.
I have friends who are teen librarians and school librarians and they're saying the same thing - there is a deep need for upper middle grade books to fill the gap between middle grade and YA. A step between Harry Potter and A Crown of Thorn and Roses. This need is real!!
I think we just write those books and then the booksellers will jump to it! If we build it, they will come!
The incredible Neal Shusterman has succeeded in that "upper MG" category, but he's an established (and famous) author. Oh, how I would love to follow in his footsteps and write an MG featuring a 13-14 year old.
Your upcoming book sounds wonderful!
Thank you Wendy! Just do write that, is my take on this. Especially since Becca in MYSTERY is about to turn 13.......................................
I’ve been querying my MG contemporary novel to no avail. I do think you’ve given me the answer—word length and age of the protagonist. It’s just not hitting the right notes, which is hard to face. Contemporary MG has hit a slow slog as well. More and more, fantasy seems to be taking center stage. I’m seriously on the fence between major revision or just going forward with the YA I’m working on. Your new book looks terrific! I’ll definitely check it out! Great to get the real truth here—even though it’s not exactly what I want to hear! (I also think they’re treading lightly in MG because that’s the sweet, protective spot in child development and parents can be tigers when overseeing those books.)
Hi Gael - YES to all of this. I am sorry you're having such a hard time with your MG, but you're not alone. I think follow your heart to your next steps - rather than a major revision right away, maybe a new project will juice your imagination. And yes, fantasy is having a run, but that means by the time books that are selling now come out, it may have run its course and other books will jump to the top.
Thanks, Janet. Reality is hard—but so necessary in this market. Your words are so helpful, and encouraging!