When it comes to middle grade book publishing, there are some things you will need to know about the genre. Most of the books for this age group tend to be about crushes and first kisses. They are written in the third person, with no profanity or graphic violence. Generally speaking, they are also much younger than books for young adults.
MG books tend to be younger than books for young adults
Whether you're writing for kids or teens, you'll need to understand the difference between middle grade (MG) and young adult (YA). Both of these categories of books are filled with nuances, such as the tone, subject matter, and theme. These nuances can be a big help in getting your book published. Generally, MG novels are shorter. They may also be more introspective. Many of the books in this genre deal with issues like finding a place in the world, making friends, and finding a sense of belonging. Most of the time, MG books are written in third person.
In comparison, YA novels are longer. The average length of YA books is around 50,000 words. The main characters in these novels tend to be teenagers. This means that the stories are edgier and darker. They also feature themes of standing out and trying to make a difference in the world. Typically, MG books have less violence. YA books are more likely to have real-world violence. Middle grade books usually contain more fantasy and magic. If your book has a violent scene, it's best to remove it.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can't use profanity in YA novels. You must also use language appropriate for your target audience. There is no age limit for YA, but your book must not be sexually charged or offensive.
Middle grade is for kids ages eight to 12. Young adult is for readers ages fourteen to twenty-one. Each of these genres has its own nuances and rules. For example, SFF novels can be up to 40,000 words, while science fiction can be up to 90,000.
Regardless of the age of your protagonist, it's important to remember that the subject matter you choose is what will make or break your book. If you decide to write about a difficult topic, you need to know exactly what your audience will be able to handle. Similarly, if you choose to write a romance, you must remember that a middle grade reader will most likely be on a puppy love phase, whereas a young adult reader might be a bit older.
MG fiction has no profanity or graphic violence
The MG (middle grade) novel is a cross between the chapter book and the longer-form young adult novel. Typical MG novels fall in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 words, while YAs go on for the better part of a decade. It is in this genre that we see the likes of Harry Potter and the Hunger Games in full swing. To keep the young readers engaged, MGs are often full of wacky humor, adventure, and a healthy dose of sex. It is worth noting that MG novels do not contain the same level of profanity and graphic violence that we find in a Young Adult novel. This is due to the fact that MG books are generally purchased by parents for their children. Besides, they are a lot easier on the eyes.
MG fiction is a dime a dozen in the e-reader market, with the latest titles on sale for as little as fifty cents. Despite these lower price points, MG novels have a number of literary accolades to their credit. Some examples include the likes of the Percy Jackson series, the Harry Potter series, and the Chronicles of Narnia. With such a rich literary library to draw from, Hollywood is betting that the MG crowd will stick around for the long haul. Fortunately, MG novels are not all that expensive, and a well-written MG novel can pay off handsomely when the teen years come around. Likewise, authors have discovered that writing an engaging middle grader comes much more naturally to them. In fact, many a seasoned novelist has been known to take on a MG novel as a creative writing class assignment, to great acclaim. While you are at it, do a bit of research and you might be surprised by the number of high-end literary publications that you'll find in your library.
And if you haven't already, make sure you read one or two of the many children's books on your list of must-reads. You'll be rewarded with tales that will make you smile and, in the process, have you reading for hours on end.
MG books are limited to crushes and first kisses
Generally speaking, MG and YA novels are not a dime a dozen. Fortunately, there are some reputable sources of middle grade fiction, including an MG book store in Vancouver and a website dedicated to it. Often, these books are bought by parents who want to see their children have some quality read time. However, this doesn't mean they are all sandboxes. The best ones are a bit more complicated as the reader grows up.
The MG book industry has a cult following. For instance, the MG Book Village website offers readers a way to connect with other middle schoolers and share their middle grade reading escapades. This community is fueled by author and illustrator Scot Ritchie. He is also responsible for over 60 titles targeted to young readers. A plethora of e-books are available through Amazon, Kindle, Nook, and Sony. In fact, a recent study showed that Amazon's Kindle has more titles targeted to kids than the Nook. Those Kindle e-books are usually priced at around a quarter of the price of a paperback.
In terms of a book, the MG and YA genres have their own sets of acronyms and buzzwords. Typically, a MG novel is a bit longer at about 50,000 words. That isn't a bad length for a story about growing up and figuring out who you are. Unlike a young adult novel, MG novels tend to be less heavy-handed in their portrayal of teen romance. Most MG novels feature one major kiss, which is a good thing. It also means a more sophisticated reader is likely to enjoy the tale. While the MG book category may have a more formal dress code, the YA genre is a more casual affair. There is no formal list of requirements, but a good rule of thumb is to stick to a PG rating. YA novels are usually aimed at the tween and teen demographics. YA titles are more likely to have a more glamorous romance, such as an infatuation or a crush, while MG novels are more likely to have a more realistic plotline with a few less sexualized hooks.
MG books are voiced in the third person
Many MG books are written in the first person. This is because it allows the author to describe things that are not in the character's perspective. The downside to this is that it can also make the reader feel removed. For example, when Leigh Bardugo's Kaz Brekker calmly plucks out the eye of a prisoner, readers aren't aware that they aren't actually reading a third person account of the action. While it is possible to write in a third person MG book, it is more common to use a first person point of view. For a young adult book, however, the author can get away with using a third person if it makes the story flow better. Another reason to use a first person point of view is because it is more likely to be read by a teen. In this age range, readers tend to be more interested in inward issues than outward ones, so a strong voice is very important. Young adult books tend to be less violent than middle grade novels. Most YA novels are more realistic than their MG counterparts, but they aren't completely without violence. A good example of this is the Percy Jackson series, where the main characters are frequently caught in magical monsters.
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